Spicy Tempeh Basil Delight: Indonesian Sambel Tempe Kemangi Recipe
Sambel Tempe Kemangi: A Flavorful Tempeh and Basil Dish
Sambel Tempe Kemangi is a delightful Indonesian dish that brings together the rich flavors of tempeh, a fermented soy product, with the fresh aroma of kemangi (Indonesian basil) and a medley of spices and chilies. This vibrant dish is not only packed with nutrients but also delivers a perfect balance of heat and freshness, making it a fantastic accompaniment to any meal or a delicious stand-alone dish. Here’s how to create this culinary delight in your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 200 g |
| Kemangi (Indonesian basil) | To taste (as desired) |
| Red curly chilies | 15 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 10 pieces (to taste) |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Shallots | 3 pieces |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | 5 cm |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chicken stock powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Marinade Ingredients: | |
| Garlic (for marinade) | 3 cloves, crushed |
| Salt (for marinade) | To taste |
| Water (for marinade) | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the crushed garlic with salt and enough water to create a marinade. Mix well until the salt dissolves.
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Marinate the Tempeh: Cut the tempeh into several pieces, then immerse it in the marinade. Allow it to soak for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. For quicker preparation, you can cut the tempeh into small cubes before marinating. Drain the tempeh after marinating.
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Fry the Tempeh: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated tempeh cubes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and kencur, all sliced, until fragrant and softened. Transfer the mixture to a mortar and pestle, adding the red curly chilies, salt, and chicken stock powder. Grind the ingredients together until they are well combined, but keep the mixture slightly coarse for texture.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently mix in the fried tempeh, lightly crushing it to incorporate the spice paste. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, then add the kemangi leaves, stirring until everything is well combined.
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Serve: Your Sambel Tempe Kemangi is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm as a side dish or as a topping over rice, and savor the explosion of flavors.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
This Sambel Tempe Kemangi recipe offers a unique culinary experience that highlights the essence of Indonesian flavors, combining the nuttiness of tempeh with the fresh and fragrant notes of kemangi and spicy chilies. Ideal for those looking to explore new tastes or simply enjoy a healthy, homemade dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!
