Tahu Isi Ayam: A Delightful Indonesian Snack
Tahu Isi Ayam, or stuffed tofu, is a beloved Indonesian snack that offers a satisfying blend of crispy exterior and savory filling. This recipe features tofu stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground chicken and vegetables, creating a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps to make this delectable snack from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Tofu Mixture:
- 3 pieces of firm tofu
- 1 egg
- 7 tablespoons tapioca flour
- Chopped green onions
- Salt to taste
- Chicken bouillon powder to taste
For the Filling:
- 1/4 kg ground chicken
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 4 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of sugar
- Salt to taste
- Chicken bouillon powder to taste
- All-purpose flour for coating
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tofu Mixture:
- Begin by mashing the tofu in a large mixing bowl. To the mashed tofu, add the egg, chopped green onions, and tapioca flour. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and chicken bouillon powder to taste. Remember to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Once well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- While the tofu mixture chills, prepare the filling. Blend the shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies together until smooth. If you prefer a spicier filling, you can adjust the amount of chilies to your taste.
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and sauté until fragrant and the raw smell is gone. Add the ground chicken and grated carrot. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the carrots are tender.
- Season the filling with a pinch of sugar, salt, and chicken bouillon powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once cooked, set the filling aside to cool.
-
Shape and Steam the Tofu:
- After the tofu mixture has chilled, take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Spoon some of the chicken filling into the center, then fold and seal the edges to encase the filling completely. Shape into a round or oval patty.
- Place the filled tofu pieces onto a steaming rack or heatproof plate. Steam over boiling water for about 5-10 minutes, or until the tofu is firm and cooked through.
-
Fry the Tofu:
- Once the tofu pieces have cooled, prepare for frying. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- For the coating, prepare two bowls: one with a thin batter made from a mixture of all-purpose flour and water (this will be your wet batter) and another with flour for dredging (dry coating). Dip each tofu piece into the wet batter, then coat with the dry flour.
- Fry the coated tofu pieces in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying.
-
Serve:
- Remove the fried tofu from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy Your Tahu Isi Ayam!
Tahu Isi Ayam is a versatile snack that can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for quick meals. Simply reheat or fry when ready to enjoy. Perfect for parties, snacks, or even a hearty addition to your main meals. Happy cooking and savor every delicious bite of this Indonesian classic!
Feel free to experiment with the filling and seasoning to match your taste preferences. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
