Tahu Penyet: Simply Tasty Indonesian Fried Tofu
Tahu Penyet, a beloved dish from Indonesia, combines the delightful texture of crispy fried tofu with a vibrant and spicy sambal. This recipe captures the essence of this flavorful dish, making it easy to prepare at home. Let’s dive into the culinary journey of creating this scrumptious Tahu Penyet, perfect for serving alongside steamed rice or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small tofu pieces | 6 pieces or 3 large ones |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water (for soaking tofu) | As needed |
| For the Sambal | |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Bird’s eye chili | 4 pieces (adjust for spiciness) |
| Hot oil (for frying) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar (or seasoning) | A pinch or ¼ teaspoon |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tofu:
- Start by soaking the tofu pieces in a mixture of water and salt for a few minutes. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the tofu.
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Fry the Tofu:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the soaked tofu pieces. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Make the Sambal:
- In a mortar and pestle (or using a food processor), roughly grind the garlic and bird’s eye chili until they form a coarse paste. The level of coarseness can be adjusted based on your preference for texture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil until it is hot, then pour this hot oil over the sambal mixture. This not only cooks the sambal slightly but also releases the aromatic flavors.
- Add the salt and sugar (or seasoning) to the sambal and mix well.
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Combine and Serve:
- To serve, place the crispy tofu on a serving plate and generously spoon the sambal over the top. Using the pestle or a fork, gently press down on the tofu pieces to “penyet” them, allowing them to absorb the spicy sambal.
- Enjoy your Tahu Penyet warm, ideally with a side of steamed rice or as a delightful appetizer.
This Tahu Penyet recipe is not only simple but also bursting with flavors that showcase the essence of Indonesian cuisine. It’s perfect for gatherings, casual meals, or when you crave a taste of Southeast Asia. Savor every bite of this aromatic and spicy delight, and relish the satisfaction of having created it from scratch. Enjoy!
