Embes Embes Tempe (Tempe in Spicy Sauce)
Embark on a flavorful journey with this traditional Indonesian dish, Embes Embes Tempe. This savory and aromatic tempe dish is enriched with a blend of aromatic spices, making it the perfect addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful vegan dish or something to pair with your favorite rice, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into thick slices) | 2 packs (or 1 pack if you prefer less tempe) |
| Bird’s eye chili (optional) | 10 whole chilies |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (smashed) | 1 stalk |
| Galangal (smashed) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Sweet soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Water | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
For the spice paste:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 6 cloves |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Candlenuts (fried) | 4 nuts |
| Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp (or 1 thumb-sized turmeric) |
| Ground pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions
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Prepare the spice paste: Begin by grinding or blending the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, turmeric powder (or fresh turmeric), ground pepper, and ground coriander until a smooth paste forms. You can use a traditional stone mortar or a food processor to save time.
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Sauté the paste and herbs: In a large pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the bay leaves, lemongrass, and smashed galangal. Sauté everything together until the mixture becomes fragrant and well-cooked. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Add water and sweet soy sauce: Once the paste has cooked, pour in enough water to create a sauce base, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a boil.
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Add the tempe and chili: After the sauce begins to bubble, add the sliced tempe and whole bird’s eye chilies (if you like it spicy). Stir to coat the tempe with the sauce.
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Season to taste: Add the sweet soy sauce, salt, and sugar to balance out the flavors. Stir again to incorporate all the seasonings.
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Cook until the sauce reduces: Let the tempe cook in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the rich flavors. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces and thickens, leaving just a little bit of sauce around the tempe. This step is optional but adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
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Serve: Once everything is cooked through and the tempe is nicely seasoned, taste for seasoning adjustments, and then transfer it to a serving plate.
Serve your Embes Embes Tempe with steamed rice or enjoy it as a delicious snack on its own.
Pro Tips:
- Adjust the spice: The bird’s eye chilies can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to omit them or use fewer chilies.
- Make it vegan: This dish is naturally vegan, so feel free to enjoy it guilt-free with your favorite side dishes.
- Tempe alternatives: You can substitute tempe with tofu if you prefer, but tempe gives a more authentic flavor and texture.
Enjoy this aromatic, savory Indonesian dish that brings rich flavors straight to your plate. Embes Embes Tempe is an excellent way to savor the heartiness of tempe with a wonderful blend of spices.
