Authentic Indonesian Sweet Soy Granules (Kering Tempeh)

Kering Tempeh, also known as Indonesian Sweet Soy Granules, is a flavorful and crunchy dish made from tempeh, a traditional Indonesian soy product. This dish perfectly balances the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, making it an excellent vegetarian side dish or snack.

Ingredients:
– 250 grams of tempeh, cut into small thin strips
– 3 tablespoons of Indonesian sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
– 1 tablespoon of tamarind juice
– 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
– 3 shallots, thinly sliced
– 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for spice)
– 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (terasi), optional for flavor depth
– 2 tablespoons of palm sugar, grated
– 3 kaffir lime leaves
– Salt to taste
– 200 ml of vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:
1. Preparation: Begin by cutting the tempeh into small, thin strips. It is important to make them uniform for even frying.

2. Frying the Tempeh: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the tempeh strips until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove the tempeh from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

3. Sauce Preparation: In a different pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, shallots, and red chili. Sauté until they are fragrant and slightly caramelized.

4. Adding the Flavor: Add the shrimp paste (if using) to the pan and stir to combine. Pour in the sweet soy sauce, tamarind juice, and sprinkle the grated palm sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce slightly thickens.

5. Combining Ingredients: Add the fried tempeh back into the pan along with the kaffir lime leaves and salt to taste. Stir well to ensure that the tempeh is coated evenly with the sauce.

6. Final Touch: Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Serving: Remove the kaffir lime leaves before serving. Kering Tempeh can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s great as a side dish or a crunchy snack.

This dish not only brings authentic Indonesian flavors to your table, but it also highlights tempeh’s versatility and nutritional value as a plant-based protein source. Enjoy this delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy tastes!