Tempe Melet/Mercon (Mendoan Kekinian) Recipe
Tempe Melet, also known as Mendoan Kekinian, is a modern take on the traditional Indonesian dish of crispy fried tempeh with a flavorful twist. This dish features tempeh, which is marinated and then coated in a savory batter, fried until crispy, and served with a delectable sauce. A combination of aromatic spices, chilies, and a rich coating makes it a perfect snack or side dish for any occasion.
Here’s how to make this delicious, contemporary twist on Tempe Mendoan.
Ingredients
Tempe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe, cut into squares (halved) | 1 block |
Tumis Spices (Sautéed Spices):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shallots, peeled and chopped | 10 pieces |
| Garlic, peeled and chopped | 5 cloves |
| Curly red chilies (cabe keriting) | 5 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit setan) | 5 pieces |
| Green chilies (cabe hijau) | 2 pieces |
| Tomato, thinly sliced | 1/2 medium |
| Kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced | 2 leaves |
| Sugar and salt (to taste) | As needed |
Batter (Adonan Tepung):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh turmeric (kunyit) | 1 small piece |
| Coriander seeds (ketumbar) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (for batter) | 3 cloves |
| Chopped green onions (daun bawang) | 1 small bunch |
| All-purpose flour (terigu) | 7 tablespoons |
| Rice flour (tepung beras) | 3 tablespoons |
| Tapioca flour (tepung tapioka) | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tumis Spices (Sautéed Spices)
- Begin by grinding the shallots, garlic, curly red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, green chilies, and turmeric into a smooth paste.
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the kaffir lime leaves and sauté briefly to release their aroma. Turn off the heat and set the spice mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempe
- Once the spice mixture has cooled, pour it over the sliced tempeh. Mix gently to coat the tempe with the spices and set it aside to marinate for a few minutes.
Step 3: Make the Batter
- In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh turmeric, coriander seeds, garlic, and chopped green onions. Grind into a smooth paste.
- In a mixing bowl, add the flour, rice flour, and tapioca flour. Mix them together well.
- Add the paste from the blender to the flour mixture. Season with salt, sugar, and a pinch of chicken or vegetable bouillon powder (optional) for enhanced flavor.
- Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring until you achieve a batter that’s thick enough to coat the tempeh slices but not too runny. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
Step 4: Fry the Tempe
- Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough that the batter will crisp up but not burn quickly.
- Dip each marinated tempeh slice into the batter, making sure it’s coated well.
- Carefully fry the coated tempe slices in the hot oil, turning them occasionally to ensure they fry evenly on all sides. Fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once the tempeh is crispy and golden, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Your Tempe Melet/Mercon (Mendoan Kekinian) is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm as a delicious snack or side dish.
- You can pair it with a sweet and spicy sambal, a side of fresh vegetables, or enjoy it with a bowl of rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Pro Tips:
- Tempe Marination: For extra flavor, you can marinate the tempeh overnight in the sautéed spice mix for a more intense taste.
- Spice Variations: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of bird’s eye chilies. You can also substitute with milder chili varieties.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the tempeh slices, but not too runny, to ensure a crispy coating when fried.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair it with a tangy sambal or a fresh dipping sauce to enhance the flavor experience.
This Tempe Melet/Mercon is a perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and savory. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Indonesian snacks or just looking for something new to try, this modern version of Tempe Mendoan is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
