Crispy Tempe Mendoan with Spicy Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce
Tempe Mendoan with Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce Dipping
Tempe mendoan is a beloved Indonesian snack made from thinly sliced, lightly fried tempeh that’s crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. Paired with a deliciously spicy sweet soy sauce dipping, this dish is perfect for sharing with family or friends. Here’s an easy recipe that you can follow to make it at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (sliced as desired) | 1 block |
| All-purpose flour | 250 grams |
| Baking powder (double acting) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chicken bouillon powder | 1 sachet (Royco or similar brand) |
| Ground coriander | 1 tablespoon |
| Scallions (thinly sliced) | 2 stalks |
| Yellow food coloring or turmeric powder | To taste |
| Water | As needed to achieve batter consistency |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce Dipping
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
| Bird’s eye chilies (small, spicy variety) | 7 |
| Sweet soy sauce (such as ABC brand) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Batter:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, chicken bouillon powder, ground coriander, and scallions. Add yellow food coloring or turmeric powder just enough to give a soft yellow hue. Gradually add water while stirring the mixture, ensuring that the batter is smooth but not too thick or too runny. If needed, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or bouillon powder for a savory punch. -
Coat the Tempeh:
Once your batter is ready, dip each slice of tempeh into the mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. -
Fry the Tempeh:
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tempeh slices, frying them until they turn golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed. -
Drain the Tempeh:
Once fried to perfection, remove the tempeh from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. -
Prepare the Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce Dipping:
In a mortar and pestle or food processor, crush the garlic cloves and bird’s eye chilies into a rough paste. Transfer the paste into a small bowl and add sweet soy sauce. Stir well to combine, and adjust the spice level to your preference. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Tempe Mendoan is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve the crispy fried tempeh alongside the spicy sweet soy sauce dipping, and indulge in this Indonesian favorite with your loved ones.
This delightful dish is best served fresh and hot, making it an ideal snack for any time of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or as a main snack, the crispy texture of the tempeh paired with the bold flavors of the dipping sauce will make this an instant hit in your household!



