Bola-Bola Tempe (Tempe Bulat / Tempe Petir)
Bola-bola tempe, also known as tempe bulat or tempe petir, is a delightful Indonesian snack that combines the nutritious benefits of tempeh with a burst of flavor from its savory filling. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also provides a satisfying crunch when fried. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or a tea-time snack, these tempe balls are sure to please anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (steamed, about 20 minutes) | 1 block (papan tempe) |
| Tapioca flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Royco chicken seasoning | 1 packet |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Shallots | 4 cloves |
| Filling | |
| Bird’s eye chili (finely sliced) | To taste |
| Boiled egg (cut into small pieces) | 1 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by steaming the tempeh for about 20 minutes to ensure it is soft and ready to be mashed. While the tempeh is steaming, finely chop the garlic and shallots. -
-
Make the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, mash the steamed tempeh using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the ground garlic and shallots to the bowl, followed by the Royco seasoning, ground black pepper, and tapioca flour. -
Adjust the Consistency
To bring the mixture together, add about 3 tablespoons of hot water to the bowl. Mix quickly with a spoon and then knead the mixture with your hands until it is cohesive and can easily be shaped. Taste the mixture; if it needs more salt, add it as desired. -
Form the Balls
Take a portion of the tempeh mixture with a spoon and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small amount of the filling, including a few slices of bird’s eye chili and a piece of boiled egg, in the center. Carefully fold the edges of the tempeh mixture over the filling and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used. -
Fry the Tempe Balls
In a deep frying pan, heat oil over low to medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tempeh balls to the pan. Fry them slowly, turning occasionally, to ensure they cook evenly and turn golden brown on all sides. -
Drain and Serve
Once cooked, remove the bola-bola tempe from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of these bola-bola tempe with a dipping sauce of your choice, or simply savor them on their own! This recipe not only highlights the versatility of tempeh but also makes for a healthy yet indulgent treat that everyone will love.
