Title: Crispy Stuffed Tempe (Tempe Melet) ๐ฅ
This Crispy Stuffed Tempe, or “Tempe Melet,” is a beloved Indonesian street food that combines crispy, golden-brown tempeh with a spicy, flavorful filling. The rich and savory filling of shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and chili is encased in a crispy batter, making each bite irresistibly tasty. The addition of a touch of shrimp paste and the crispy coating adds complexity to the dish. Whether served as a snack or paired with a side dish, this tempe recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (cut into thick slices and halved) | 1 block (papan tempe) |
Filling Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots (finely chopped) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Red curly chili peppers (finely chopped) | 3 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili (adjust to taste) | 10 pieces or to taste |
| Shrimp paste (optional) | A pinch (to taste) |
Dipping Batter Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose seasoning flour (serbaguna) | Enough to coat tempe (adjust to taste) |
| Chopped green onion (daun bawang) | A handful (for extra flavor) |
| Water (cold) | Just enough to form a batter |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Begin by finely chopping the shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and red chilies (both curly and bird’s eye). You can adjust the amount of chili based on your heat preference.
- In a skillet, heat a little oil and sautรฉ the chopped ingredients until fragrant. Add the shrimp paste if using, and continue sautรฉing until the mixture is well-cooked and aromatic. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Stuff the Tempeh
- Cut your tempeh into thick slices, and then carefully slice each piece horizontally, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff each tempeh slice generously with the sautรฉed filling. Be sure to press the mixture in firmly to ensure it stays inside during frying.
Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Batter
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose seasoning flour with cold water. Mix until smooth, ensuring the batter isn’t too thick or too runny.
- Add the chopped green onions to the batter, stirring to incorporate them evenly.
Step 4: Fry the Tempeh
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Dip each stuffed tempeh piece into the prepared batter, making sure it is coated evenly.
- Fry the tempeh slices in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the fried tempeh from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the crispy stuffed tempe (tempe melet) while still warm. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, or can be enjoyed on its own with a side of sambal or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with a side of spicy sambal or a light cucumber salad for a complete Indonesian-inspired meal.
Tips:
- You can make this recipe in larger batches and serve it as a party snack or appetizer.
- For a vegan-friendly version, skip the shrimp paste, as itโs optional in the recipe.
This delicious Indonesian dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and crispy textures. With the rich, spicy filling and golden, crunchy coating, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
