Oseng Tempe Bacem (Stir-fried Tempe in Sweet Soy Sauce with Chilies)
Introduction:
Oseng Tempe Bacem is a delightful dish from Indonesia, combining the rich flavors of tempe (fermented soybean cake) with a flavorful blend of chilies, garlic, and sweet soy sauce. This stir-fried dish is not only quick to make but also packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of spicy and savory notes. Often enjoyed as a side dish or light main course, this recipe is a wonderful way to incorporate plant-based protein into your meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybean cake) | 1 block |
| Green chilies (large) | 10 pieces |
| Red chilies | 10 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (rawit) | 5 pieces |
| Bango Tempe Bacem seasoning | 1 sachet |
| Garlic (peeled) | 3 cloves |
| Shallots (peeled) | 3 cloves |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Optional: Petai (stinky beans) | As desired (for extra flavor) |
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the tempe: Slice the tempe according to your preference. Then, briefly simmer the tempe in a small amount of water along with the Bango Tempe Bacem seasoning. Set aside. |
| 2 | Prepare the aromatics and chilies: Slice the green chilies, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies diagonally. Peel and finely chop the garlic and shallots. |
| 3 | Fry the aromatics: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a pan. Once hot, add the garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown. |
| 4 | Stir-fry the chilies: Add the sliced chilies to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until the chilies begin to soften. |
| 5 | Combine with tempe: Add the tempe that you had previously simmered with the bacem seasoning into the pan. Stir everything together to coat the tempe in the flavorful mixture. |
| 6 | Season the dish: Season the dish with a pinch of salt and sugar. Adjust to taste. For those who love more heat, you can add extra chilies or petai (stinky beans) for a stronger kick. |
| 7 | Final stir-fry: Stir-fry everything for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together. |
| 8 | Serve and enjoy: Once cooked through and aromatic, serve your Oseng Tempe Bacem hot. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal. |
Tips & Variations:
- If you enjoy extra spice, feel free to add more bird’s eye chilies or even a splash of chili sauce to ramp up the heat.
- Petai (stinky beans) can be added for additional flavor if you like the distinct taste they bring to Indonesian dishes.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit any MSG or artificial flavor enhancers and let the natural flavors shine.
Enjoy this delicious Indonesian stir-fried tempe dish, rich in taste and quick to prepare! 🌿
