Tempe Bacem Recipe
Tempe Bacem is a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases the unique flavor of tempeh, marinated and then fried to perfection. This traditional recipe offers a perfect blend of spices and sweetness, making it an irresistible addition to your meals. Let’s embark on this culinary journey to create a savory, sweet, and aromatic Tempe Bacem that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium-sized tempeh, cut to your preference | 2 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 6 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 4 cloves |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | ½ teaspoon |
| Brown sugar, finely chopped (gula merah) | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar (gula pasir) | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt (garam) | 1 teaspoon |
| Oyster sauce (saus tiram) | ½ tablespoon |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salam leaves (daun salam) | 3 leaves |
| Galangal, crushed (laos/lengkuas) | 3 cm |
| Water | 500 ml |
| Cooking oil for frying | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
Begin by finely grinding the shallots, garlic, and coriander together using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. This aromatic blend will serve as the foundation for your Tempe Bacem’s flavor. -
-
Combine Ingredients:
In a large frying pan or skillet, arrange the cut tempeh pieces. Add the ground spice paste to the pan, followed by the brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, salam leaves, crushed galangal, and water. Stir all the ingredients well to ensure that the tempeh is coated evenly with the marinade. -
Cook the Tempeh:
Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the tempeh for about 15-20 minutes, allowing it to soak up all the flavors. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure that the marinade distributes evenly throughout the tempeh. -
Taste and Adjust:
After the tempeh has cooked and absorbed the flavors, taste the marinade. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more sugar, salt, or soy sauce as desired. -
Fry the Tempeh:
Once the tempeh has marinated and is flavorful, heat oil in a separate frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the marinated tempeh pieces to the hot oil. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Flip the tempeh to ensure even cooking. -
Serve:
Once fried, remove the tempeh from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve your delicious Tempe Bacem warm, garnished with additional salam leaves or sliced chili if desired. Enjoy this dish with steamed rice and your favorite vegetable sides for a complete meal!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Conclusion
Tempe Bacem is not just a dish; it is an experience that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine, combining flavors that are both savory and sweet. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as part of a festive spread, this recipe is a wonderful way to introduce the rich flavors of tempeh into your home cooking. Enjoy this delightful dish with loved ones, and savor every bite of your homemade Tempe Bacem!
