Sweet and Hot Tempeh

Sweet and Hot Tempeh Recipe from Indonesia

Region / culture: Indonesia | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sweet and Hot Tempeh is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of tomatoes and the heat of chili peppers with the nuttiness of tempeh and peanuts. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy flavors in their meals.

History

The origins of Sweet and Hot Tempeh can be traced back to Indonesian cuisine, where tempeh is a popular ingredient. Tempeh is a traditional soy product that is made by fermenting soybeans. It has a nutty flavor and a firm texture, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

Ingredients

300 g of tempeh
100 g of peanuts
5 shallots, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 fresh chile peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
3 tomatoes
3 tbsp of chili sauce
1 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of lime juice
oil (for deep frying)

How to prepare

Cut the tempeh into thin strips and deep fry them until they become crisp and golden.
Next, fry the peanuts until they become crisp.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok and fry the garlic and shallots for 1 minute. Then, add the sliced chilies.
Continue frying for another minute, and then add the tomato, chili sauce, sugar, and salt.
Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add the fried tempeh and peanuts to the wok, and stir to coat them with the sauce.
Serve with warm rice.
Drizzle lime juice over the dish, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for added texture and nutrition.
Use different types of nuts such as cashews or almonds instead of peanuts.
Substitute tempeh with tofu or seitan for a different protein source.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the tempeh into thin strips before frying to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

- Be careful not to overcook the tempeh, as it can become tough and chewy.

- Adjust the amount of chili sauce and chilies according to your spice preference.

- Serve the dish with warm rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet and Hot Tempeh with warm rice and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying the tempeh and peanuts gives them a crispy texture and enhances their flavor.

- Stir-frying the aromatics and sauce ingredients together helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tempeh, you can use tofu or seitan as a substitute.

- Use cashews, almonds, or other nuts in place of peanuts.

- Substitute fresh chilies with chili flakes or chili paste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tempeh and peanuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to use. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet and Hot Tempeh in a colorful bowl or plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish. Garnish with fresh herbs or sliced chilies for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sweet and Hot Tempeh with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables to balance out the heat of the dish. A glass of iced tea or a cold beer would be a great beverage choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Sweet and Hot Tempeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Sweet and Hot Tempeh contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the tempeh, peanuts, tomatoes, and chili sauce. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the peanuts and the oil used for frying. Fats are important for absorbing vitamins and minerals, as well as providing energy to the body.

Proteins

Tempeh is a great source of plant-based protein, making this dish a good option for vegetarians and vegans. Peanuts also contribute to the protein content of the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and folate. Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Tempeh is high in iron and calcium.

Alergens

This dish contains peanuts and soy (from the tempeh), which are common allergens. It may also contain gluten if the chili sauce used contains wheat.

Summary

Sweet and Hot Tempeh is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Sweet and Hot Tempeh is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of sweet tomatoes, spicy chilies, and nutty tempeh and peanuts. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy it with warm rice and your favorite side dishes for a complete and flavorful dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Sweet and Hot Tempeh. It was a warm summer day, and I was wandering through a bustling market in Indonesia. The air was filled with the scent of exotic spices and fresh produce, and my senses were overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and sounds of the market.

As I meandered through the stalls, I came across a small vendor selling tempeh. I had heard of tempeh before, but had never tried it myself. Intrigued, I decided to purchase a block of the fermented soybean cake and asked the vendor for his favorite way to prepare it.

He smiled warmly and began to tell me about a recipe that he had learned from his grandmother. It involved marinating the tempeh in a sweet and spicy sauce made with soy sauce, chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. As he described the dish, I could practically taste the flavors in my mouth.

I thanked the vendor and hurried back to my kitchen, eager to recreate the delicious dish. I carefully followed the recipe, marinating the tempeh in the fragrant sauce and then pan-frying it until it was golden and crispy. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe.

I served the Sweet and Hot Tempeh to my family that evening, and it was an instant hit. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors was irresistible, and the tempeh had a satisfying chewy texture that we all loved. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household, and I made it regularly for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and cooking techniques to suit my family's tastes. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about the unique and delicious flavor of the dish.

One day, while visiting my sister in India, I had the opportunity to taste a different version of Sweet and Hot Tempeh. My sister's neighbor, a talented cook, had her own twist on the dish, incorporating local spices and ingredients to create a truly unforgettable flavor.

I watched intently as she prepared the dish, taking notes and asking questions about her cooking techniques. She generously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly added it to my collection of treasured recipes.

Over the years, I continued to learn new recipes and techniques from friends, family, and even strangers I met while traveling. Each dish I encountered became a part of my culinary repertoire, a piece of my personal history that I cherished and shared with others.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me as a cook. I am proud to carry on the tradition of sharing delicious food with those I love, passing down recipes and stories from generation to generation.

And as I take a bite of the Sweet and Hot Tempeh that I have prepared for dinner tonight, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.