Tempe Jeletot Recipe
Tempe Jeletot is a savory Indonesian dish featuring tempeh filled with a spicy, aromatic stuffing, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until golden and crispy. The combination of bold flavors, including red chilies, shallots, garlic, and fragrant kencur (a rhizome), makes this dish a delightful snack or appetizer. The crispy outer layer and the flavorful filling make each bite irresistible. Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a tasty side dish to complement your meal!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (cut into small pieces) | 1 block (papan tempe) |
| Red chili peppers (rawit merah) | 20 |
| Curly red chili peppers (cabai merah keriting) | 5 |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 5 cloves |
| Kencur (aromatic rhizome) | 1 small piece (ruas) |
| Salt (garam) | to taste |
| Bouillon powder (kaldu bubuk) | to taste |
| Flour (tepung terigu) | ¼ cup |
| Spring onions (daun bawang) | 2 stalks, finely chopped |
| Seasoning (penyedap rasa) | to taste |
| Ground coriander (ketumbar halus) | 1 package |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Filling
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Grind the aromatics: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the rawit merah, curly red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and kencur into a coarse paste. The spicy and fragrant blend will give your Tempe Jeletot its signature bold flavor.
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Sauté the mixture: Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the ground mixture until it becomes aromatic. Season with salt and bouillon powder to enhance the taste. Stir well until fragrant. Once ready, set aside and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Stuff the Tempeh
- Stuff the tempeh: Take the cooled sautéed spice mixture and carefully stuff it into the small cuts or slits you made in the pieces of tempeh. Press gently to ensure the filling stays in place.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, seasoning, and ground coriander. Add the chopped spring onions for a touch of freshness and color. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Fry the Tempeh
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Coat the tempeh: Take the stuffed tempeh pieces and dip them into the prepared batter, ensuring they are well-coated on all sides.
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Fry to perfection: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the coated tempeh into the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Make sure to fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Drain and serve: Once crispy and golden brown, remove the Tempe Jeletot from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve warm with a side of spicy sambal or dipping sauce of your choice.
Tempe Jeletot is a perfect combination of savory, spicy, and crunchy—ideal for any snack lover looking to explore traditional Indonesian flavors. This dish can be served as an appetizer at a party or as a side dish with your favorite meal. Whether you’re familiar with Indonesian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Tempe Jeletot is sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this flavorful and satisfying dish!
