Tahu Tek Rumahan: A Delicious Indonesian Delicacy
Introduction
Tahu Tek is a beloved Indonesian street food that brings together the rich flavors of fried tofu, crunchy bean sprouts, and a savory sauce made from ground peanuts and spices. This homemade version, Tahu Tek Rumahan, is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal at home. With its unique combination of textures and flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large tofu | 2 pieces |
| Bean sprouts | 1 small package |
| Ground spice mix: | |
| Fried peanuts | 2 tablespoons |
| Petis (fermented shrimp paste) | 3 tablespoons |
| Bird’s eye chili (to taste) | 2 pieces |
| Raw garlic | 1 clove |
| Sweet soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water (for thinning) | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Petis Sauce
Start by preparing the petis sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of petis with water diluted with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of sugar. Stir the mixture over low heat until it thickens to about 4 tablespoons. Once done, remove from heat and set aside. -
-
Fry the Tofu
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the large tofu pieces and fry them until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once fried, remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. -
Blanch the Bean Sprouts
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the bean sprouts and blanch them for about 1-2 minutes, just until tender yet still crisp. Remove and set aside. -
Prepare the Spice Paste
Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind together the raw garlic, bird’s eye chili, fried peanuts, salt, and sugar until smooth. Incorporate the sweet soy sauce and the prepared petis sauce. Add a little water to achieve your desired consistency; stir well to combine. -
Assemble the Dish
On a serving plate, slice the fried tofu into bite-sized pieces. Top with a generous serving of the blanched bean sprouts. Drizzle the prepared spice paste over the tofu and sprouts, ensuring everything is well-coated. -
Serve and Enjoy
For an added crunch, garnish with some crispy crackers on top. Tahu Tek is traditionally enjoyed with lontong (rice cakes), but it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice as well. Enjoy your delicious homemade Tahu Tek!
Note: Feel free to add lontong if you have it on hand; it complements the dish beautifully. I enjoyed mine with rice since I didn’t have lontong available. 😆
Conclusion
Tahu Tek Rumahan is not just a meal; it’s an experience of Indonesian flavors that you can easily recreate in your kitchen. Whether served as a snack or a main dish, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey!
