Fried tempeh is a popular Indonesian dish known for its crispy texture and nutty flavor. This versatile dish can be served as a snack, side dish, or even as a main course. Below, you'll find a detailed recipe, including ingredients, preparation steps, tips, variations, and nutritional information. Let's get started!
Ingredients
- 200 grams of tempeh
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 ml water
- Cooking oil for frying
Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the Tempeh
- Slice the Tempeh: Cut the Tempeh into thin slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Marinate the Tempeh: In a bowl, combine the garlic, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, and salt. Grind them into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or blender. Add water to the paste to create a marinade. Soak the tempeh slices in the marinade for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Frying the Tempeh
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough cooking oil into a frying pan to submerge the tempeh slices. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Tempeh: Carefully place the marinated tempeh slices into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the Tempeh: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried tempeh from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Serving the Tempeh
- Serve Hot: Arrange the fried tempeh on a serving plate. They can be enjoyed hot and fresh.
- Accompaniments: Serve with sambal (Indonesian chili sauce), soy sauce, or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Fried Tempeh
- Uniform Slices: Ensure the tempeh slices are uniform in thickness to cook evenly.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature for evenly fried tempeh.
- Marination: Marinate for at least 20 minutes but longer marination (up to 1 hour) will impart more flavor.
- Drain Well: Let the tempeh drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
Variations
- Spicy Fried Tempeh: Add chili powder or sliced fresh chilies to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Soy Tempeh: After frying, toss the tempeh in a mixture of sweet soy sauce and garlic for a delicious glaze.
- Tempeh with Herbs: Incorporate finely chopped herbs like basil or coriander into the marinade for added aroma and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per 100g Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion
Fried tempeh is a delicious and nutritious dish that's easy to prepare. Its crispy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for many. Whether you're enjoying it as a snack or part of a meal, fried tempeh is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Experiment with different marinades and accompaniments to discover your favorite variation. Happy cooking!
