Indonesian tempe recipes

Spicy Sambal Tempeh: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Published
Oct 19, 2024
Reading time
2 min
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Sambal Tempe is an aromatic and flavorful dish that brings together the richness of tempeh with the heat of chilies, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. This Indonesian-inspired recipe is perfect for those who appreciate bold flavors and a touch of spice in their meals. Whether served as an accompaniment or as the star of your plate, Sambal Tempe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Tempe (small pieces) 6 slices
Red onions 4 cloves
Garlic 3 cloves
Devil chilies 12 pieces
Palm sugar To taste
Salt To taste
Cooking oil As needed
Water 5 tablespoons
Chicken flavor bouillon 1/2 pack

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories Approx. 200
Protein 12g
Fat 10g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 3g
Sodium Varies with salt added

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Begin by mixing 5 tablespoons of water with 1/2 a pack of chicken flavor bouillon in a bowl. Stir until well combined.

  2. Slice the Tempeh: Cut the tempeh into 6 small slices and create a crisscross pattern on each piece. This helps the marinade penetrate the tempeh more effectively.

  3. Marinate the Tempeh: Coat the tempeh slices thoroughly with the bouillon mixture and let them marinate for a while, allowing the flavors to meld.

  4. Fry the Tempeh: In a pan, heat sufficient cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the marinated tempeh slices until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the oil and set aside.

  5. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté the devil chilies, red onions, and garlic until they soften and become fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer to a mortar and pestle (or a blender).

  6. Make the Sambal: In the mortar, add palm sugar and salt to the sautéed mixture. Use the pestle to grind everything together until it reaches a smooth consistency.

  7. Combine and Serve: Gently mix the fried tempeh with the sambal, ensuring the flavors are well distributed. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or palm sugar according to your taste.

  8. Enjoy Your Dish: Serve the Sambal Tempe warm as a side dish or as a main course, pairing it with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Sambal Tempe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that highlights the versatility of tempeh. With its combination of savory and spicy notes, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and sharing it with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!