Hey guys! Are you looking for a super easy and delicious recipe? Look no further! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang, a classic Indonesian stir-fry that's packed with flavor and nutrients. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it to your liking with different vegetables and spices. So, grab your woks and let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Before we jump into the recipe itself, let's talk about why this Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang is a total winner. First off, it's incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you're a beginner cook, you can nail this dish. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the cooking process is straightforward. No fancy techniques or complicated steps here! Secondly, it’s a healthy and balanced meal. Tempeh is a fantastic source of protein, while kacang panjang (long beans) are packed with vitamins and fiber. Combined, they create a nutritious and satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full and energized. It is also very affordable, tempeh and long beans are budget-friendly ingredients, making this dish a great option for those who want to eat well without breaking the bank. You can easily feed a family on a small budget with this recipe. Moreover, the flexibility of this dish is incredible. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or eggplant. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers. For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking. Finally, Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang is a crowd-pleaser. Its savory and slightly spicy flavor profile appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Serve it with warm rice for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang:

• Tempeh: 1 block, cut into small cubes
• Long Beans (Kacang Panjang): 200g, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Shallots: 4 cloves, thinly sliced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Red Chili Peppers: 2-3, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Galangal: 1 inch, bruised
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for umami flavor)
• Salt: To taste
• Sugar: To taste
• Vegetable Oil: For frying
• Water: Approximately 1/2 cup

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. Preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. If you don’t have sweet soy sauce or oyster sauce on hand, don’t worry! The dish will still taste great without them. You can always experiment with other seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. For example, a dash of fish sauce can add a savory depth, while a squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the flavors. Also, feel free to substitute the long beans with other vegetables like green beans or snap peas if you prefer. The most important thing is to have fun and make the recipe your own!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now for the fun part – cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang:

1. Prepare the Tempeh: Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry the tempeh cubes until golden brown. This step adds a nice crispy texture to the tempeh. Remove from the pan and set aside. Frying the tempeh beforehand helps to prevent it from becoming too soggy in the stir-fry. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the tempeh, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Fry in batches if necessary. Once the tempeh is golden brown, drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, heat a little more vegetable oil. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and sliced red chili peppers. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots turn golden brown. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of the sautéed aromatics is the foundation of the dish’s flavor, so take your time and let them develop their full potential.
3. Add the Spices: Add the bay leaves and bruised galangal to the pan. Continue to sauté for another minute to release their flavors. Bay leaves add a subtle, tea-like aroma, while galangal contributes a citrusy and slightly peppery note. If you don't have fresh galangal, you can use galangal powder, but the flavor won't be quite as vibrant.
4. Incorporate the Long Beans: Add the cut long beans to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until they turn slightly tender but still retain a bit of their crunch. Overcooking the long beans will make them mushy, so keep a close eye on them. Stir-frying them quickly ensures that they cook evenly and maintain their vibrant green color. You can also blanch the long beans in boiling water for a minute before adding them to the stir-fry to help them cook faster.
5. Combine Everything: Add the fried tempeh back to the pan. Stir well to combine with the long beans and aromatics. This is where all the flavors start to come together, creating a symphony of deliciousness. Make sure the tempeh and long beans are evenly coated with the aromatic mixture to ensure a consistent flavor throughout the dish.
6. Season and Simmer: Pour in the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce (if using), and oyster sauce (if using). Add water, salt, and sugar to taste. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences. The sauce should be savory, slightly sweet, and just a little bit spicy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to the pan and stir until it thickens.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve your Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang hot with warm rice. Garnish with some fried shallots or fresh chili slices for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the tempeh is still crispy and the long beans are tender-crisp. It's also great as a side dish or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.

Tips for the Perfect Tumis Tempe

To make sure your Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the tempeh or stir-frying the vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and result in uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the chili peppers altogether or use a milder variety.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. Choose firm tempeh and vibrant green long beans for the best results.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone's taste preferences are different, so don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings.
• Add Protein: You can add other protein if you wish, like shrimp, beef or chicken.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try to spice things up:

• Add Other Vegetables: Experiment with adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms. Each vegetable will add its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• Make it Vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the oyster sauce or substitute it with a vegan oyster sauce alternative. You can also add a tablespoon of mushroom broth for extra umami flavor.
• Add Coconut Milk: For a richer and creamier dish, add a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking. This will add a touch of sweetness and richness that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
• Make it Spicy: If you like your food extra spicy, add more chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes to the pan. You can also use a spicy chili sauce like sambal oelek to add a fiery kick.

Serving Suggestions

Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Rice: Serve it hot with warm rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This is the most traditional way to enjoy this dish.
• As a Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish to accompany other Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng, gado-gado, or sate.
• In a Wrap: Wrap it in a tortilla or lettuce leaf for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
• With Noodles: Serve it over noodles for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Enjoy Your Delicious Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang!

And there you have it – a simple, delicious, and versatile Tumis Tempe Kacang Panjang recipe that you can easily make at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. Happy cooking, and sampai jumpa! (See you later!)