Sambal Tempe: A Spicy Tempeh Delight
Sambal tempe is a vibrant Indonesian dish that brings together the nutty flavor of tempeh with the boldness of sambal, making it an ideal accompaniment or a standalone dish. Whether you are looking to spice up your meal or simply enjoy a healthy dish rich in protein, this sambal tempe recipe is both simple and delicious, offering a burst of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1/2 papan (about 250g) |
| Yellow onions | 2, chopped |
| Shallots | 10, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | to taste |
| Salt or seasoning | to taste |
| Cooking oil | for sautéing |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by coarsely grinding the fried tempeh and minced garlic in a mortar and pestle or food processor until slightly broken down but not completely smooth.
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Chop the Aromatics: Finely chop the yellow onions, shallots, and bird’s eye chilies (adjust the amount based on your spice preference).
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Sauté the Onions: Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly wilted.
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Add the Shallots: Next, add the chopped shallots to the skillet. Continue to sauté until the shallots become soft and fragrant.
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Incorporate Tempeh and Chilies: Now, add the ground tempeh and chopped bird’s eye chilies into the skillet. Stir-fry everything together, allowing the tempeh to crisp up slightly and the chilies to release their heat into the dish.
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Season the Dish: Once the tempeh is dry and has absorbed the flavors from the sautéed onions and chilies, turn off the heat. Season with a pinch of salt or your preferred seasoning to taste.
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Serve: Transfer the sambal tempe to a serving dish and enjoy it warm. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed as a spicy topping for various dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Spice Levels: For those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of bird’s eye chilies used in this recipe. Alternatively, if you crave heat, feel free to add more chilies or even a dash of chili powder.
- Variations: This dish can easily be customized with additional ingredients like green bell peppers, carrots, or even some crispy fried shallots on top for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Leftover sambal tempe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan before serving.
Sambal tempe not only showcases the deliciousness of tempeh but also embodies the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy! Enjoy every bite of this healthy, spicy delight.
