All about Tempeh, Indonesia's nation food

Tempeh is a popular food in Indonesia, but do you know what exactly it is about? Take a look at this article to find out more about it.

1. What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a soy-based meat alternative. It’s made from whole soy beans which are softened by soaking. Then they’re cooked, slightly fermented and formed into a firm patty or block.

And actually, while tempeh is traditionally made with soybeans, it can actually be made with any type of bean, like black beans, black-eyed peas, and chickpeas. Some kinds of tempeh also include grains, like brown rice, barley or millet, or seeds.

2. Is tempeh the same as tofu?

No! While tempeh and tofu are both high protein meat alternatives made from soy, they’re actually totally different from one another.

The first big difference is that tempeh is minimally processed using whole soybeans, while tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, then pressing the curd into blocks. Tofu has a soft texture, and is sold in varying degrees of firmness, from silken to extra firm. Meanwhile, tempeh is hearty and firm with a varied texture from the whole soybeans.

Also, the texture and flavor of these products are nothing alike. Tempeh has a much stronger flavor than tofu. It’s savory and nutty, and many people describe it as having an earthy, mushroom-y taste. Tofu, on the other hand only has a subtle flavor and is pretty bland.

3. What does tempeh taste like?

Tempeh is firm and textured with a savory, nutty taste. If you don’t care for tofu and its soft, sometimes rubbery texture, consider trying tempeh. It has a completely different texture and taste.

4. Where to find tempeh

You can buy tempeh in any health food store, as well as most grocery stores. Look for it in the refrigerated section, near where tofu and meat alternative products are sold. You can also make your own tempeh at home!

5. How to eat tempeh

Tempeh is a super versatile food, and there’s no shortage of ways to eat it. Use tempeh the same way you would any type of meat or tofu — as a burger, in salads, stir fries, soups and stews.

Before we get to the cooking, keep in mind that since tempeh is firm, it’s best to slice it into thin slices or cubes before preparing it.

To add more flavor, consider marinating the tempeh before cooking. Tempeh is commonly sliced thin then pan-fried or grilled, until the edges are crispy. It can also be baked, steamed, crumbled into soups and stews, or added into stir-fries.

See more: 8 Indonesian snacks you must try before leaving

Source: thekitchn

10 must-try foods in Indonesia

Indonesian cuisine is one of those things that attract tourists the most. The foods can vary from spicy to sweet, sour to savoury yet they all taste super duper delicious. Thus, it's a must to try these 10 dishes which are Indonesian's pride.

1. Nasi Goreng

Literally meaning "fried rice" in Indonesian, Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian rice dish with pieces of meat and vegetables added. It can refer simply to fried pre-cooked rice, a meal including stir fried rice in a small amount of cooking oil or margarine, typically spiced with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shallot, garlic, ground shrimp paste, tamarind and chilli and accompanied by other ingredients, particularly egg, chicken and prawns.

2. Satay

Satay, or sate in Indonesian spelling, is a dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce. Satay may consist of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork, fish, other meats, or tofu; the more authentic version uses skewers from the midrib of the coconut palm frond, although bamboo skewers are often used. 

3. Beef Rendang

Rendang is a spicy meat dish which originated in ethnic group of Minangkabau people, and is now commonly served across the country. One of the characteristic foods of Minangkabau culture, it is served at ceremonial occasions and to honour guests. In 2018, rendang is officially recognised as one of 5 national dishes of Indonesia.

4. Sop Buntut

Sop Buntut is made of slices of fried or barbecued oxtail, served in vegetable soup with rich but clear beef broth. It contains boiled potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, leek, celery, and fried shallots. Indonesian sop buntut is seasoned with shallot, garlic and native spices such as black pepper, nutmeg, and clove.

5. Indomie

You don't really have to go to Indonesia to taste Indomie, but it's certainly worth having while you're there! After all, this country is home to the instant noodles that every college student loves. With a world of flavours at your disposal and at less than a dollar a pack, you could easily live off of this Indonesian dish. Best of all, you'll find Indomie literally anywhere — from restaurants to corner stores.

6. Martabak

This sweet Indonesian food is the country's spin on a pancake, usually filled with anything from chocolate and nuts to cheese. Think crepe but thicker. These sweet treats are only sold in the evening and night, so you might have to wait for your midnight snack to give this one a try.

7. Pempek

Pempek, mpek-mpek or empek-empek is a savoury fishcake delicacy from Palembang, South Sumatera, Indonesia, made of fish and tapioca. Pempek is served with rich sweet and sour sauce called "cuko" (vinegar sauce). Sometimes local people also add yellow noodles for variations.

8. Tumpeng

Tumpeng is a cone-shaped rice dish with side dishes of vegetables and meat. The rice cone is erected in the "tampah" (rounded woven bamboo container), covered with a banana leaf, and surrounded by assorted Indonesian dishes. In 2013, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy promoted tumpeng as one of 30 Indonesian culinary icons and gave it the status of official national dish of Indonesia in 2014, describing it as "the dish that binds the diversity of Indonesian various culinary traditions."

9. Tempeh

Tempeh is a traditional soy product originating from Indonesia. It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form. Tempeh is the only major traditional soy food that did not originate from Greater Chinese cuisine.

10. Gado-Gado

Gado-Gado, also known as lotek, is an Indonesian salad of slightly boiled, blanched or steamed vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, boiled potato, fried tofu and tempeh, and "lontong" (rice wrapped in a banana leaf), served with a peanut sauce dressing. In 2018, Gado-Gado is promoted as one of 5 national dishes of Indonesia.

See more: Top 5 worth-visiting cities in Indonesia

Source: Internet