Cheesy Spicy Chicken & Tempeh Delight

Ayam & Tempe Geprek Keju Melt: A Delicious Indonesian Dish

Elevate your culinary experience with this irresistible recipe for Ayam & Tempe Geprek Keju Melt, a savory Indonesian delight featuring crispy chicken and tempe topped with spicy sambal and melted cheese. Ideal for a hearty family dinner or a special gathering, this dish combines rich flavors and delightful textures. Here’s how to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Tempe:

• 4 chicken thigh portions
• 6 slices of tempeh (fermented soybean cake)

For the Chicken Seasoning:

• 1 packet of Sasa chicken seasoning flour
• Water, as needed
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

For the Spicy Sambal:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 20 red chili peppers (cabe rawit merah)
• 6 shallots
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Cooking oil
• A small amount of water

For Topping:

• Melted cheese (Craft melt cheese or mozzarella)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tempeh:

   • Cut the tempeh into slices or small pieces. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Crush 2 cloves of garlic and add them to a pot of water along with salt and ground black pepper.
   • Bring the water to a boil.
   • Add the chicken thighs to the boiling water and cook until tender. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Prepare the Breading:

   • In separate bowls, prepare the chicken breading. One bowl will contain the dry chicken seasoning flour, and another bowl will be used for the wet batter made by mixing the dry seasoning with water.
   • Dip the cooked chicken thighs into the dry flour, then coat them in the wet batter, and finally, coat them again with the dry flour.
   • Repeat the same process for the tempeh slices.

4. Fry the Chicken and Tempeh:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the breaded chicken and tempeh until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Make the Sambal:

   • Roughly grind the garlic, red chili peppers, and shallots using a mortar and pestle or a chopper.
   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté the ground mixture until fragrant.
   • Add a small amount of water, salt, and sugar to the pan. Continue to cook until the sambal is well blended and cooked through. Set aside.

6. Assemble the Dish:

   • Preheat your oven.
   • Arrange the fried chicken and tempeh on a baking tray.
   • Spoon the prepared sambal over the chicken and tempeh.
   • Grate or slice the melted cheese and sprinkle it generously over the top.

7. Bake:

   • Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• For an even richer flavor, you can use mozzarella cheese in place of Craft melt cheese, as it melts more thoroughly and adds a deliciously creamy texture.
• If you prefer a spicier sambal, adjust the amount of red chili peppers to taste.

This Ayam & Tempe Geprek Keju Melt is perfect for those who love a combination of crispy textures and spicy, cheesy goodness. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite side dishes or a simple salad for a complete meal.