This Tempe Kecap Pedas Manis Sederhana is a delightful Indonesian dish that beautifully balances the savory and sweet flavors with a hint of spiciness. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this recipe will introduce you to the comforting taste of tempeh combined with aromatic spices and sweet soy sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 board (approximately 200 grams) |
| Curly red chili (cabe keriting) | 4 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili (rawit) | 7 pieces (adjust to taste) |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 4 pieces |
| Salam leaf (daun salam) | 1 leaf |
| Kaffir lime leaf (daun jeruk) | 1 leaf |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 2 cm piece |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
| Vegetable oil (minyak sayur) | 7 tablespoons |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Royco seasoning | To taste |
| Water | 3 tablespoons |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh:
- Start by cutting the tempeh into cubes. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the tempeh until it is half-cooked, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Once done, remove the tempeh from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel or a wire rack. Transfer the tempeh to a bowl.
-
Make the Spice Paste:
- In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, combine the curly red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, salt, and sugar. Grind or blend these ingredients until they form a smooth paste. After blending, crush the galangal and add it to the mixture.
-
Sauté the Paste:
- In the same frying pan, reduce the heat to low and add the ground spice mixture along with the crushed galangal, salam leaf, and kaffir lime leaf. Stir and sauté the mixture gently until fragrant and well-cooked.
-
Combine with Tempeh:
- Add the fried tempeh to the sautéed spice mixture. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the tempeh is well-coated with the spices. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or Royco seasoning as desired.
-
Add Sweet Soy Sauce:
- Pour in the sweet soy sauce according to your taste preference, and then add the water. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Serve:
- Your Tempe Kecap Pedas Manis Sederhana is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with steamed rice or as a side dish to your favorite Indonesian meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Indonesian flavors and offers a satisfying meal option that is simple to prepare. Enjoy the harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory tastes with every bite!