Tempe Bacem Without Coconut Water (Tempe Bacem Tanpa Air Kelapa)
This delicious and aromatic Indonesian dish, Tempe Bacem, is a sweet and savory tempeh that’s easy to make without the use of coconut water. Perfect for those who love simple, flavorful dishes that can be served as a main or side dish. It’s an ideal recipe for busy days, packed with rich flavors that come from a blend of garlic, shallots, coriander, and sweet soy sauce. Serve with rice for a complete meal!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into pieces) | 4 blocks (about 250g) |
| Galangal (crushed) | 2 thumb-sized pieces |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 3 leaves |
| Brown sugar (shredded) | 2 pieces |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | Enough to cover the tempe |
| Ground spices: | |
| Shallots | 10 cloves |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Toasted coriander seeds | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tempe: Cut the tempeh into bite-sized pieces or according to your preference. This is the base of your dish, and the pieces can be thicker or thinner based on your taste.
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Make the Spice Mix: Blend or grind the shallots, garlic, and toasted coriander seeds into a smooth paste. This spice mixture will infuse the tempeh with a deep, savory flavor.
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Cook the Tempe: In a large pan or wok, combine the ground spice paste, crushed galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté briefly to release their aromatic oils and flavors.
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Add Tempe, Sugar, and Seasonings: Add the tempeh pieces into the pan. Stir to coat with the spices. Next, add in the shredded brown sugar, sweet soy sauce, and salt. Mix everything together.
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Simmer the Tempe: Pour in enough water to cover the tempeh. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook gently until the liquid evaporates and the tempeh is fully infused with the spices and sweet soy sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure the tempeh doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
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Fry the Tempe: Once the liquid is nearly absorbed, heat oil in another pan for frying. Carefully fry the tempeh pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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Serve: Remove the tempe from the oil and drain on paper towels. Your Tempe Bacem is now ready to serve! Enjoy it with steamed rice, as a side dish, or even as a snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Cooking Tip:
If you want a richer taste, try marinating the tempeh in the spice mix for a few hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the tempeh for an even more savory and aromatic dish.
Happy cooking, moms! 😊
