Simple Crispy Fried Tempeh
Simple Crispy Fried Tempeh is a super easy, quick, and simple side dish or snack loaded with protein. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally vegan with just a few ingredients only!
Fried tempeh is one of the most common side dishes at many Indonesian dining tables. It comes in many variations from different seasonings and cooking methods since Indonesia has a very diverse culture. This Simple Crispy Fried Tempeh is one of them, and the easiest fried tempeh recipe to begin to learn at home.
What is Simple Crispy Fried Tempeh?
Simple Crispy Fried Tempeh is basically thin tempeh slices marinated in aromatic spices and deep-fried until wonderfully fragrant and crispy. The tempeh acts as a sponge and absorbs the marinate, resulting in crispy fried tempeh that is bursting with flavors.
Serve it freshly hot as a side dish alongside rice and other dishes with Sambal Terasi Goreng (Fried Shrimp Paste Sambal) for a complete meal. Or you can also eat it as a snack instead.
This simple Indonesian tempeh recipe is nutritious, packed with protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, and 100% naturally vegan. It requires just a few ingredients only and you can easily adjust them if needed. It is easy to make and will be ready on your table in 30 minutes!
Ingredients You Need
- Tempeh – It is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form.
- Garlic – For aromatic flavor and aroma.
- Coriander seeds – The seeds have a citrusy and slight curry flavor when crushed. You can omit them if you don’t have them.
- Seasonings – Salt for taste. You can also add some bouillon to add savouriness.
How to Make
- Cut a block of tempeh into smaller pieces about 2 x 2.5-inch / 5 x 6.5 cm rectangles. Slice each rectangle thinly.
- Grind garlic and coriander seeds with mortar and pestle into a paste.
- Add the seasoning paste to a small container. Season with salt and granulated mushroom bouillon. Add a little bit of water to dissolve the seasonings. Add the remaining water and mix until combined.
- Marinated the tempeh slices in the seasoning water for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the marination process for even distribution.
- Remove tempeh from the seasoning water and shake off the excess water. Deep fry tempeh until golden brown and crispy.
- Best served hot.
Pro Tips
- Slice the tempeh thinly – The thinner the tempeh slices are, the crispier they are. If you cut them thick, they will be crispy on the outside but soft inside.
- Don’t discard the leftover seasoning water – Keep it in the fridge and you can use it again if you plan to fry some tempeh in the next few days.
- Serve fried tempeh freshly hot – It will lose crispiness after some time.
- Marinate and fry as needed – If you don’t plan to eat a block of tempeh in one sitting, just marinate and fry as many tempeh slices as you need. Store the leftover raw tempeh and seasoning water in the fridge separately. Don’t keep the raw tempeh slices in the seasoning water for too long or the tempeh will turn mushy.
Simple Crispy Fried Tempeh
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 gr) tempeh, 1 block
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp coriander seeds, optional
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated mushroom bouillon, optional
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Slice tempeh thinly – Cut a block of tempeh into smaller pieces about 2 x 2.5-inch / 5 x 6.5 cm rectangles. Slice each rectangle thinly. Set aside.
- Grind spices – Grind garlic and coriander seeds with mortar and pestle into a paste.
- Make marinate water – Add the seasoning paste to a small container. Add salt, granulated mushroom bouillon, and a little bit of water. Mix until combined with no lump. Add the remaining water and stir until well combined.
- Marinate the tempeh slices in the seasoning water for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the marination process for even distribution.
- Fry – In a large frying pan, add oil enough for deep frying. Heat oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, remove the tempeh from the seasoning water and shake off the excess water. Deep fry tempeh until golden brown and crispy or 6-7 minutes. Flip occasionally for even browning. Remove tempeh from the oil. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately. Fried tempeh is best served freshly hot or it will lose its crispness after some time.
So light and crispy! The key is to slice the tempeh as thinly as possible.
That’s right! Thank you Jessica for the feedback!