Introduction
Tempe bacem is a traditional Indonesian dish made from tempeh that has been marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a popular dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. In this article, we’ll share with you a recipe for making delicious and flavorful tempe bacem at home.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of tempeh, sliced into small pieces
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 shallots, sliced thinly
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 2 salam leaves
- 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 liter of water
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Fry the Tempeh
Preheat your frying pan with oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the sliced tempeh until it turns golden brown. Drain the tempeh and set it aside.
Step 2: Saute the Garlic and Shallots
Using the same pan, saute the minced garlic and sliced shallots until they turn fragrant and golden brown. Add in the bay leaves, lemongrass, and salam leaves. Stir fry until the aroma comes out.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add in the tamarind paste, sweet soy sauce, palm sugar, salt, and water into the pan. Mix all the ingredients well and bring the sauce to a boil.
Step 4: Add the Tempeh
Once the sauce is boiling, add in the fried tempeh and stir well. Let the tempeh cook in the sauce for about 30 minutes over low heat. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the tempeh from sticking to the pan.
Step 5: Serve
Once the tempeh is cooked and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and let it cool. Serve the tempe bacem with steamed rice or as a snack.
Nutrition
Tempeh is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber and low in fat. The sweet soy sauce and palm sugar used in the recipe add a bit of sweetness, while the tamarind paste gives it a tangy flavor. This dish is a great way to add variety to your diet and get all the benefits of tempeh.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make tempe bacem, you can enjoy this delicious and healthy dish anytime you want. The key to making it taste great is to use fresh and quality ingredients, and to cook the tempeh slowly in the sauce. Once you’ve tried this recipe, feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors to make it your own.
