Tempeh mendoan is a variety of fried tempeh that hails from Purwokerto. Thin slices of tempeh—fermented soybean product—are dipped in batter that is enriched with ground coriander, sliced scallions, and garlic before they are deep-fried.
This tempeh variety is only shortly fried, creating a crispy outer layer, while the tempeh remains soft and juicy. The name of the dish stems from Banyumasan language in which mendo roughly translates as half-cooked. This tempeh is best served with sambal, other types of chili-based dips, or kecap manis—Indonesian sweet soy sauce.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Tempe orek is one of the most common ways how to prepare tempeh in Indonesia. This protein-rich soy product was invented in Indonesia, and it is commonly used as the main or additional ingredient in numerous dishes. In this version, a block of tempeh is sliced and stir-fried with the subtly sweet Indonesian soy sauce (kecap manis) and various other ingredients that typically include sliced chili peppers, onions, garlic, kefir lime leaves, galangal, tamarind juice, and palm sugar.
Tempeh is glazed and coated with the sauce, and the dish is traditionally served with steamed rice on the side.
Tempe kering is a traditional plant-based dish. It's made with tempeh, a product made from fermented soybeans. The dish is prepared by deep-frying tempeh, then mixing it with spices and palm sugar. Once fried, the tempeh is mixed with a combination of fried peanuts, shallots, garlic, galangal, and water.
This unique tempeh preparation is also suitable for vegans. If desired, it can be served with kecap manis (sweetened soy sauce) on the side.
Tempe bacem is a traditional tempeh-based dish that's usually associated with Central Java. The tempeh is marinated in coconut milk, galangal, and bay leaves, then boiled with a spice paste consisting of garlic, onions, coriander, palm sugar, and tamarind.
Once boiled, the tempeh is deep-fried in hot oil on both sides, but not too much because the texture will become dry or crunchy. Tempe bacem is usually served with hot chili peppers or steamed rice on the side.
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