Indonesian tempe recipes

Spicy Tempe Penyet: Crispy Indonesian Tempeh with Fiery Sambal

Published
Oct 15, 2024
Reading time
3 min
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Tempe Penyet is a beloved Indonesian dish that showcases tempeh’s versatility and delightful flavor, complemented by a spicy sambal sauce. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great source of plant-based protein. Whether you’re looking to explore new culinary horizons or simply want to enjoy a warm and hearty meal, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive into the details of preparing this delightful dish, complete with a rich sambal that packs a punch.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Tempe 2 pieces
Spices for Fried Tempeh (Bumbu Halus)
– Garlic (Bawang Putih) 2 cloves
– Coriander (Ketumbar) To taste
– Salt (Garam) To taste
Spices for Sambal (Bumbu Halus Sambal)
– Large Red Chilies (Cabai Merah Besar) 6 pieces
– Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabai Rawit) 9 pieces
– Shallots (Bawang Merah) 4 cloves
– Garlic (Bawang Putih) 3 cloves
– Salt (Garam) To taste
– Sugar (Gula) To taste
– Shrimp Paste (Terasi ABC) 1 packet
Cooking Oil (Minyak) For frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spice Mix for Fried Tempeh:

    • Begin by blending the garlic, coriander, and salt together to form a smooth paste. You can add a little water to achieve a better consistency if necessary.
  2. Marinate the Tempeh:

    • Slice the tempeh according to your preference, whether in thick pieces or thin slices. Once cut, immerse the tempeh in the prepared spice mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for a few moments to absorb the flavors.
  3. Fry the Tempeh:

    • Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the marinated tempeh and fry until golden brown and crispy. The aroma of fried tempeh will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to enjoy your meal.
  4. Prepare the Sambal:

    • In a separate pan, heat some oil and add the shallots, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies. Sauté until fragrant and the chilies are tender.
    • Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a mortar and pestle (or food processor) and grind it into a fine paste. Add the shrimp paste, sugar, salt, and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
  5. Combine and Serve:

    • Once the sambal is ready, take the fried tempeh and gently press (or “penyet”) it into the sambal, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
    • Serve the Tempe Penyet hot, garnished with additional sambal on the side if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories Approx. 250
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Fat 15 g
Sodium Varies

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your Tempe Penyet Hot while it’s warm, and savor the delightful combination of crispy tempeh and the fiery, flavorful sambal. This dish is perfect for anyone seeking a hearty meal infused with traditional Indonesian flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking and selamat mencoba (happy trying)!