Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Tempe (Tumis Kangkung dan Tempe)
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious dish, look no further than this Indonesian classic—Tumis Kangkung dan Tempe. Packed with the earthy goodness of water spinach and the rich, savory flavor of tempeh, this stir-fry brings a wonderful balance of textures and tastes. Perfectly spiced with aromatic shallots, garlic, and chili, this dish is sure to impress and can be served with steamed rice for a fulfilling meal.

Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Water spinach (Kangkung) | 2 bunches (ikat) |
Tempe (small block) | 1 small block |
Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 4 cloves |
Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 3 cloves |
Tomato (Tomat) | 1 medium, sliced |
Large chili (Cabai Besar) | 1 large, thinly sliced |
Shrimp paste (Terasi) | To taste (optional) |
Water (for cooking) | As needed |
Cooking oil (Minyak untuk menumis) | For frying |
Salt (Garam) | To taste |
Sugar (Gula) | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing the water spinach thoroughly. Separate the leaves and stems, setting them aside. Cut the tempe into small cubes or crumble it if you prefer a finer texture. Slice the shallots, garlic, tomato, and large chili. -
Sauté the Shallots and Garlic:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a wok or a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté them until fragrant and soft. The aromatic duo will create a flavorful base for your stir-fry. -
Add the Shrimp Paste:
Once the shallots and garlic have released their beautiful aroma, add the shrimp paste (terasi). Stir the mixture until the terasi dissolves and its savory scent fills the air. -
Incorporate the Chili:
Next, toss in the thinly sliced large chili. Allow it to cook briefly with the aromatics, ensuring the heat and flavor infuse the oil. -
Add the Tempe:
Now, it’s time to add the tempe. If you’ve crumbled it, it will blend well with the other ingredients. If you’ve cubed it, it will add a heartier texture. Stir to combine and allow the tempe to absorb the flavors of the shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste. -
Add Water:
Pour in a little water to help the tempe cook and to create a slight sauce for the stir-fry. Let this simmer for a few minutes until the tempe is fully cooked and the water has reduced slightly. -
Add Water Spinach and Tomato:
Once the tempe is cooked, it’s time to add the water spinach and tomato slices. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are well coated with the delicious sauce and the kangkung begins to wilt. The spinach should cook quickly, so keep stirring to ensure it cooks evenly. -
Season to Taste:
Add sugar and salt to taste, balancing the flavors between sweet and savory. Stir everything well and let it cook for another minute or two. -
Final Taste Check:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra chili, or if you prefer a touch more sweetness, increase the sugar slightly. -
Serve:
Once the water spinach is tender and the tempe is thoroughly cooked, remove from heat. Serve your Tumis Kangkung dan Tempe hot with a side of steamed rice. Enjoy the harmony of flavors in this Indonesian stir-fry!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~250 kcal |
Protein | ~15g |
Carbohydrates | ~15g |
Fat | ~17g |
Fiber | ~4g |
Sodium | ~450mg |
Sugars | ~3g |
This dish is rich in plant-based protein from the tempe and packed with essential vitamins from the fresh water spinach and tomato. It’s a flavorful, healthy meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy the savory taste of Indonesian comfort food with Tumis Kangkung dan Tempe!