Tempe Jelotot: Spicy Stuffed Tempeh Recipe
Experience the unique flavors of Tempe Jelotot, also known as Tempe Mercon or Tempe Jontor, a popular Indonesian dish featuring thick slices of tempeh stuffed with a fiery sambal filling, coated in a crispy batter, and fried to perfection. This dish combines the earthy notes of tempeh with a spicy, aromatic filling, making it an irresistible treat. Below is a comprehensive recipe to guide you through this delightful culinary adventure.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | As needed, cut thickly |
| Sambal Filling: | |
| Red chili peppers (cabe rawit) | 25 pieces (adjust to taste, I used 5) |
| Curly red chili peppers | 10 pieces (I used 5) |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Shrimp paste (terasi) | 1 tablespoon |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Batter: | |
| All-purpose flour (Sasa seasoning) | 1 pack (or 1 cup) |
| All-purpose flour | 5 tablespoons |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chicken seasoning (Masako) | To taste |
| Margarine (melted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Green onion/celery (finely sliced) | 1 stalk |
| Water | As needed |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sambal Filling:
- In a frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the red chili peppers, curly red chili peppers, shallots, and garlic.
- Sauté the ingredients until they are half-cooked, then remove from heat. Let them cool slightly.
- Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a blender or food processor. Add the shrimp paste, kencur, and salt, and blend until smooth.
- Pour the hot oil remaining in the pan over the sambal mixture for added flavor and aroma. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Sasa seasoning, plain flour, ground coriander, turmeric powder, salt, chicken seasoning, and melted margarine. Mix well until you achieve a thick, smooth batter. Add water gradually, ensuring the batter is not too runny.
3. Stuff the Tempeh:
- Take each thick slice of tempeh and carefully cut a slit in the center, creating a pocket for the sambal filling.
- Fill each tempeh pocket generously with the prepared sambal.
4. Coat and Fry:
- Heat the oil in a frying pan until hot.
- Dip each stuffed tempeh slice into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Carefully place the coated tempeh into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, remove the tempeh from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Slice the tempeh into bite-sized pieces, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish. Enjoy the delightful crunch and spicy flavor!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Cooking Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your spice tolerance.
- For a healthier option, consider baking the stuffed tempeh instead of frying.
- Pair with rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Tempe Jelotot offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors, making it a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy the cooking process and savor every bite!
