Tahu Isi (Tahu Jengki) with Crunchy Vegetables
Tahu isi, or Tahu Jengki, is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines crispy tofu with a savory vegetable filling, perfect for a snack or a light meal. This recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures, where the crunchiness of the vegetables meets the tender tofu, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tahu kulit (skin tofu) | 1 pack (10 pieces) |
| Cabbage (kubis/kol) | To taste |
| Carrot (wortel) | To taste |
| Spring onions (daun bawang) | To taste |
| Celery (seledri) | To taste |
| Bean sprouts (tauge) | To taste |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 6 cloves |
| Onion (bawang bombay) | ½ onion |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | ½ teaspoon |
| Instant seasoning flour (e.g., Kob*) | To taste |
| All-purpose flour (tepung terigu) | 4 tablespoons |
| Tapioca flour (tepung tapioka) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt (garam) | To taste |
| Bouillon powder (kaldu bubuk) | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by finely slicing the cabbage, carrot, spring onions, celery, and bean sprouts. Rinse them thoroughly and let them drain.
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Sauté Aromatics: Slice 3 cloves of garlic and ½ onion. In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and slightly softened.
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Make the Filling: In a mortar and pestle, crush the remaining garlic, coriander, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful paste. Combine this paste with the instant seasoning flour in a mixing bowl, then add the all-purpose flour and tapioca flour to enhance the crunchiness. Mix well.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced vegetables to the pan with the sautéed aromatics, seasoning with salt and a splash of water. Sauté until the vegetables are cooked through but still crisp. Cover the pan briefly to help steam away excess moisture.
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Cool the Filling: Once the vegetable mixture is cooked, remove it from heat and allow it to cool.
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Prepare the Tofu: Carefully slice each piece of tofu in half lengthwise, creating a pocket for the filling. Stuff each tofu pocket generously with the cooled vegetable mixture.
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Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the mixed flour with the crushed seasoning paste and add enough water to achieve a batter that is not too thick or too runny. The consistency is crucial for achieving the perfect crunch.
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Fry the Tofu: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dip each stuffed tofu piece into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, gently place the battered tofu in the hot oil.
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Cook Until Golden: Fry the tofu until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The oil should be sufficiently hot for a satisfying crunch.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the tofu is crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve hot, accompanied by chili sauce or sambal for dipping. For an added treat, enjoy with a side of warm rice.
This Tahu Isi recipe guarantees a delightful crunch with every bite, perfectly paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this delicious dish as a savory snack or a complement to your meal! Happy cooking!
