Tempe Penyet Sambal Bawang: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Tempe Penyet Sambal Bawang is a delectable Indonesian dish that brings together the earthiness of tempeh with the bold flavors of sambal (a spicy chili paste) and aromatic spices. This dish is a true comfort food that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. The tempeh is marinated in a savory spice blend before being fried to a perfect golden crisp. It’s then smothered with a vibrant sambal made from fiery chili peppers and fragrant garlic, creating a balance of spicy, salty, and savory flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Here’s how you can recreate this popular dish at home.
Ingredients:
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Tempeh (cut into portions) | 1 block (papan tempe potong) |
Garlic (peeled) | 1 clove (bawang putih) |
Coriander powder (ground) | 1 tsp (sdt ketumbar) |
Salt | To taste (secukupnya garam) |
Water | A little (sedikit air) |
For the sambal | |
Bird’s eye chilies (rawit) | 20 pcs |
Garlic (peeled) | 6 cloves (bawang putih) |
Sugar | To taste (secukupnya gula) |
Salt | To taste (secukupnya garam) |
Cooking oil (for frying) | As needed (minyak untuk menggoreng) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tempe:
- First, blend the garlic, coriander powder, and salt into a smooth paste. Add a splash of water to help achieve a finer texture.
- Coat the cut pieces of tempeh with this spice paste. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated tempeh until they turn golden and crispy. Once fried, set the tempe aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
-
Make the Sambal:
- Heat oil in a separate pan. Fry the bird’s eye chilies and garlic until fragrant and softened, but not burnt.
- Once fried, grind the chili and garlic mixture in a mortar and pestle or food processor, adding sugar and salt to taste. Continue grinding until the sambal reaches a smooth consistency. If desired, add a bit of the oil used for frying to help the sambal mix together more easily.
-
Assemble the Tempe Penyet:
- Place the fried tempeh onto the sambal and gently press it down (penyet) with the back of a spoon or pestle. This process allows the tempeh to absorb the bold sambal flavor.
- Stir the tempeh and sambal together so that they are well combined.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Tempe Penyet warm alongside steaming white rice, and fresh accompaniments such as cucumber slices, bean sprouts, tomatoes, and fried fish (bandeng goreng).
- Enjoy the spicy, savory tempeh sambal with the added crunch and freshness of the side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Tempe Substitution: If you can’t find tempeh, you can use tofu as a substitute, though it will provide a slightly different texture.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of bird’s eye chilies in the sambal and add more garlic for a balanced taste.
- Side Dishes: Along with fresh vegetables like cucumber and bean sprouts, you can serve fried fish or fried chicken for extra protein.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 250-300 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Protein | 12g |
Fat | 12g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sodium | 600mg |
Sugars | 3g |
Enjoy a taste of Indonesia with this easy and flavorful recipe! Tempe Penyet Sambal Bawang is perfect for anyone looking to try a traditional dish that’s rich in flavor, yet simple to prepare.