Sugar-Free Tempe Bacem
Discover the wholesome and flavorful charm of Sugar-Free Tempe Bacem, a healthier twist on an Indonesian classic. This recipe swaps traditional sweeteners with the natural sweetness of coconut water, creating a guilt-free yet deeply satisfying dish. Tempeh is simmered to perfection in a fragrant blend of tamarind, galangal, bay leaves, and freshly ground spices, ensuring every bite is rich with earthy and tangy undertones. The final touch—shallow frying in coconut oil—gives the tempeh its signature golden crust, locking in those robust flavors while maintaining a crisp texture. Perfect as a side dish or a plant-based main, this sugar-free spin on Tempe Bacem pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a truly nourishing meal.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Tempeh
- 500 milliliters Coconut water
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (low sodium)
- 5 cloves Shallots
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 teaspoons Coriander seeds
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 30 grams Galangal (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 4 tablespoons Coconut oil (for shallow frying)
- 200 milliliters Water
Directions
Step 1
Cut the tempeh into medium-sized rectangular slices, about 1 cm thick.
Step 2
In a blender or mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, and coriander seeds into a smooth paste.
Step 3
In a pot, combine the sliced tempeh, the spice paste, coconut water, soy sauce, tamarind paste, bay leaves, galangal, and salt.
Step 4
Add 200 milliliters of water to ensure the tempeh is fully submerged. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Step 5
Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the liquid to reduce. Turn the tempeh pieces gently halfway through cooking.
Step 6
Once the liquid has mostly evaporated, remove the tempeh pieces and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 7
Heat the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the tempeh slices in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 8
Place the fried tempeh on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 9
Serve warm as a main dish or side dish, paired with steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1410.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1563.3 |
| Total Fat 102.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 61.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3983.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 100.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 41.2g | |
| Protein 90.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 656.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3907.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories