Introduction
Tempe Melet, a savory Indonesian dish, is a must-try for lovers of tempeh and spicy food. The dish features crispy, golden-fried slices of tempeh stuffed with a fiery sambal filling. With its irresistible combination of textures and bold flavors, Tempe Melet is sure to become a favorite, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans, offers a nutritious, plant-based protein. Paired with sambal, a chili-based condiment that adds heat and zest, Tempe Melet encapsulates the essence of Indonesian cuisine. This dish is easy to prepare at home and is ideal for those who enjoy exploring different flavors and textures.
Preparation Time:
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Active prep time: 25 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Need Equipments
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Mortar and pestle (or food processor)
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Tags
- Indonesian Cuisine
- Vegetarian
- Crispy Snacks
- Spicy Dishes
- Vegan Option
Serving Size
- Serves: 4 people
Difficulty Level
- Moderate
Allergen Information
- Contains soy (in tempeh)
- Gluten (in all-purpose flour)
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting flour
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (sliced into 1 cm thick) | 10 pieces |
| All-purpose flour | 200 grams |
| Green onions (chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Water | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
Batter Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh turmeric | 0.5 cm (1/4 inch piece) |
| Coriander seeds (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves |
Sambal Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bird’s eye chili peppers | 10 pieces |
| Shallots | 2 pieces |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tempeh
Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each tempeh slice without cutting through. This will serve as a space to fill with sambal.
2. Make the Sambal
In a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend the bird’s eye chilies and shallots until smooth. Add salt, flavor enhancer, and sugar, and adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Batter
In a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic, turmeric, and coriander seeds (if using) until a smooth paste forms. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, and chopped green onions, then add the mashed paste. Season with salt and flavor enhancer to taste. Mix until a smooth batter is formed. Add water as necessary to adjust the consistency.
4. Stuff the Tempeh
Carefully fill each tempeh pocket with the sambal mixture. Press the sambal into the tempeh gently to ensure it stays in place.
5. Fry the Tempeh
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, dip each sambal-stuffed tempeh slice into the batter, coating it evenly. Fry the battered tempeh in the hot oil until it turns golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 3-5 minutes per side.
6. Drain and Serve
Remove the fried tempeh from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite dipping sauce.
Preparation Tips
- Use Fresh Tempeh: Fresh tempeh yields the best texture and flavor. Make sure it is firm but tender when you slice it.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies to make the sambal spicier or milder, depending on your preference.
- Consistency of Batter: Ensure the batter is smooth and not too thick. The batter should coat the tempeh evenly without clumping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Tips and Tricks
- Make it Vegan: Replace the flavor enhancer with natural vegetable seasonings to make the recipe completely plant-based.
- Vary the Sambal: Sambal is versatile; you can add tomatoes, shrimp paste (terasi), or lime juice for extra flavor depth.
- Crispier Tempeh: For a crunchier texture, add rice flour to the batter or fry the tempeh twice.
- Less Oil: If you want to reduce the oil content, you can bake the stuffed tempeh instead of frying it. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Add-ons
- Extra Crunch: Serve the tempeh with fried shallots or crispy garlic bits for additional texture.
- Dipping Sauce: A side of soy sauce mixed with chopped chili and lime juice enhances the flavor of Tempe Melet.
Side Dishes
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A perfect complement to balance out the spiciness of the sambal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Lightly seasoned vegetables like bok choy or spinach provide a refreshing contrast.
- Peanut Sauce: A traditional Indonesian accompaniment, peanut sauce adds a creamy richness to the dish.
Improvements
- Tempeh Varieties: Experiment with different tempeh varieties made from chickpeas or black beans for added flavors.
- Healthier Version: Use an air fryer for a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing crispiness.
Save and Store
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fried tempeh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the prepared, but unfried, stuffed tempeh for up to a month. Fry straight from the freezer, adjusting the frying time slightly.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of chili?
Yes! If bird’s eye chilies are too spicy for your taste, substitute them with milder chilies like jalapeños or omit them altogether for a non-spicy version.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that any additional seasonings are gluten-free.
Is there an alternative to frying?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry the tempeh to reduce the oil content. Baking at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes should give you a similar crispness.
What can I serve with Tempe Melet?
This dish pairs well with rice, vegetable stir-fries, and a variety of dipping sauces like sweet soy sauce or peanut sauce.
Conclusion
Tempe Melet is a flavorful and crispy dish that brings together the earthy taste of tempeh and the fiery kick of sambal. Whether you’re looking to explore new dishes or are a fan of Indonesian cuisine, this dish is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, Tempe Melet offers the perfect balance of crispy texture and bold flavor in every bite. Enjoy with your favorite sides and sauces for a complete meal.
References
- Indonesian Culinary Archives – Sambal Recipes and Variations
- The Art of Indonesian Cuisine – Tempeh: History and Nutritional Value
- Indonesian Street Food Guide – Best Fried Tempeh Dishes
