Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Tempeh: Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Tempeh (No MSG)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1/2 small block tempeh (adjust according to preference)
- 7 orange Thai chilies (cabe rawit or “cabe setan”)
- 2 large red chilies (cabe merah or “lombok merah”)
- 2 green chilies (cabe hijau or “lombok ijo”)
- 1 candlenut (kemiri)
- 5 shallots (bawang merah)
- 2 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap bangau)
- 1/2 small piece ginger (jahe)
- 1 bay leaf (daun salam)
- A little oil for sautéing
- Water as needed
- A pinch of granulated sugar
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by blanching the chicken pieces in boiling water with a crushed piece of ginger to eliminate any raw odor. Once cooked, set the chicken aside. -
Prepare the Ingredients:
Slice the shallots and green chilies. Dice the tempeh into small cubes.Related Articles -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, candlenut, orange Thai chilies, red chilies, salt, and ground black pepper. Blend until smooth. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a little oil in a pan. Once hot, add the sliced shallots and green chilies. Sauté until the shallots turn golden brown. -
Cook the Spice Paste:
Add the prepared spice paste and bay leaf to the pan. Continue to cook until the spices release their aroma. -
Adjust Consistency:
Pour in a small amount of water to prevent the spices from drying out and sticking to the pan. -
Add Chicken and Tempeh:
Incorporate the blanched chicken pieces and diced tempeh into the pan. Stir well to coat with the spice mixture. -
Season the Dish:
Add sweet soy sauce and a pinch of granulated sugar to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness and spiciness. -
Simmer and Finalize:
Allow the dish to simmer until the flavors meld and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. -
Serve:
Once the dish is ready and the flavors are well balanced, turn off the heat. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade sweet and spicy chicken with tempeh.
This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice without the use of MSG, providing a flavorful and wholesome meal.







