Tumis Toge Tempe: Indonesian Stir-Fried Vegetables

Introduction

Welcome to the culinary journey of Indonesia with this vibrant and wholesome dish, Tumis Toge Tempe, a stir-fried medley that celebrates the natural flavors and textures of fresh vegetables, fermented soy products, and aromatic spices. This dish embodies the essence of Indonesian home cooking—quick, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. At Love With Recipes, we are dedicated to sharing authentic recipes that not only satisfy your palate but also promote healthful eating habits. Tumis Toge Tempe is no exception; it is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious, nutrient-dense meal that can be enjoyed on any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe offers straightforward steps to create a dish packed with flavor, aroma, and nutritional benefits that will leave you craving more.

Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large Wok or Skillet: Essential for stir-frying, ensuring even heat distribution and ample space for ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables, garlic, and shallots.
• Sharp Knife: To finely slice carrots, chili, shallots, garlic, and tomato.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurement of seasonings and sauces.
• Measuring Cups: To measure water and other liquids precisely.
• Stirring Spoon or Spatula: For tossing and mixing ingredients during stir-fry.
• Grater or Garlic Press (optional): For mincing garlic if preferred.
• Serving Dishes: For presenting the finished dish.

Tags

Vegetarian, Indonesian cuisine, Stir-fry, Healthy, Quick meal, Protein-rich, Vegan (if soy sauce is vegan), Plant-based, Gluten-free (if soy sauce is gluten-free), Nut-free

Serving Size

Serves 2-3 people per batch, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. Adjust quantities proportionally for larger groups.

Difficulty Level

Easy: Suitable for cooks of all skill levels, including beginners. The method involves straightforward stir-frying with simple seasoning steps, making it accessible yet flavorful.

Allergen Information

• Contains soy (tempeh and soy sauce)
• Possible traces of gluten depending on soy sauce used
• Contains garlic and shallots, which may cause allergies in some individuals

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian and vegan options can be achieved by choosing vegan soy sauce and ensuring no animal-derived ingredients are added. Naturally gluten-free if gluten-free soy sauce is used.

Course

Main Course or Side Dish: Can be served as the main vegetable component of a meal or as a flavorful accompaniment alongside rice or other Indonesian dishes.

Cuisine

Indonesian cuisine, known for its bold flavors and harmonious use of spices, vegetables, and fermented soy products.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Aromatics and Vegetables

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them accordingly. Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Drain well and set aside. Slice the shallots into thin rings or small pieces, depending on your preference. Mince the garlic finely using a sharp knife or garlic press. Slice the red chili and bird’s eye chili thinly, adjusting the quantity based on your spice tolerance. Peel and thinly slice the carrot into matchstick-like pieces or rounds for a pleasing texture. Chop the tomato into small cubes, removing any excess seeds if desired. These initial preparations are crucial for a smooth cooking process, ensuring ingredients cook evenly and flavors meld harmoniously.

Step 2: Heating the Wok or Skillet

Place your wok or large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the cooking oil and allow it to heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. To test if the oil is ready, flick a tiny drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is at the right temperature. Swirling the oil around the surface ensures an even coating, which is essential for proper stir-frying and preventing sticking. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to handle ingredients as needed. Proper heat management is critical; too high can burn ingredients, too low can cause sogginess and sluggish cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Once the oil is hot, add the sliced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes. This step releases essential oils that form the foundation of the dish’s flavor profile. Be attentive to avoid burning the garlic, which can impart a bitter taste. Stir continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The aroma at this stage should be inviting and pungent, signaling the start of a delicious dish.

Step 4: Incorporate Tempeh and Carrots

Add the diced tempeh and sliced carrots into the wok. Stir well to coat all pieces with the aromatics and distribute heat evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal here is to slightly cook the tempeh until it develops a light golden color and to soften the carrots just enough to enhance their natural sweetness and crunch. Tempeh’s nutty flavor complements the earthy sweetness of carrots, creating a balanced base for the dish. It’s essential to keep stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Step 5: Add Chilies and Tomato

Introduce the sliced red chili and bird’s eye chili into the pan, stirring to combine. The chilies add heat and depth of flavor; adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Afterward, add the chopped tomato and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the tomato to soften and release its juices, adding a tangy brightness to the stir-fry. The combination of spicy chilies, sweet carrots, and savory tempeh creates a harmonious flavor profile characteristic of Indonesian cuisine. Keep stirring to prevent ingredients from sticking and to ensure flavors meld evenly.

Step 6: Pour in Water and Simmer

Carefully pour in 1 cup of water into the wok. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld further, and the water helps soften the vegetables without overcooking them. It also creates a slight broth that enhances the dish’s moistness and richness. During simmering, you may notice the liquid reducing slightly—a sign that the flavors are concentrating.

Step 7: Season the Stir-Fry

Add the soy sauce, seasoned salt, granulated sugar, and regular salt to the pan. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly across all ingredients. This step is vital for building umami, balancing sweetness, and enhancing overall flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or sugar if necessary, depending on your preference. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 minutes to let the seasonings penetrate the vegetables and tempeh, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish.

Step 8: Finish with Bean Sprouts

Finally, add the fresh bean sprouts to the wok. Gently stir to incorporate them into the mixture. Bean sprouts are delicate and cook rapidly, so they should only be heated through until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Overcooking bean sprouts can lead to a mushy texture, so keep a close eye on them. They add a refreshing crunch and lightness, balancing the richer flavors of the tempeh and spices. Removing the wok from heat at this point preserves their crispness and vibrant color.

Step 9: Serve

Transfer the fully cooked Tumis Toge Tempe to a serving dish. This dish is best enjoyed warm, paired with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice absorbs the flavorful juices, complementing the stir-fry’s textures and flavors. Optionally, garnish with additional sliced chilies or fresh herbs such as cilantro or scallions for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Preparation Tips

• Ingredient freshness: Use fresh bean sprouts and high-quality tempeh to maximize flavor and nutritional content.
• Vegetable prep: Slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and attractive presentation.
• Tempeh handling: To remove excess bitterness, some prefer to steam or boil tempeh briefly before frying.
• Spice adjustments: Feel free to modify the number of chilies to suit your heat tolerance, or substitute with milder peppers.
• Seasoning balance: Taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking to ensure harmony of flavors.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use high-quality tempeh: For better flavor, opt for freshly made or well-fermented tempeh, avoiding overly processed varieties.
• Control spice level: Adjust the number and type of chilies to match your heat preference, or substitute with milder peppers like bell peppers for a less spicy version.
• Enhance flavor: Add a splash of lime juice or a dash of fish sauce (if non-vegetarian) for extra umami and brightness.
• Vegetable variations: Incorporate other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or snow peas for variety and additional nutrients.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan soy sauce and ensure no animal-derived seasonings are added.

Add-ons and Variations

• Fried shallots or garlic: Garnish with crispy fried shallots or garlic for added crunch and flavor.
• Spicy sambal: Serve with a side of Indonesian sambal for extra heat.
• Eggs: Top with a fried or poached egg for a richer, more filling meal.
• Tofu: Add cubed fried tofu for additional protein.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Indonesian sambal oelek or sambal matah
• Fresh cucumber slices or acar (pickled vegetables)
• Fried tempeh or tahu goreng
• Traditional Indonesian krupuk (crackers)

Improvements

• Marinate tempeh in soy sauce and spices beforehand to deepen flavor.
• Use a wok with high heat for a more authentic stir-fry texture.
• Add a splash of coconut milk during simmering for a creamier variation.
• Finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or cilantro for freshness.

Save and Store

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. Be mindful that bean sprouts may lose some of their crunch when stored, so it’s ideal to prepare this dish just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes. Use vegan soy sauce or tamari and ensure no animal products are added. The dish naturally fits a vegan diet, provided seasonings are plant-based.

What if I can’t find tempeh?

Substitute with firm tofu or an additional variety of vegetables such as mushrooms or eggplant for similar texture and nutritional benefits.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on the amount of chilies used. Adjust according to your heat tolerance. Remove seeds to reduce heat or omit the bird’s eye chili for milder flavor.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, snow peas, bok choy, or green beans can be incorporated for variety and added nutrients.

Conclusion

In essence, Tumis Toge Tempe stands as a testament to Indonesian culinary ingenuity—simple ingredients, quick preparation, and bold flavors culminating in a dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. Its versatility makes it suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive addition to a family feast. By understanding each step and ingredient, you can tailor the dish to your taste preferences, making it as spicy, savory, or fresh as you desire. Remember, cooking is an art as much as it is a science, and this recipe offers ample room for customization and creativity. Whether served alongside rice or enjoyed as a light main course, Tumis Toge Tempe will surely become a staple in your healthy cooking repertoire. For more authentic Indonesian recipes and culinary tips, keep exploring Love With Recipes, your trusted resource for diverse and delicious home-cooked meals.