Tahu Bacem

Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine with Tahu Bacem, a beloved dish featuring tender tofu simmered in a fragrant blend of coconut water, palm sugar, and warm spices like coriander and cumin. This traditional recipe combines sweet, savory, and umami notes, thanks to the unique addition of galangal, bay leaves, and soy sauce. The tofu is slow-cooked to absorb the flavorful broth before being pan-fried to golden perfection, delivering a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior. Perfect as a side dish or as part of a main meal, this vegan-friendly delight is a must-try for fans of Asian comfort food. Add Tahu Bacem to your culinary repertoire and enjoy a taste of Indonesia right at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams firm tofu
• 500 milliliters coconut water
• 6 whole shallots
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 30 grams palm sugar
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 2 slices galangal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut into 2 cm thick pieces.

Step 2

In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds into a smooth paste.

Step 3

In a large pot, combine coconut water, the spice paste, palm sugar, bay leaves, galangal slices, salt, and soy sauce.

Step 4

Add the tofu pieces to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. Allow the tofu to absorb the flavors and the liquid to reduce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Once the liquid has mostly evaporated, remove the pot from heat and let the tofu cool slightly.

Step 7

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Step 8

Fry the cooked tofu pieces until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.

Step 9

Remove from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 10

Serve the tofu bacem warm as a side dish or as part of a main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1224.4 grams (1224.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1066

Total Fat 60.30g	77%
Saturated Fat 8.90g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3746mg	163%
Total Carbohydrate 103.10g	37%
Dietary Fiber 19.00g	68%
Total Sugars 61.80g
Protein 55.50g	111%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 840mg	65%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 3104mg	66%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 35.0%