Spicy Tempe and Green Beans (Buncis Tempe Pedas) Recipe
If you’re a fan of simple, budget-friendly, and flavorful meals, this spicy tempe and green beans recipe is perfect for you! Known as Buncis Tempe Pedas in Indonesia, this dish combines fresh green beans with crispy tempeh, seasoned with aromatic spices and chili for an extra kick. Perfect for those who are looking for a quick and delicious meal, especially when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans (buncis) | 1 pack (about 200 grams) |
| Tempeh (fermented soybean cake) | 1 block (about 200 grams) |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | 7 pieces |
| Large red chili (cabe merah besar) | 3 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 6 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Water | As needed |
| Sugar (optional) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Chicken stock powder (optional) | To taste |
Instructions
| Steps | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the green beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans, then cut them into a diagonal shape. | Be sure to clean the beans thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. |
| 2. Fry the tempeh: Cut the tempeh into small cubes or strips as per your preference, then fry them until golden brown. | Frying the tempeh halfway ensures a crispy texture that will hold up when combined with the other ingredients. |
| 3. Blend the spices: In a blender, combine shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chili, and 1 large red chili (reserve the other 2 red chilies). Blend until smooth. | Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference. |
| 4. Saute the spice mixture: In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the blended spice mixture until fragrant. | Stir constantly to prevent the spices from burning. |
| 5. Season the sauce: Add sugar, salt, chicken stock powder, and ground black pepper to the pan, then add a splash of water. Bring to a boil and adjust the seasoning to taste. | Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more water if the sauce is too thick. |
| 6. Combine the tempeh: Add the fried tempeh to the pan, and stir well to ensure the flavors are absorbed by the tempeh. | Let the tempeh cook in the sauce for a few minutes for maximum flavor. |
| 7. Add the red chilies and green beans: Slice the remaining two large red chilies thinly, and add them to the pan along with the green beans. Cook until the beans are tender but still slightly crisp. | Don’t overcook the green beans; they should remain vibrant and crunchy. |
| 8. Final touch: Once everything is well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then remove from heat. | Serve immediately with rice or as a side dish to your favorite meal. |
This Spicy Tempe and Green Beans dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for students or anyone looking for a quick yet nutritious meal. Enjoy the combination of crispy tempeh, vibrant green beans, and spicy, flavorful sauce.
Whether served on its own or alongside steamed rice, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation. Happy cooking!
