Stir-Fried Tempe (Tumis Tempe)
If you’re craving a simple yet delicious Indonesian dish, Tumis Tempe is a great option to try. Tempe, a fermented soybean cake, is stir-fried with aromatic spices and a touch of sweet soy sauce for a savory-sweet combination that is sure to please your taste buds. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a side dish or even a main course when served with steamed rice.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (small size, diced) | 2 pieces |
| Red chili peppers (sliced) | 3 pieces |
| Green chili peppers (sliced) | 3 pieces |
| Shallots (sliced) | 3 cloves |
| Garlic (sliced) | 2 cloves |
| Tomato (sliced) | 1/2 piece |
| Bay leaves | 1 piece |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | to taste |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Cooking oil | for frying and sautéing |
| Water | a little |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tempe:
Begin by cutting the tempe into small dice-sized pieces. Heat enough oil in a pan to fry the tempe. Once hot, fry the tempe pieces until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, use a bit of oil to sauté the sliced shallots, garlic, red and green chilies, and bay leaves. Stir-fry the mixture until fragrant and the shallots turn translucent, releasing their rich, aromatic flavors. -
Combine Tempe and Season:
Add the fried tempe back into the pan with the sautéed spices. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring the tempe is well-coated in the flavors of the aromatics. -
Add Tomato and Sweet Soy Sauce:
Toss in the sliced tomato and stir gently. Add a small amount of water to loosen the mixture and cook the tomatoes slightly. Next, pour in a splash of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), followed by 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir to combine all the ingredients well. -
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the dish and, if needed, adjust with more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce to deepen the flavor. -
Serve:
Once the dish is well-combined and the flavors have melded, remove from heat. Serve the Tumis Tempe hot with steamed white rice for a delicious meal.
This dish brings together the earthiness of tempe with the vibrant and spicy flavors typical of Indonesian cuisine. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be easily prepared on any busy day.
