Tahu Tempe Bacem (Sweet Soy Braised Tofu and Tempe)
Tahu Tempe Bacem is a classic Indonesian dish that combines tofu and tempeh, which are braised in a flavorful, sweet-savory sauce made from a blend of aromatic spices, palm sugar, and soy sauce. The result is a tender and delicious dish that can be served on its own or paired with steamed rice. This recipe brings together traditional flavors with a simple cooking method, perfect for both experienced and novice cooks looking to explore Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (cut into rectangular pieces) | 1 block (approximately 200g) |
| White Tofu (cut into rectangular pieces) | 1 pack (5 pieces) |
| Spice Paste | |
| Garlic (peeled) | 5 cloves |
| Shallots (peeled) | 7 cloves |
| Candlenuts | 3 nuts |
| Additional Ingredients | |
| Palm Sugar (crushed) | 1.5 pieces (about 100g) |
| Galangal (crushed) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis) | To taste (approximately 4 tbsp) |
| Beef or Vegetable Bouillon (Masako) | To taste (1 tsp) |
| Sugar | To taste (about 1 tbsp) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 1 glass (approximately 200ml) |
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start by preparing the spice paste: Blend the garlic, shallots, and candlenuts in a food processor or mortar until smooth. |
| 2 | Heat a dry pan over medium heat and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. |
| 3 | Once the paste becomes aromatic, add the crushed galangal and palm sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine. |
| 4 | Season the mixture by adding sweet soy sauce, bouillon, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined. |
| 5 | Pour in about 1 glass of water (or enough to cover the tofu and tempe) and let the sauce come to a gentle boil. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. |
| 6 | Add the tofu and tempe pieces into the pan, ensuring they are well immersed in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low. |
| 7 | Cover the pan and allow the tofu and tempe to simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the sauce has thickened. This should take about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. |
| 8 | Once the water has evaporated and the tofu and tempe are well coated with the caramelized sauce, remove from heat. |
| 9 | The tofu and tempe bacem are now ready to be fried. Heat some oil in a frying pan and fry the braised tofu and tempe pieces until golden and crispy on the outside. |
| 10 | Serve hot as a side dish with steamed rice, or enjoy as a snack with sambal or your favorite dipping sauce. |
Tips for the Perfect Tahu Tempe Bacem:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of palm sugar or sweet soy sauce.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the tofu and tempe in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply fry them before serving.
- For extra richness: Add a little coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy touch.
Tahu Tempe Bacem is a beloved comfort food that embodies the flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The combination of sweet soy sauce, aromatic spices, and the natural nuttiness of tempe and tofu make this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for any meal or gathering.
