Tahu Kecap: A Flavorful Indonesian Tofu Delight
Tahu Kecap is a delicious and vibrant Indonesian dish that perfectly marries the flavors of tofu with a sweet soy sauce, enriched with crunchy vegetables and topped with a delightful crunch from peanuts. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tahu Putih (Tofu) | 200 grams |
| Taoge Pendek (Bean Sprouts) | 50 grams |
| Seledri (Celery) | 50 grams |
| Bawang Goreng (Fried Shallots) | 50 grams |
| Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce) | 4 tablespoons |
| Bawang Merah (Shallots) | 2 cloves |
| Bawang Putih (Garlic) | 1 clove |
| Cabai Rawit (Bird’s Eye Chili) | 8 (to taste) |
| Garam (Salt) | 1 teaspoon |
| Minyak Goreng (Cooking Oil) | As needed |
| Kacang Tanah (Peanuts) | 100 grams |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Total Fat | 18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 18 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tofu: Start by cutting the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Heat a pan with a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the tofu pieces until they are golden and cooked through but still soft in the center. Remove the tofu from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the chopped shallots and garlic until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Once sautéed, transfer them to a mortar and pestle (or a food processor) along with salt and bird’s eye chilies. Grind the mixture into a smooth paste.
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Combine Tofu with Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the fried tofu with the ground mixture. Add the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring all tofu pieces are well-coated with the sauce.
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Prepare the Garnish: In a separate pan, dry-fry the peanuts until they are golden brown and crunchy. Allow them to cool slightly, then coarsely chop them. Chop the celery into thin slices as well.
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Serve the Dish: To serve, place the tofu mixture on a serving plate. Top it with the fried peanuts, sliced celery, and fresh bean sprouts. Finally, sprinkle the dish generously with fried shallots for an added crunch and flavor.
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Enjoy: This dish is best enjoyed warm and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal. Dive into this delightful explosion of flavors and textures with each bite of Tahu Kecap!
Conclusion
Tahu Kecap is a delightful, savory dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine with its combination of sweet soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and the satisfying crunch of peanuts. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making this dish and relish every moment as you share it with your loved ones!
