Spicy Soy Sauce Tofu
Ingredients:
- 5 cloves garlic
- 3 cloves shallots
- A pinch of turmeric
- 10 bird’s eye chilies
- Pepper, to taste
- Sweet soy sauce, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Flavor enhancer (optional), to taste
- Cooking oil, as needed
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by finely grinding the garlic, shallots, turmeric, bird’s eye chilies, and pepper together. This forms the base spice paste for the dish.
- Fry the Tofu: In a pan, heat enough oil to fry the tofu until it is half-cooked. Be cautious not to over-fry the tofu, as this will prevent the spices from being absorbed properly later.
- Sauté the Spice Paste: In another pan, heat a small amount of cooking oil. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant, releasing all the aromatic flavors.
- Add Water and Seasonings: Pour in a sufficient amount of water to create a sauce. Season with salt, sugar, and the optional flavor enhancer. Adjust these to your taste preference.
- Combine Tofu with Sauce: Add the half-cooked tofu to the pan with the sauce. Stir well to ensure the tofu absorbs the flavors. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Add sweet soy sauce to taste.
- Reduce and Serve: Allow the sauce to simmer until it reduces slightly, making sure the tofu is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. Once the sauce has thickened and reduced, turn off the heat.
- Enjoy: Serve the spicy soy sauce tofu hot, garnished with additional fresh chilies or herbs if desired.
This spicy soy sauce tofu, known as “Tahu Kecap Pedas,” is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the rich flavors of sweet soy sauce with a fiery kick from bird’s eye chilies. The tofu, fried to perfection, absorbs the aromatic spice blend, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness, spiciness, and savory goodness. Perfect as a main course or a flavorful side, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy it with steamed rice for a complete meal!
