Tempe Mendoan: Crispy Tempe Fritters
Tempe Mendoan is a popular Indonesian snack that features thin slices of tempeh dipped in a flavorful batter and fried until crispy. This dish is a savory treat often served with a sweet soy dipping sauce, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. The combination of aromatic spices and the crispy texture of the batter makes it an irresistible choice for anyone seeking something deliciously unique.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (soybean cake) | 1 block (papan tempe) |
| Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus) | |
| Coriander seeds (ketumbar) | 1 tablespoon (sdt) |
| Fresh turmeric (kunyit) | 1 small piece (about 2 inches) |
| Garlic cloves (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Salt (garam) | 1 teaspoon (sdt) |
| Knorr seasoning (optional) | 1 teaspoon (sdt) |
| Batter (Adonan) | |
| Wheat flour (tepung gandum) | 100 grams |
| Water (air) | As needed (secukupnya) |
| Spring onions (daun bawang) | As needed (finely chopped) |
| Celery leaves (daun seledri) | As needed (finely chopped) |
| Cooking oil (minyak goreng) | As needed (for frying) |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the tempeh | Begin by slicing the tempeh into thin pieces, making sure they are uniform in size for even frying. |
| 2. Grind the spice paste | In a mortar and pestle, grind the coriander seeds, turmeric, garlic, salt, and Knorr seasoning into a fine paste. You can use a food processor if available. |
| 3. Make the batter | In a mixing bowl, combine the ground spice paste with wheat flour. Gradually add water, stirring continuously to create a smooth batter. Add chopped spring onions and celery leaves to the batter. Adjust the consistency as needed—neither too thick nor too runny. |
| 4. Fry the tempeh | Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer over medium heat. Dip each slice of tempeh into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Carefully place the coated tempeh in the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the slices. |
| 5. Drain and serve | Once the tempeh is crispy and cooked through, remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with a side of sweet soy sauce for dipping or enjoy as is. |
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 piece) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Tempe Mendoan is typically enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing iced drink. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a salad or with steamed rice. The crispy fritters can also be used as a topping for soups or as a side dish with grilled meats.
