Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu, cut into cubes
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Special Equipment Needed:
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red chilies to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the tofu to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, sugar, tamarind paste, and water.
6. Pour the mixture into the wok and stir to combine.
7. In another small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
8. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the wok and stir until the sauce thickens.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with tempeh or seitan.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables such as green beans or snow peas.
- Red chilies can be substituted with dried chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Variations:
- Add sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Use different types of tofu such as silken or smoked tofu.
- Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra umami flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cut the tofu and broccoli into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of red chilies to your desired level of spiciness.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the Semar Mendem in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the Semar Mendem in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or sliced scallions.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced scallions
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed bok choy
- Stir-fried green beans
- Vegetable spring rolls
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch and water mixture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the tofu and broccoli to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
- Semar Mendem is a traditional Indonesian dish that originated in Central Java.
Flavor Profiles:
- Salty, sweet, sour, and spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Semar Mendem with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
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Region: Indonesian