Tempe Isi Sambel: A Delicious Indonesian Tempeh Dish
Introduction
Tempe Isi Sambel is a delectable Indonesian dish that combines the rich, nutty flavor of tempeh with a spicy sambal filling. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The crispy outer layer, made with a seasoned batter, encases the aromatic sambal that brings a kick of heat, while the fresh herbs add a refreshing touch. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybeans) | 250 grams |
| Instant fried chicken batter | 1 pack |
| Water | A little, as needed |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
| Sambal Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| Red shallots | 3-4 cloves |
| Garlic | 2-3 cloves |
| Tomato | 1 medium |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | 3-5 pieces, adjust to taste |
| Thai basil (kemangi) | A handful |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sambal:
In a mortar and pestle or food processor, coarsely grind the red shallots, garlic, tomato, and bird’s eye chili until you have a rough paste. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the sambal mixture briefly until fragrant. Add the Thai basil leaves, mix well, and then set aside to cool. -
-
Prepare the Tempeh:
Slice the tempeh into thick strips, ensuring you do not cut all the way through; you want to create pockets that can be filled with the sambal. Stuff each slice with the sautéed sambal mixture, making sure to fill them generously. -
Make the Batter:
In a bowl, combine the instant fried chicken batter with a little water to create a thick, smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter. -
Fry the Tempeh:
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Dip each stuffed tempeh into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Carefully place the battered tempeh into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side. -
Serve:
Once fried to perfection, remove the tempeh from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm as a snack or as part of a main dish with steamed rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 grams |
| Fat | 10 grams |
| Sodium | Varies with seasoning |
Conclusion
Tempe Isi Sambel is not just a delightful dish but a great way to enjoy the health benefits of tempeh, which is rich in protein and probiotics. This recipe is flexible; feel free to adjust the level of spiciness in the sambal or even add different vegetables to the filling for variation. Enjoy this dish with family and friends, and savor the authentic flavors of Indonesia!
