Sate Tempe: A Flavorful Vegan Delight
Sate tempe, a beloved Indonesian dish, offers a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a delightful vegan option for those seeking to explore plant-based cuisines. With its aromatic spices and tender tempeh, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering treat at home.
Ingredients
To create this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Daun jeruk purut | 2 leaves |
| Tempe | 1 block |
| Daun salam | 2 leaves |
| Kecap manis | 3 tablespoons (to taste) |
| Oil | As needed |
| Water | 200 ml |
| Ground spices: | |
| – Serai powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| – Galangal powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| – Ginger powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| – Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| – Salt | To taste |
| – Shallots | 3 pieces |
| – Garlic | 2 cloves |
| – Bird’s eye chili | 11 pieces |
| – Coriander powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| – Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| – Fried peanuts | 3 tablespoons |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious sate tempe:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by grinding all the spices together, including shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chili, coriander, ginger, galangal, and salt, until you achieve a smooth paste. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or a food processor for convenience.
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Sauté the Spices: Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice mixture along with the daun salam and daun jeruk purut. Sauté the mixture until fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to release the aromatic flavors of the herbs.
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Combine with Water: Pour in the 200 ml of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: After simmering, incorporate the tempeh, kecap manis, and fried peanuts into the pan. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the spice mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly and the tempeh absorbs the flavors.
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Skewer and Grill the Tempeh: Once cooked, remove the tempeh pieces and thread them onto skewers. Prepare a grill or barbecue, and place the skewers over the hot coals. Grill the tempeh until it develops a nice char and a fragrant aroma, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. While grilling, brush with any remaining spice mixture for added flavor.
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Serve: Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and serve your sate tempe hot. It pairs wonderfully with rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fat | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
Cooking Tips
- For an extra kick, adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies according to your spice preference.
- Tempeh can be found in most Asian grocery stores; if you can’t find it, firm tofu is a great substitute.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the skewers for a colorful and nutritious addition.
This sate tempe recipe not only highlights the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia but also provides a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the warmth of home-cooked food with every bite!
