Spicy Coconut Tempe Salad (Urap Tempe) with Fresh Vegetables

Urap Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Mixed Salad with Spicy Coconut Dressing

Urap Tempe is a vibrant and refreshing Indonesian dish, combining steamed tempeh with an aromatic and spicy coconut dressing. This dish is traditionally served with a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, Urap Tempe is healthy, simple to prepare, and a wonderful way to enjoy the rich and diverse tastes of Indonesian cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Bumbu Urap (Spicy Coconut Dressing):

For the Salad:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bumbu Urap (Spicy Coconut Dressing):

   • Start by finely grinding the large and small red chilies, garlic, and fresh ginger (kencur) together in a mortar and pestle or blender. This forms the base of your dressing, adding a spicy and aromatic kick.
   • Once the ingredients are ground into a smooth paste, stir in the finely shredded kaffir lime leaves and grated coconut. Season with a pinch of salt and sugar to taste, balancing the flavors to your preference.

2. Steam the Tempeh:

   • Steam the tempeh for approximately 15 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly infused with the aroma of the steam. Once steamed, remove and allow it to cool slightly.
   • Once cool, chop the tempeh into coarse pieces or chunks, depending on your texture preference.

3. Assemble the Urap Tempe:

   • In a large bowl, combine the steamed tempeh with the bumbu urap (spicy coconut dressing). Mix thoroughly to ensure the tempeh is well-coated with the flavorful dressing.
   • Add the fresh kemangi leaves, diced cucumber, blanched bean sprouts, and blanched water spinach (kangkung) to the bowl. Toss everything together gently to combine.

4. Optional Steaming:

   • For those who prefer a longer-lasting dressing, you can opt to steam the mixed ingredients for a few more minutes after mixing, which will help preserve the dish for longer storage. However, if you enjoy the vibrant flavors of the raw bumbu urap, you can serve the dish immediately, as I prefer the fresh and intense taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Urap Tempe can be served as a standalone light dish, or alongside steamed rice or other main courses. This dish is full of textures from the tempeh, vegetables, and fresh herbs, complemented by the rich, spicy coconut dressing that adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredient quantities and preparations.

Enjoy the vibrant and bold flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish with a twist of healthy goodness in every bite!