Title: Semur Tahu (Indonesian Braised Tofu)
Semur Tahu is a delightful Indonesian dish featuring crispy fried tofu bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce made with a blend of spices and seasonings. This dish balances savory and sweet flavors, making it a comforting addition to any meal. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive recipe that guides you through each step to create this delicious dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fried Tofu | 10 pieces |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 4 pieces |
| Candlenuts (Kemiri) | 2 pieces |
| Black Pepper | 8 grains |
| Coriander | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor Enhancer (Penyedap) | To taste |
| Sweet Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons (to taste) |
| Turmeric | 2 cm |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Bay Leaf | 1 leaf |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk |
| Galangal (Laos) | 2 cm |
| Water | As needed |
| Chili Peppers (optional) | To taste (for spice lovers) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by grinding the garlic, shallots, candlenuts, coriander, black pepper, and turmeric in a mortar and pestle or a food processor until you achieve a smooth paste. This fragrant mixture will serve as the base of your sauce.
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Sautรฉ the Spices: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste along with the bay leaf, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal. Sautรฉ until the mixture is aromatic and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add Water and Seasonings: Pour in the water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Season with salt, sugar, flavor enhancer, and sweet soy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
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Combine with Tofu: Carefully add the fried tofu into the skillet. Gently stir to ensure the tofu is evenly coated in the sauce. Aim for the liquid to submerge the tofu so that it can absorb the flavors effectively. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add more water.
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Simmer: Allow the tofu to simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will enable the tofu to soak in the flavors.
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Final Touches: As the sauce reduces and thickens, add a splash more of sweet soy sauce for enhanced color and flavor. Taste again and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning.
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Serve: Once the sauce is to your liking and the tofu has absorbed the flavors, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the Semur Tahu to a serving dish, and if desired, garnish with fresh chili peppers for added spice.
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Enjoy: Serve hot alongside steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet and savory in this traditional dish!
Tips
- For those who prefer a spicier version, feel free to add chopped chili peppers during the sautรฉing process.
- This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes, making it versatile for different occasions.
With its rich flavors and comforting texture, Semur Tahu is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Happy cooking!
