Tempe Bacem Simpel Yummy: A Delightful Indonesian Dish
Tempe Bacem is a traditional Indonesian dish that combines the nutty flavor of tempeh with the rich sweetness of Javanese palm sugar and aromatic spices. This recipe is simple to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe or Tahu (pressed tofu) | 1 block (sliced) |
| Red Shallots | 10 cloves (sliced) |
| Bay Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon (heaped) |
| Javanese Palm Sugar | 2 blocks (small half-circle shapes) |
| Sweet Soy Sauce | To taste |
| Ground Coriander | To taste (approximately 1/4 pack for 300g of tempeh) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Shallots: Start by slicing the red shallots thinly. In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the sliced shallots along with the bay leaves until they become fragrant and golden brown.
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Create the Cooking Liquid: Once the shallots are ready, pour in a generous amount of water to form the base for your sauce. Add the salt, sweet soy sauce to taste, and the Javanese palm sugar. Stir the mixture and allow it to come to a gentle boil.
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Add the Tempeh: Carefully place the sliced tempeh or tofu into the pan. Ensure that the tempeh is submerged in the cooking liquid; this will help it absorb all the wonderful flavors.
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Cook the Tempeh: Allow the mixture to simmer until the water reduces by half, letting the tempeh soak up the sweet and savory flavors.
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Season with Coriander: Once the water has reduced, sprinkle in the ground coriander. This should be done to your taste; for 300 grams of tempeh, approximately 1/4 pack is usually sufficient.
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Final Touches: Gently flip the tempeh to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Once done, you can either serve it directly or briefly fry it for a crispy finish.
Tips for Perfection
When making Tempe Bacem, it’s essential to balance the flavors. In my early attempts, I used too much garlic and coriander, which overwhelmed the dish and made it unappealing. By sticking to only the sliced red shallots, I found the flavor to be much lighter and more enjoyable. So remember, simplicity is key! Enjoy this dish with steamed rice or as a part of a larger spread.
This Tempe Bacem Simpel Yummy recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful way to experience the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Its combination of sweetness and umami will surely win the hearts of anyone at your dining table!
