Tempe Mercon: The Spicy Tempe Delight
Tempe Mercon, a trendy twist on traditional tempeh, is a popular dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. This version is filled with a fiery and aromatic blend of spices, making it an exciting dish for those who love bold tastes. Let’s dive into this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that’s perfect for your next snack or side dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (firm soybean cake) | 1 block (cut into pieces) |
| Tempe flour (for coating) | Kobe tempura flour or any tempura flour |
| For the spice mix | |
| Bird’s eye chilies (for spiciness) | 6 (adjust based on your heat tolerance) |
| Red chili peppers | 2 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Shallots | 3 |
| Shrimp paste (terasi) | A small amount |
| Kencur (aromatic root) | A small piece |
| Palm sugar | A little bit (to add sweetness) |
| Umami seasoning | A pinch (optional for enhanced flavor) |
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Tempeh:
- Begin by cutting your tempeh into smaller pieces. Then, make a slit in the center of each piece to create a small pocket for the spicy filling.
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-
Make the Spice Paste:
- Blend together the bird’s eye chilies, red chili peppers, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste (terasi), and kencur to create a smooth spice paste. This blend will give your tempeh a rich and flavorful kick.
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Sauté the Spice Paste:
- In a pan, heat some oil, and once hot, pour in the spice paste. Sauté until the spices are fragrant and cooked through.
-
Stuff the Tempeh:
- Gently fill the slits you made in each tempeh piece with the cooked spice paste mixture. This is where the dish gets its signature flavor—fiery, aromatic, and savory.
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Prepare the Coating:
- In a bowl, mix the tempura flour with a bit of water to make a batter. Dip each stuffed tempeh piece into this batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Fry the Tempeh:
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the battered tempeh pieces until they turn golden and crispy. The tempeh should be cooked thoroughly and have a crunchy exterior.
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Finish and Serve:
- Once fried, drain the tempeh on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm, and enjoy the spicy, savory flavor of this tempeh dish.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Protein | 10-12 grams |
| Fat | 10-12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10-15 grams |
| Fiber | 4-6 grams |
| Sugar | 2-4 grams (from palm sugar) |
Tempe Mercon is a flavorful and satisfying dish, balancing spiciness with the rich, nutty taste of tempeh. It’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new, or for those who want to enjoy a modern twist on a traditional Indonesian classic.
Serve this dish as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side for a more substantial meal. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
