Indonesian Sambal Goreng
This amazing Indonesia-inspired sambal goreng features pan-fried tempeh and tofu cooked in a vibrant chili paste. It is flavorful, mildly spicy, and incredibly delicious. A protein-rich and wholesome meal best served with a side of rice.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 249kcal
Ingredients
For chili paste
- 2 stalk lemongrass
- 2-4 chilies deseed to reduce heat
- 1 medium red onion roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
Other ingredients
- ½ block tofu drained, pressed and cubed (200g/7oz)
- 1 block tempeh cubed (225g/8oz)
- 1 cup grean beans cut into 2 inches pieces (150g/5oz)
- ½ cup coconut milk (125ml)
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste optional, but highly recommended
- 2 teaspoon kecap manis *
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Preparing lemongrass – remove the tough outer layer until you reach the tender inner white core.2 stalk lemongrass
- In a food processor, add all ingredients needed for sambal. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrap down the sides. You might need to add a splash of water if the mixture is not blending well.2-4 chilies, 1 medium red onion, 3 cloves garlic
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange in 1 layer, then pan-fry tofu and tempeh for 2-3 minutes on each side or until most sides are golden. Set aside.½ block tofu, 1 block tempeh
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, and add your chili paste. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add coconut milk, kecap manis, and tamarind paste to the pan. Once the mixture starts to simmer, toss in pan-fried tofu, tempeh, and green beans.1 cup grean beans, ½ cup coconut milk, 1 teaspoon tamarind paste, 2 teaspoon kecap manis
- Simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the green beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Give it a taste, adding salt to taste. You sambal goreng is ready to be served.salt
Notes
*Kecap manis - A sweetened soy sauce that is popular in Indonesian cooking. You can replace it with 1 tablespoon soy sauce + 1 teaspoon sugar.
Helpful tips
- Adjusting the spice level - This version of sambal goreng is mildly spicy. If you like it to be extra spicy, I recommend adding more chilies to your chili paste.
- Use a large pan or wok - This is to ensure that the ingredients are evenly cooked and also to prevent them from leaping out of the pan when tossing.
- Storing leftovers - Leftover sambal goreng can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Feel free to add a splash of water during reheating if the mixture seems dry.
Nutrition
Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg
