Tempe bacem is a traditional Indonesian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by marinating tempeh in a sweet and savory sauce, resulting in a delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this review, we will explore the art of making tempe bacem, including the ingredients, techniques, and tips for creating the perfect dish.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, learning how to make tempe bacem is a great way to expand your culinary skills. With its rich flavors and unique texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, let's dive in and explore the world of tempe bacem!
Ingredients
The first step in making tempe bacem is gathering all of the necessary ingredients. The main ingredient, of course, is tempeh. You can find tempeh at most Asian grocery stores or health food stores. Other ingredients include:
Sweet Soy Sauce
Sweet soy sauce is a key ingredient in tempe bacem. It is a thick, dark sauce that is made by boiling soy sauce and palm sugar together. The result is a sweet and slightly salty sauce that is perfect for marinating tempeh. You can find sweet soy sauce at most Asian grocery stores.
Aromatics
Aromatics such as garlic, shallots, and ginger are essential in creating the rich flavors of tempe bacem. These ingredients are finely chopped and sautéed in a pan before being added to the sauce.
Spices
Spices such as bay leaves, star anise, and cinnamon are also added to the sauce to give it a unique flavor profile. These spices are typically added whole and removed before serving.
Technique
Once you have gathered all of the necessary ingredients, it's time to start making tempe bacem. The first step is to cut the tempeh into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. Next, sauté the aromatics in a pan until they are fragrant. Then, add the sweet soy sauce and spices to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the sauce is boiling, add the tempeh to the pan and stir until it is fully coated in the sauce. Lower the heat and let the tempeh simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the tempeh simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let the tempeh cool in the sauce. Once it is cool, you can either serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later. Tempe bacem can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with rice.
Tips for Perfecting Tempe Bacem
Use Fresh Tempeh
When making tempe bacem, it is important to use fresh tempeh. Fresh tempeh will have a mild, nutty flavor and a firm texture. If the tempeh is old or stale, it will have a bitter taste and a soft texture.
Adjust the Sweetness
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness. If you prefer your tempe bacem to be sweeter, you can add more palm sugar to the sauce. If you prefer it to be less sweet, you can reduce the amount of palm sugar.
Let it Marinate
The longer you let the tempeh marinate in the sauce, the more flavorful it will become. If possible, let the tempeh marinate overnight in the refrigerator before cooking it.
Variations
Spicy Tempe Bacem
If you like spicy food, you can add chili peppers or sambal oelek to the sauce to give it some heat. You can also add a bit of vinegar to the sauce to balance out the sweetness.
Lemon Tempe Bacem
If you want to add a bit of tanginess to your tempe bacem, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. This will give it a bright, fresh flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the sauce.
Coconut Milk Tempe Bacem
If you want to make a creamier version of tempe bacem, you can add coconut milk to the sauce. This will give it a rich, velvety texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
Tofu Bacem
If you are not a fan of tempeh, you can make a similar dish using tofu instead. Simply cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and follow the same recipe for tempe bacem.
Conclusion
Tempe bacem is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer it sweet, spicy, or tangy, there are endless variations to suit your taste. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this review, you can create the perfect tempe bacem every time.
| Ingredients: | Tempeh, sweet soy sauce, garlic, shallots, ginger, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon. |
| Technique: | Cut tempeh, sauté aromatics, add sweet soy sauce and spices, add tempeh, simmer for 30 minutes, let cool in sauce. |
| Tips: | Use fresh tempeh, adjust sweetness to taste, let it marinate. |
| Variations: | Spicy tempe bacem, lemon tempe bacem, coconut milk tempe bacem, tofu bacem. |