Indonesian Tempeh Manis in Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce

Name: Indonesian Tempeh Manis in Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Tempeh; Vegetable oil; Kecap manis (sweet soy sauce); Soy sauce; Tamarind paste; Sugar; Garlic, minced; Red chili, sliced; Water; Onion, sliced; Ginger, minced; Lemongrass stalk, smashed; Kaffir lime leaves; Fresh coriander leaves; Sliced green onions

A Classic Indonesian Comfort Dish

Enjoy this delightful Indonesian dish of tempeh, simmered to perfection in a spicy and sweet soy sauce infused with aromatic spices.

45 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Tempeh

Tempeh

300g, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetable oil

2 tbsp

For the Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce

Kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)

3 tbsp

Soy sauce

2 tbsp

Tamarind paste

1 tbsp

Sugar

1 tbsp

Garlic, minced

2 cloves

Red chili, sliced

Water

100 ml

For the Aromatics

Onion, sliced

Ginger, minced

2 cm

Lemongrass stalk, smashed

Kaffir lime leaves

For the Garnish

Fresh coriander leaves

Sliced green onions

Preparation

Preparing the Tempeh

Heat the oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.

Fry the tempeh

Add the tempeh cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides.

Use a non-stick pan to prevent the tempeh from sticking.

Drain excess oil

Remove from pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Making the Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce

Combine ingredients

In a bowl, mix kecap manis, soy sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, garlic, chili, and water until combined.

Be careful about tamarind paste as it can overpower the dish.

Adjust seasoning

Taste and adjust sweetness or spiciness as desired.

Set aside

Set aside for later use.

Cooking Process

Cooking the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat a small amount of oil and add onions, ginger, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Cook until onions are soft.

Combining the Sauce

Pour the spicy sweet soy sauce into the pan with aromatics; bring to a simmer.

Simmer on low-medium heat.

Finishing the Tempeh

Add the fried tempeh cubes to the simmering sauce, coating evenly, and let it cook through for 5-7 minutes.

Simmer until the sauce thickens and clings to the tempeh.

Plating & Serving