Authentic Tempe Bacem Recipe (Sweet Javanese Braised Tempeh)
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Authentic Tempe Bacem Recipe (Sweet Javanese Braised Tempeh)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Indonesian (Javanese)
Course
Main Course / Side Dish
What Is Tempe Bacem?
Tempe Bacem is a traditional Javanese dish made by slowly simmering tempeh in a fragrant mixture of palm sugar, coconut water, garlic, coriander, galangal, and aromatic spices. After absorbing the sweet and savory flavors, the tempeh is lightly fried until golden brown, creating a delicious caramelized exterior with a tender, flavorful center.
Tempe Bacem is a popular vegetarian dish in Indonesia and is often served with steamed rice, sambal, fried tofu, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Tempeh
14 ounces (400g) tempeh
2 cups coconut water
1 cup water
2 bay leaves (Indonesian bay leaves if available)
2-inch piece galangal, lightly crushed
2 tablespoons palm sugar (or dark brown sugar)
1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
Spice Paste
4 cloves garlic
4 shallots
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon candlenuts, crushed (or 2 macadamia nuts as a substitute)
Equipment
Medium saucepan
Blender or food processor
Frying pan
Tongs
Paper towels
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tempeh
Cut the tempeh into rectangular slices about ½ inch thick.
Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Spice Paste
Blend together:
Garlic
Shallots
Ground coriander
Black pepper
Candlenuts
Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Simmer the Tempeh
Place the tempeh into a saucepan.
Add:
Spice paste
Coconut water
Water
Palm sugar
Sweet soy sauce
Bay leaves
Galangal
Salt
Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce to low heat.
Simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes, turning the tempeh occasionally until most of the liquid has evaporated.
The tempeh should absorb the rich, sweet, and savory flavors.
Step 4: Fry the Tempeh
Heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
Lightly fry each piece of tempeh for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Sambal
Fresh cucumber slices
Fried tofu
Steamed vegetables
Tips for the Best Tempe Bacem
Use authentic Indonesian tempeh whenever possible.
Coconut water gives the most traditional flavor, but water can be substituted if needed.
Simmer slowly so the tempeh fully absorbs the seasoning.
Fry briefly to create a lightly crisp, caramelized exterior.
Let the tempeh rest for 10 minutes before frying for deeper flavor.
Variations
Tofu Bacem
Replace the tempeh with firm tofu.
Spicy Tempe Bacem
Add 2–3 red chilies to the spice paste.
Vegan Version
This recipe is naturally vegan when using vegan-friendly sweet soy sauce.
Air Fryer Version
Spray the cooked tempeh lightly with oil.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the braised (unfried) tempeh for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight and fry just before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 260
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 540mg
Nutrition values are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tempe Bacem?
Tempe Bacem is a traditional Indonesian dish in which tempeh is slowly braised in coconut water, palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, and aromatic spices before being lightly fried until golden brown.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of sweet soy sauce?
Yes, but add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to mimic the sweetness of Indonesian kecap manis.
Is Tempe Bacem vegan?
Yes. Traditional Tempe Bacem is naturally vegan, provided the sweet soy sauce contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Can I skip frying the tempeh?
Yes. The braised tempeh is fully cooked after simmering, but frying adds a lightly crisp texture and enhances the flavor.
Where can I buy tempeh in the United States?
Tempeh is widely available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and many Asian supermarkets.