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Semur tahu
Tofu in sweet soy
Semur tahu: fried tofu simmered in sweet soy with nutmeg, clove and shallots
Semur is the dark, glossy sweet-soy stew of Java, shaped by Dutch spice traders' love of nutmeg and clove, and the tofu version is a thrifty bekal favourite that tastes better each day it sits. The tofu is fried first so it holds together and soaks up the sauce like a sponge. The common mistake is using silken or soft tofu, which crumbles; choose firm tofu and fry it until the skin is golden. Chef's tip: let the sauce reduce until it coats the back of a spoon, then rest the semur for an hour before eating so the spices go right into the tofu.
- Total time
- 35 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofucut into 3 cm cubes
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
- 5 shallotssliced
- 3 garlic clovessliced
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cinnamon sticksmall
- 1 tomatochopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp fried shallots (optional)to serve
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Fresh ingredients (4)
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Pat 14 oz firm tofu dry. Heat 3 tbsp neutral oil in a wok over a medium-high heat and fry the tofu for 6–8 minutes, turning, until golden with a firm skin. Lift out.
8 minStep 2: In the remaining oil, fry 5 shallots and 3 garlic cloves over a medium heat for 3 minutes, until soft and lightly golden.
3 minStep 3: Add ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 3 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick and 1 tomato and cook for 2 minutes, until the tomato softens.
2 minStep 4: Stir in 4 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp ground white pepper and 1 cup water, bring to a simmer and return the tofu.
Step 5: Simmer uncovered over a low heat for 12–15 minutes, turning the tofu now and then, until the sauce is thick, dark and coats the tofu.
14 minStep 6: Remove the cloves and cinnamon. Scatter with 2 tbsp fried shallots, if using. Cool quickly, keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and pack with rice and a cold pack.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 230 kcal
- Protein
- 13 g
- Carbs
- 16 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does semur tahu take?
- About 35 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of shallots?
- Half an onion per 2 shallots.
- What can I use instead of garlic cloves?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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