Savory Meatball Tempeh Fusion with Sweet Soy Sauce

Meatball and Tempeh Delight

This hearty dish combines the savory richness of homemade meatballs with the earthy flavor of tempeh. Perfect for family meals or special gatherings, the blend of ground chicken, beef, and tempeh creates a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and unique.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a small pan, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ground beef, sautéed garlic and onion, grated carrot, green onion, egg white, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and oyster sauce. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meatball mixture for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 2: Make the Tempeh Sauce Base

1. While the meatball mixture is chilling, blend or grind the shallots, garlic, turmeric, and ginger into a fine paste. Set aside.
2. Heat a pan with a little oil and sauté the ground spice paste until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced red chilies, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and crushed galangal. Continue cooking until aromatic.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Remove the meatball mixture from the fridge. Shape the mixture into balls about 3 cm in diameter using a spoon or your hands.
2. Heat a pan with enough oil to shallow-fry the meatballs over low heat.
3. Fry the meatballs until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Simmer the Tempeh and Meatballs

1. Add 200-300 ml of water to the pan with the sautéed spices. Stir in the sweet soy sauce, sugar, salt, and ground pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the cut tempeh and fried meatballs to the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

1. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or soy sauce as desired.
2. Once the sauce has reached your preferred consistency and flavor, turn off the heat.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your flavorful meatball and tempeh dish with steamed rice or a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish also pairs well with sambal or other chili sauces for an extra kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe delivers a balance of protein and rich flavors, with a combination of ground meat and tempeh for an Indonesian-inspired fusion dish.