Tempe Kecap: A Delicious Indonesian Tempe Dish
Tempe Kecap, a flavorful dish from Indonesia, is a simple yet satisfying meal that balances the richness of tempe with aromatic spices and sweet soy sauce. The crispy tempe is sautéed with fragrant garlic, shallots, and chilies, then infused with a savory-sweet kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Perfect for a quick meal or a delicious side dish, this recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed with steamed rice or as a topping for noodles.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe (large, cut into slices) | 2 large boards (papan) |
| Shallots (sliced) | 6 cloves |
| Garlic (sliced) | 4 cloves |
| Lemongrass (cut into pieces) | 1 stalk |
| Kaffir lime leaves (torn) | 1 leaf |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried red chilies (sliced) | 4 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (sliced) | 7 pieces |
| Sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis) | 2 tbsp |
| Water | As needed (for cooking) |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1. | Slice the shallots, garlic, dried red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies. Set aside. |
| 2. | Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a pan, and fry the tempe slices until golden brown and crispy, according to your preference (half-cooked or fully cooked). Drain the fried tempe and set aside. |
| 3. | In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, and sauté the shallots, garlic, dried red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant and slightly softened. |
| 4. | Add the fried tempe to the pan and toss gently to combine with the sautéed spices. |
| 5. | Pour in a little water to create a base for the sauce, then add the kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. |
| 6. | Let the dish simmer for a few minutes, allowing the tempe to absorb the sauce and flavors. Wait until the liquid is reduced and slightly absorbed into the tempe. |
| 7. | Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Once the sauce has thickened and the tempe is well-coated, the dish is ready to serve. |
Tips for Serving
Tempe Kecap pairs beautifully with steaming white rice, but can also be served with noodles or as part of a larger Indonesian-inspired meal. This dish also works well as a vegetarian protein source in a balanced meal. Enjoy!
