Authentic Indonesian Kupat Tahu Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of rice
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 blocks of tofu
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 red chili
  • 1 cup of sweet soy sauce
  • 1 cup of peanut sauce
  • 1 handful of bean sprouts
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 green onions
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then place the rice and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Allow it to cool.
  2. Wrap the cooled rice in banana leaves or plastic, forming into small, cylindrical bundles. Boil these in water for about 30 minutes, then remove and allow to cool. These are the kupat.
  3. Cut the tofu blocks into bite-sized pieces and fry until golden brown. Set them aside.
  4. Fine chop the garlic and chili. Saute them in a pan until fragrant.
  5. Add in the sweet soy sauce and peanut sauce to the pan, stir until it becomes a thick sauce.
  6. Prepare the vegetables: rinse the bean sprouts, slice the cucumber and chop the green onions.
  7. To serve, place a few kupat on a plate, top with the fried tofu, drizzle with the sweet soy and peanut sauce, and garnish with the bean sprouts, cucumber slices, and green onions.
  8. Add salt to taste, and enjoy your Kupat Tahu.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - Needed to cook the rice.
  • Banana leaves or plastic - Used to wrap the rice into small bundles.
  • Pan - Used to fry the tofu and sauté the garlic and chili.
  • Knife - Needed to chop the garlic and chili, and slice the cucumber.
  • Plates - Used to serve the Kupat Tahu.

Recipe variations

  • Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
  • Replace tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different protein source.
  • Add cooked vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different sauces such as hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sambal oelek for a spicy kick.
  • Try using lettuce or cabbage leaves instead of banana leaves to wrap the rice.
  • Add chopped peanuts or fried onions as a crunchy topping.
  • For a vegan version, use tamari instead of sweet soy sauce and replace the peanut sauce with a peanut-free alternative.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Include other fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Kupat Tahu, a traditional Indonesian dish that's sure to delight your palate! This dish is a delightful medley of flavors, combining the fresh crunch of bean sprouts and cucumber with the comforting textures of rice and tofu. It's all topped off with a flavorful, sweet and spicy sauce made from sweet soy and peanut sauce. Expect an immersive cooking experience that includes the preparation of rice bundles, called kupat, and the creation of a homemade soy and peanut sauce. You'll also have the opportunity to fry your own tofu to a perfect golden brown. By the end of this process, you'll be rewarded with a plate full of Kupat Tahu, offering a taste of Indonesia's rich culinary traditions. Whether you're seeking to expand your home cooking repertoire or wanting to recreate a beloved dish from travels past, this recipe will help guide you every step of the way. Enjoy the journey and the meal!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the rice? The rice should simmer for about 20 minutes.
  2. How long should the rice bundles boil? Boil the rice bundles for approximately 30 minutes.
  3. How should I cook the tofu? Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and fry until golden brown.
  4. How do I make the sweet soy and peanut sauce? Saute garlic and chili, then add sweet soy sauce and peanut sauce. Stir until it thickens.
  5. How should I prepare the vegetables? Rinse the bean sprouts, slice the cucumber, and chop the green onions.
  6. How should I serve Kupat Tahu? Place a few kupat on a plate, top with fried tofu, drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with bean sprouts, cucumber slices, and green onions.
  7. Can I add salt to taste? Yes, you can add salt to taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the sauces and tossing the ingredients together.
  • Saucepan - Used for cooking the rice and boiling the kupat.
  • Frying Pan - Used for frying the tofu and sautéing the garlic and chili.
  • Knife - For chopping the garlic, chili, cucumber, and green onions.
  • Spatula - To flip and stir the tofu while frying.
  • Plates - For serving the Kupat Tahu.
  • Banana Leaves or Plastic - Used to wrap the rice into bundles for boiling.

Origin stories

Kupat Tahu is a traditional dish that originated from West Java, Indonesia. It's a beloved street food enjoyed by many, showcasing the rich flavors and diverse ingredients of Indonesia. The name itself tells you what the dish comprises: "Kupat" means rice cake, and "Tahu" means tofu. However, the secret lies in the peanut sauce, which ties all the elements together. This humble dish is a testament to the creativity of the Indonesian people, who can turn simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. It's not just food; it's a celebration of culture and tradition, served on a plate. Each bite is a reminder of the simplicity and richness of life in Indonesia.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.