Sambal Goreng Tempe Tahu: Indonesian Spicy Tofu & Tempe Stir-Fry

Sambal Goreng Tempe Tahu Basah (Indonesian Tempe and Tofu Stir-Fry)

This vibrant, flavorful dish brings together two staple ingredients—tempe and tofu—cooked in a savory, slightly sweet sambal sauce. The crispy fried tempe and tofu are bathed in a rich, aromatic mix of fried onions, garlic, and chilies, making this dish a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice or a delightful side to a main course. Whether you’re new to Indonesian cuisine or a long-time fan, this sambal goreng tempe tahu basah will surely excite your taste buds.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tempe and Tofu

• Start by cutting the tempe and tofu into small cubes, making them bite-sized.
• Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat, and fry the tofu first, followed by the tempe. You can fry them separately if you prefer, but they should both be golden and crispy. Once fried, remove them from the oil and set them aside.

Step 2: Slice the Aromatics

• Peel and clean the garlic, red onions, and large onion. Then, slice them according to your preference. You can choose to dice or slice them, depending on how fine or chunky you like the texture in your dish.
• Cut the red chilies and small chilies (lombok kecik), removing the seeds if you prefer less heat.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pan that you used for frying, remove any excess oil, leaving a small amount to cook the spices.
• Begin by sautéing the sliced large onion (bawang bombay) until fragrant and translucent.
• Add the garlic and red onions, cooking them until they are soft and aromatic.
• Toss in the red and small chilies, frying them briefly until they release their flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Season

• Once the aromatics are fragrant and soft, add the fried tempe and tofu back into the pan.
• Pour in a generous amount of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to coat the tempe and tofu in a rich, slightly sweet sauce. Add sugar and salt to taste, balancing the flavors to your liking. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water to achieve a slightly wet, saucy consistency.
• Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the tofu and tempe are well-coated with the flavorful sambal sauce. Let the dish simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

• Give the sambal goreng a final taste check and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce, sugar, or salt if required.
• Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, remove from heat and serve the dish warm with steamed rice or as a side dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Enjoy your Sambal Goreng Tempe Tahu Basah, a delicious and aromatic dish that captures the essence of traditional Indonesian flavors!