Tempe Tahu Bacem (Sweet Soy Braised Tempe and Tofu)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe | 1 block (cut into large cubes) |
| Firm Tofu | 5 pieces (cut into large cubes) |
| For Spice Paste | |
| Shallots | 7 cloves |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Candlenuts | 4 pieces |
| Additional Spices | |
| Palm Sugar (grated) | 2 pieces (or crushed) |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk (bruised) |
| Galangal | 1 piece (bruised) |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 2 leaves (remove the center vein) |
| Bay Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Sweet Soy Sauce | To taste |
| Oyster Sauce | To taste |
| Royco Seasoning (or other seasoning) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
In a blender or mortar, combine the shallots, garlic, and candlenuts, and blend into a smooth paste. -
-
Sauté the Paste:
In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. This will help release the essential oils and aroma from the spices. -
Add Additional Ingredients:
To the pan, add the palm sugar, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine with the sautéed spice paste. -
Season the Mixture:
Pour in the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, Royco seasoning, and salt. Stir everything together until well-mixed. -
Simmer the Broth:
Add about 3 cups of water to the pan, enough to submerge the tempe and tofu. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. -
Add Tempe and Tofu:
Once the broth is boiling, add the cubed tempe and tofu into the pan. Stir gently to ensure the tempe and tofu are evenly coated in the flavorful broth. -
Simmer Until Liquid is Absorbed:
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the tempe and tofu have absorbed all the flavors. The tempe and tofu should be nicely caramelized and sticky. -
Final Step – Fry:
After the braising process is complete, your tempe and tofu bacem are ready to be fried for a crispy, golden texture, if desired. Simply heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
This Tempe Tahu Bacem is a delicious Indonesian-style braised tempe and tofu dish, infused with rich flavors from sweet soy sauce, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar. Serve it on its own or as a side dish to complement your main meal. Enjoy!
