Braised Tofu in Sweet Soy Sauce

Servings: 5 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A Classic Indonesian Braised Tofu Dish Simmered in Sweet Soy Sauce with Aromatic Spices — Perfect for a Flavorful, Comforting, and Healthy Everyday Meal.
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Braised Tofu in Sweet Soy Sauce

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Temp: 65  C Servings: 5 Estimated Cost: $ 2.30 Calories: 350
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Suitable throughout the year

Description

Semur Tahu is a beloved Indonesian comfort dish made by braising tofu in a rich, sweet, and savory soy-based sauce infused with warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and garlic. Traditionally served with steamed rice, this plant-based meal is both hearty and healthy, making it a perfect choice for everyday dinners. Its deep, slightly caramelized flavor comes from Indonesian sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), creating a deliciously balanced dish that’s simple to make yet full of authentic taste.

Ingredient

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bumbu Halus (Spice Paste)

    • Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenut, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and coriander into a smooth paste.
  1. Sauté the Spice Paste

    • Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the ground spice paste until it becomes aromatic and fragrant.
  1. Add the Water and Simmer

    • Once the paste is fragrant, add the water (185 ml) to the pan, stirring to combine.
  1. Add Tofu and Cook

    • Cut the tofu into cubes and add it to the pan. Season with sweet soy sauce, tamarind, palm sugar, bay leaf, clove, salt, and ground pepper. Stir everything gently.
  1. Simmer Until the Sauce Reduces

    • Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until the tofu absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens, reducing in volume.

  1. Finish and Serve

    • Once the sauce has reduced and the tofu is tender, garnish with fried shallots and serve with steamed rice.
Keywords: semur tahu
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