Tempe Bacem Recipe
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (soybean cake) | 1 block (approximately 250g) |
| Coconut water | 500 ml |
| Fresh ginger (crushed) | 2 cm |
| Fresh galangal (crushed) | 2 cm |
| Lemongrass (crushed) | 1 stalk |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 2 leaves |
| Lime leaves (regular) | 2 leaves |
| Palm sugar (finely chopped) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Roasted candlenut (kemiri) | 1 nut |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tempe: Begin by slicing the tempe into bite-sized pieces or cubes. This will help it absorb the flavors more evenly during the cooking process.
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Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Place the sliced tempe into a large pot. Add in the finely ground spice paste, palm sugar, salt, kaffir lime leaves, regular lime leaves, crushed lemongrass, galangal, and ginger. Pour in the coconut water until the tempe is fully submerged.
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Simmer the Tempe: Set the pot over medium heat. Stir gently to ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed and the tempe is evenly coated in the spices. Cover the pot with a lid. Allow the tempe to simmer and absorb the flavors, which will take about 30 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the tempe is tender. You can taste it during the process, adding more palm sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
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Cool and Fry: Once the tempe has absorbed the flavors and the liquid has nearly evaporated, remove the pot from the heat and let the tempe cool to room temperature. Afterward, heat some oil in a frying pan, and fry the tempe until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
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Serve: Your Tempe Bacem is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a savory snack or as part of a traditional Indonesian meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimates will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
This Tempe Bacem recipe brings together rich flavors from the Indonesian culinary tradition. The slow-cooked tempe absorbs the sweet and savory flavors from the coconut water, palm sugar, and spices, creating a dish that’s deeply aromatic and satisfying. Its perfect balance of sweetness and umami makes it an excellent dish for a vegetarian meal or as a snack.
Enjoy preparing this comforting Indonesian dish at home!
