Indonesian Tempe Bacem: Sweet & Savory Fried Tempeh Delight

Tempe Bacem: A Sweet and Savory Indonesian Delicacy

Tempe bacem is a flavorful, savory dish hailing from Indonesia, where the earthy goodness of tempeh is marinated in a sweet and spicy mixture, then slowly cooked until tender. It is often served with a crispy golden finish after being lightly fried. Perfect as a side dish or a protein-rich snack, this dish brings together the best of both sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tempe:

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   • Cut the tempe into bite-sized pieces, or any size you prefer, for even cooking.

2. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, candlenuts, and coriander. Blend these ingredients until smooth to create a fine spice paste.

3. Cooking the Tempe:

   • In a large pot or saucepan, add the tempe along with the spice paste.
   • Pour in the water, then crumble in the brown sugar and add a dash of salt to taste.
   • Add sweet soy sauce to enhance the flavor. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the tempe is evenly coated in the marinade.
   • Cook the tempe over low heat, simmering the mixture until the liquid is reduced and almost absorbed, and the tempe is infused with the flavors.

4. Frying the Tempe:

   • Once the marinade has mostly evaporated and the tempe is fully cooked, heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan.
   • Fry the marinated tempe in the hot oil until it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
   • Remove the fried tempe from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

5. Serving:

   • Serve the crispy tempe bacem warm, either as a side dish with rice or as a snack with sambal or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Enjoy this Indonesian classic with its delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal or snack.