Crispy Tempe & Tofu Bites with Spicy Sambal Filling

135. Trendy Tempe and Tofu Bites (Tempe Tahu Kekinian)

Get ready to enjoy an irresistible Indonesian snack with this Tempe Tahu Kekinian recipe! This fusion of crispy tempe and tofu, stuffed with spicy sambal, is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for serving as a side dish, appetizer, or snack at gatherings, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Tempe and Tofu:

• 1 block of tempe (about 200g)
• 5 pieces of white tofu, deep-fried until golden and crispy

For the Sambal Filling:

• 3 red curly chilies (cabe merah keriting)
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 4 shallots, peeled (bawang merah)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled (bawang putih)
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Dipping Batter:

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour (tepung terigu)
• 3 tablespoons rice flour (tepung beras)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (ketumbar)
• Salt, ground pepper, and bouillon powder, to taste
• 2 stalks of green onion, finely chopped (daun bawang)
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sambal:

   • Heat a pan over low heat, and briefly fry the red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and garlic. Just a quick fry to release the aromas.
   • Once done, transfer to a mortar or food processor and grind the ingredients until smooth. Season with salt to taste. Set the sambal aside, ready to fill the tempe and tofu.

2. Prepare the Tempe and Tofu:

   • Cut the tempe and fried tofu into two halves, but make sure the pieces are not completely separated. Leave a small part intact, so you can stuff them.
   • Gently stuff each piece of tempe and tofu with the freshly made sambal filling.

3. Prepare the Dipping Batter:

   • In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and bouillon powder. Add a little water to create a smooth, slightly thick batter.
   • Stir in the chopped green onion for a burst of fresh flavor.

4. Fry the Tempe and Tofu:

   • Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Dip each stuffed tempe and tofu piece into the batter, making sure they are well coated.
   • Carefully fry the battered tempe and tofu until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Make sure to fry in batches, not overcrowding the pan.
   • Once they are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Serving:

   • Serve these trendy tempe and tofu bites hot and crispy, perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce or enjoying on their own.

Enjoy your delicious Indonesian-inspired snack—Tempe Tahu Kekinian! A perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and savory goodness in every bite.