Tempe Kecap: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Tempe kecap is a delightful Indonesian dish that brings together the unique flavors of tempeh, a fermented soybean cake, with the sweetness of kecap manis, a sweet soy sauce that is a staple in Indonesian cooking. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with umami, making it a perfect addition to any meal. The combination of fried tempeh and rich, aromatic spices will surely tantalize your taste buds. Here’s how to create this mouthwatering dish step by step.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 board (about 250g) | Cut into pieces |
| Ripe tomatoes | 2 medium | Diced |
| Shallots | 5 | Ground |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Ground |
| Candlenuts | 2 | Ground |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | to taste | |
| Water | approximately 300 ml | Adjust as needed |
| Salt | to taste | |
| Sugar | to taste | |
| Pepper | to taste | |
| Green onions or fried onions | for garnish |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
Instructions
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Fry the Tempeh: Start by frying the cut pieces of tempeh in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the ground shallots, garlic, and candlenuts. Sauté these ingredients until they are golden brown and fragrant, creating a base of rich flavors.
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Add Tomatoes: Next, add the diced ripe tomatoes to the pan. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes break down and meld with the sautéed aromatics, creating a cohesive sauce.
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Season the Sauce: Once the tomatoes have cooked down, season the sauce with salt, sugar, and pepper to taste. These will enhance the overall flavor and balance the dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the fried tempeh pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the flavorful mixture.
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Incorporate Sweet Soy Sauce: Pour in the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to your liking. For those who enjoy a sweeter flavor, feel free to add more kecap manis.
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Add Water: Pour in approximately 300 ml of water, adjusting the amount based on your desired consistency. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
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Simmer: Let the dish simmer for a while until the sauce thickens and absorbs into the tempeh, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
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Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, sugar, or kecap manis according to your preference.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve the tempe kecap warm, garnished with chopped green onions or crispy fried onions on top for added texture and flavor.
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Enjoy: Enjoy your tempe kecap with steamed rice or as a side dish with your favorite Indonesian meals. Happy cooking!
Final Thoughts
Tempe kecap is not only a delicious dish but also a great way to introduce more plant-based options into your diet. Its blend of textures and flavors is sure to please both your family and guests. This recipe is versatile; feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Enjoy this culinary journey into Indonesian cuisine, and may your cooking always bring joy and flavor to your table!
