Tempe Masak Kecap: A Savory and Sweet Tempe Dish
Tempe, a beloved soy-based product from Indonesia, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various delicious dishes. One of the most popular ways to prepare tempe is by simmering it in a flavorful blend of sweet soy sauce, spices, and herbs, creating a rich and aromatic dish called Tempe Masak Kecap. This recipe brings together the earthy taste of tempe with the sweetness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), the warmth of garlic and shallots, and the heat of chili peppers. The addition of brown sugar and tamarind gives it a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, making it a mouthwatering side dish or a main for a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into desired size) | 1/2 block |
| Shallots (thinly sliced) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 5 cloves |
| Galangal (crushed) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Red curly chili (sliced on a bias) | 4 chilies |
| Large green chili (sliced on a bias) | 2 chilies |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 2 tbsp |
| Sambal sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| White sugar | 1/2 tbsp |
| Tamarind water | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Ground coriander | 1 tsp |
| Mushroom powder (optional) | to taste |
| Water | 100 ml |
| Fried shallots (for garnish) | as needed |
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the tempe | Heat oil in a pan and fry the tempe pieces until they are golden brown and partially cooked. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels. |
| 2. Sauté the aromatics | In the same pan, sauté the shallots, garlic, galangal, and bay leaves until they become fragrant and aromatic. |
| 3. Add the tempe | Add the fried tempe into the pan with the sautéed aromatics. |
| 4. Season the dish | Stir in the red curly chili and green chili slices. Add the sweet soy sauce, sambal sauce, brown sugar, white sugar, tamarind water, salt, black pepper, coriander powder, and mushroom powder. Mix well to ensure the tempe is coated in the seasoning. |
| 5. Simmer the dish | Add 100 ml of water and let the dish simmer on low heat. Cook until the liquid reduces and the sauce is thick, allowing the flavors to meld and soak into the tempe. |
| 6. Serve | Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fried shallots and serve your Tempe Masak Kecap with steamed rice or as a side dish for a delightful Indonesian-inspired meal. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~10 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
| Fiber | ~5 g |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
Tempe Masak Kecap is a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for those looking to try authentic Indonesian cuisine at home. The combination of aromatic spices, sweet soy sauce, and savory tempe creates a satisfying and wholesome dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
