Udang Tempe Balado
By: Mela Suntoro
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh shrimp (head and tail removed) | 1 package |
| Tempeh (cut into cubes) | 1 block |
| Masako seasoning | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Water | As needed |
| Red chili peppers (keriting) | 5 pieces |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves |
| Shallots | 4 cloves |
| Tomato | 1 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
Begin by cleaning the shrimp. Remove the heads and tails, then wash the shrimp thoroughly under cold water to ensure they are ready for cooking. -
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend the red chili peppers, garlic cloves, shallots, and tomato until smooth. This will be your flavorful balado paste. -
Cut the Tempeh:
Slice the tempeh into small cubes, making sure they are bite-sized and ready for frying. -
Fry the Tempeh and Shrimp:
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a skillet. Fry the tempeh cubes until they turn golden brown. Set aside. Next, fry the shrimp until they are cooked through and lightly crispy. Set the shrimp aside as well. -
Sauté the Spice Paste:
In the same skillet, using a small amount of oil, sauté the blended spice paste (the mixture of chili, garlic, shallots, and tomato) until it becomes fragrant and the raw smell of the spices has cooked off. -
Combine and Season:
Add the fried shrimp and tempeh into the skillet with the sautéed spice paste. Stir well to combine. Pour in a bit of water to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry. Season with Masako seasoning, salt, and sugar according to your taste preference. -
Cook Until Done:
Let the mixture cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and ensuring that the shrimp and tempeh are fully coated in the rich balado sauce. -
Serve:
Once the dish is cooked through, remove it from heat and serve with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes:
- The level of spiciness in this dish can be adjusted by using fewer or more red chili peppers, depending on your heat preference.
- Masako seasoning is a popular Indonesian seasoning, but feel free to use other similar seasonings or bouillon cubes based on availability.
This vibrant and flavorful Udang Tempe Balado combines the rich taste of shrimp and tempeh with a spicy, fragrant sauce. Perfect as a main dish or a flavorful side to any meal. Enjoy!
