Crispy Tempe and Tofu Stir-Fry
This dish, Kering Tempe Tahu, is a flavorful, versatile stir-fry that combines crispy tempe and tofu with a savory sauce. Ideal for those who love simple yet delicious Indonesian recipes, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, from the crispness of the tempe and tofu to the richness of the sweet soy sauce. You can customize it to suit your personal preferences by adjusting the sweetness or adding more spice.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soy) | 1 block |
| Tofu | 2 blocks (firm) |
| Sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis) | 1 sachet (or 1500 IDR kecap sawi) |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
| Shallots | 4, thinly sliced |
| Chili peppers (optional) | 5, sliced (adjust to taste) |
| Tomatoes | 2, cut into wedges |
| Cooking oil | 3 tbsp |
| Water | As needed (to adjust consistency) |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 1 tbsp (for thickening) |
| Water (for cornstarch mix) | 6 tbsp (to mix with cornstarch) |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the tempe and tofu into your preferred shape (I usually cut them into long strips).
- Slice the garlic, shallots, and chili peppers. Cut the tomatoes into wedges.
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-
Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat a pan and add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Sauté the shallots, garlic, chili, and tomatoes until they release a fragrant aroma.
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Add Tempe and Tofu:
- Add the cut tempe and tofu into the pan, stirring them to coat in the sautéed aromatics.
- Pour in some water (just enough to help the ingredients cook and soften).
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Season the Dish:
- Add the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), sugar, and salt. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens and the water reduces. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Optional Thickening (if desired):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 6 tablespoons of water in a separate bowl. Once the tempe and tofu mixture is simmering, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan while stirring. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Serve:
- Once the dish is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and serve immediately. It can be served as a main dish or a side to accompany rice.
Notes:
- If you like a thicker sauce, the cornstarch method will give it a nice, velvety texture.
- For a wetter dish, almost like a stew, you can use more water to create a broth-like consistency, similar to a semur (Indonesian stew).
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some flavor enhancers like bouillon cubes or seasoning powder.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful dish that can be made with simple ingredients, perfect for any meal. Happy cooking! ❤️
