Stir-Fried Water Spinach and Tempe
This delightful and flavorful stir-fried water spinach with tempe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the savory goodness of tempe, the freshness of water spinach, and the delicate taste of seafood or chicken. Quick to prepare, it’s an ideal option for a busy weeknight meal. Let’s dive into this easy recipe, perfect for those looking for a burst of Indonesian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water spinach (Kangkung) | 1 bunch, cleaned |
| Tempe (fermented soy cake) | ½ block, cut into matchsticks |
| Octopus/Squid/Chicken | 100 grams, cut into small pieces |
| Garlic cloves | 2, finely chopped |
| Shallots | 2, finely chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
While the tempe is frying, gather and prepare the remaining ingredients. Clean the water spinach (Kangkung) and cut it into manageable pieces. Slice the tempe into thin strips, and prepare your choice of seafood (octopus, squid) or chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Set everything aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and garlic to the pan, and sauté them until fragrant and slightly golden brown. This should take around 2 minutes, releasing the lovely aroma of the garlic and shallots. -
Cook the Seafood or Chicken:
Add the small pieces of octopus, squid, or chicken to the pan, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until the proteins are lightly browned and cooked through. -
Add the Tempe:
Toss the fried tempe into the pan and stir-fry for another minute. The tempe will absorb the flavors of the garlic and shallots while gaining a nice, golden-brown texture. -
Toss the Kangkung:
Next, add the tougher stems (or “batang”) of the water spinach first. Stir-fry for about 25 seconds to allow them to soften slightly. Afterward, add the leafy parts of the kangkung (water spinach) and stir-fry for an additional 15 seconds. -
Season and Finish:
Season the stir-fry with salt, and give everything a final toss to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overcook the water spinach, as you want to preserve its vibrant green color and tender texture. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and transfer the stir-fry to a serving bowl. This step helps prevent the kangkung from wilting too much and turning dark. Serve the stir-fry immediately while it’s still fresh and vibrant.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Tips for Serving:
- Serve this dish with a steaming bowl of rice for a well-rounded meal.
- For a more substantial dish, add extra chicken or a fried egg on top.
- Pair with sambal or your favorite Indonesian chili paste for a spicy kick.
This Stir-Fried Water Spinach and Tempe dish is not only simple to make but bursting with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your weekday dinner rotation. The combination of tempe, water spinach, and your choice of seafood or chicken delivers both texture and taste in every bite!
