Tahu Tek Suroboyo Style (Surabaya-style Fried Tofu with Petis Sauce)
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lontong (compressed rice cake) | 2 pieces | Check my previous recipe for how to make lontong |
| Krupuk (Indonesian crackers) | As desired | Adjust to your preference |
| Bean sprouts | A handful, boiled | Use fresh bean sprouts for the best taste |
| White tofu | 3 blocks, fried and cut into cubes | You can fry the tofu until golden and crispy |
| Sweet soy sauce | To taste | Adjust sweetness to your liking |
| Water | As needed | For the sauce consistency |
| Egg | 1, beaten and fried | Fry until crispy, then slice |
| Fried shallots | 1 tablespoon | For garnishing |
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
| Ingredients | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bird’s eye chili | 11 pieces | Adjust for spiciness preference |
| Garlic | 1 large clove | Fresh and pungent |
| Salt | A pinch | To taste |
| Ground white pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds a mild heat |
| Petis (shrimp paste) | 1 tablespoon | Provides a deep, savory flavor |
| Fried peanuts | 2 tablespoons | Adds creaminess and nuttiness |
| Sugar | To taste | Optional, for balance |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Start by grinding the chilies, garlic, and a pinch of salt using a mortar and pestle until smooth.
- Add ground white pepper and continue grinding until fully incorporated.
- Next, add the petis (shrimp paste) and fried peanuts, and pound the mixture until the peanuts are well crushed and everything is thoroughly combined into a paste.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Slowly add water into the spice paste mixture, stirring as you go, until it reaches your desired sauce consistency.
- Adjust the flavor by adding a touch of sugar and sweet soy sauce if needed. Stir well to ensure everything is fully mixed.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- On a serving plate, arrange the cut pieces of lontong (rice cake) as the base.
- Top the lontong with fried tofu cubes and boiled bean sprouts.
- Add the sliced crispy fried egg on top for extra texture.
- Drizzle the sauce generously over the entire dish, making sure the lontong and tofu are well coated.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fried shallots over the top for added flavor and crunch.
- Serve with krupuk (crackers) on the side for an authentic crunch.
Enjoy this delicious and flavorful Tahu Tek Suroboyo, a beloved street food from Surabaya, Indonesia! The combination of crispy tofu, savory petis sauce, and crunchy toppings makes this dish absolutely irresistible.
