Sate tempe

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Sate tempe is a variant of the popular Southeast Asian dish sate which traditionally consists of skewered and grilled meat, but in this case it is made with tempe (a traditional Indonesian soy product). Tempe is made from fermented soybeans that are pressed into a compact cake, known for its nutty flavor and substantial texture. Sate tempe involves cutting the tempe into cubes or slices, marinating it in a blend of spices and seasonings, skewering it on bamboo sticks, and then grilling it. The marinade typically includes ingredients such as garlic, coriander, turmeric, sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), and sometimes tamarind paste or lime juice, which infuse the tempe with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. Once grilled, sate tempe is often served with a sauce. The type of sauce can vary, but peanut sauce is one of the most common and popular accompaniments, offering a sweet and spicy flavor that complements the smokiness of the grilled tempeh. Sate tempe can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish, often accompanied by rice or a simple salad.