Tempe Kering Manis: A Delightful Indonesian Snack
Introduction
Tempe Kering Manis, a delightful Indonesian dish, brings together the rich flavors of tempeh, aromatic spices, and the sweetness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). This crunchy snack is perfect served alongside steaming hot rice, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. With its savory notes and a hint of spice, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also showcases the versatility of tempeh. Let’s dive into the preparation of this delicious dish!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into cubes) | 1 piece |
| Red onions (thinly sliced) | 3 cloves |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 3 cloves |
| Bird’s eye chilies (sliced diagonally) | 7 pieces |
| Large red chilies (sliced diagonally) | 4 pieces |
| Tomato (diced) | 1 piece |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
Instructions
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by heating a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cubed tempeh. Fry until the tempeh is dry and slightly crispy, adjusting the cooking time based on your desired texture. |
| 2 | Once the tempeh is cooked, sprinkle with salt and optional flavor enhancer. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings, frying for about one additional minute to allow the flavors to meld. Afterward, remove the tempeh from the pan and drain any excess oil. |
| 3 | In the same pan (without changing the oil), add the sliced red onions, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and large red chilies. Sauté until the ingredients are fragrant and the onions are softened. Retaining the oil will help incorporate any leftover flavors from the tempeh. |
| 4 | After the vegetables are well-cooked, return the drained tempeh to the pan. Stir to combine the tempeh with the sautéed spices. |
| 5 | Drizzle in the sweet soy sauce to taste, mixing thoroughly to coat the tempeh evenly. Allow the mixture to cook together for a short time, letting the flavors infuse. |
| 6 | Once everything is well-combined and heated through, remove from the pan and drain any excess oil. Serve your Tempe Kering Manis warm, ideally paired with a steaming bowl of rice. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 6g |
Conclusion
Tempe Kering Manis is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that embodies the heart of Indonesian cuisine. Its combination of textures and tastes—crunchy, sweet, and slightly spicy—makes it a perfect accompaniment to rice or a delightful snack on its own. Try making this dish for your family, and enjoy the smiles as they savor each crunchy bite! Happy cooking!
