Spicy Fried Tempe (Tempe Goreng Setan)
Ingredients:
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into triangle, slit but not fully separated) | 2 blocks |
| All-purpose flour (for coating) | 1 packet |
| Chives or green onions (chopped) | 1 bunch |
| Cooking oil (for frying) | As needed |
Filling Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red chili peppers (small, spicy) | 20 pieces |
| Large red chili peppers | 4 pieces |
| Shallots (peeled) | 4 cloves |
| Garlic (peeled) | 2 cloves |
| Cooked shrimp paste (terasi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ripe tomatoes | 2 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the batter:
In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour with a small amount of water to create a batter. Add the chopped chives or green onions to the batter. Ensure the consistency of the batter is not too thick or too runny. Set aside. -
Prepare the filling:
In a blender or mortar and pestle, roughly grind the red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste (terasi). The texture should not be too fine; we want a coarse paste. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and sautรฉ the ground mixture until fragrant. Add a pinch of sugar and salt to taste, cooking until the raw smell is gone and the mixture is well-cooked. -
Stuff the tempeh:
Gently stuff the cooked chili mixture into the slits of the tempeh. Be careful not to overstuff, as you still want the tempeh to hold together while frying. -
Coat and fry the tempeh:
Dip each stuffed tempeh into the prepared flour batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the tempeh until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Itโs important to maintain a moderate heat to ensure the tempeh cooks through without burning on the outside. -
Drain and serve:
Once fried, place the tempeh on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy the spicy, savory crunch of the fried tempeh.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Tempe Goreng Setan with steamed rice or as a snack on its own. This dish pairs beautifully with a cool, refreshing drink to balance its fiery heat. Perfect for gatherings or as a flavorful side dish.
