Tahu Tek Recipe

Here is a detailed and clear recipe for Tahu Tek (an Indonesian dish).

### History of Tahu Tek

Tahu Tek is a traditional Indonesian dish that hails from Surabaya, the capital city of East Java. The name "Tahu Tek" is derived from two words: "Tahu," which means tofu in Indonesian, and "Tek," which is an onomatopoeic word mimicking the sound of scissors cutting through the ingredients, as street vendors typically use scissors to cut the tofu and other components into bite-sized pieces.

#### Origins:

Tahu Tek originated from the bustling street food culture of Surabaya. It has been a staple in the local culinary scene for many years, offering a simple yet flavorful meal for the working class. The dish is emblematic of the improvisational and resourceful nature of Indonesian street food, where vendors make the most of readily available ingredients to create something delicious and satisfying.

#### Cultural Significance:

Tahu Tek is more than just a dish; it represents the ingenuity and vibrancy of Surabaya's street food culture. It is commonly sold by street vendors, known as "pedagang kaki lima," who push their food carts around neighborhoods, often announcing their presence with the distinct "tek-tek" sound made by clanging a metal spoon against a plate or a special wooden clapper.

The dish is a popular choice for a quick and affordable meal, beloved for its rich combination of textures and flavors. The crispy fried tofu, boiled potatoes, fresh cucumber, and blanched bean sprouts come together with a savory and slightly sweet peanut sauce, creating a harmonious blend that delights the taste buds.

#### Evolution:

Over the years, Tahu Tek has seen various adaptations and interpretations. While the traditional version remains widely popular, some modern variations include additional ingredients such as tempeh (fermented soybean cake), rice cakes, or different types of vegetables. Despite these variations, the core elements and the characteristic peanut sauce remain integral to the dish.

#### Today:

Tahu Tek continues to be a beloved dish in Surabaya and has spread to other parts of Indonesia. It is commonly found in local food markets, street food stalls, and even some restaurants that specialize in traditional Indonesian cuisine. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its deliciousness and the deep cultural roots it has in Indonesian culinary traditions.

In summary, Tahu Tek is a quintessential Surabaya street food with a rich history and cultural significance. It exemplifies the creativity and flavor complexity that Indonesian cuisine is known for, making it a cherished dish among locals and visitors alike.

### Tahu Tek Recipe

**Ingredients:**

#### For the Tofu:

- 2 blocks of firm tofu

- Vegetable oil for frying

#### For the Sauce:

- 2 cloves of garlic

- 3-4 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)

- 3 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

- 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste (diluted with a bit of water)

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- 50 grams of roasted peanuts

- 1 tablespoon of water (optional, to adjust the sauce consistency)

#### For the Garnish:

- 2 boiled potatoes, cubed

- 1 cucumber, sliced

- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered

- Bean sprouts, blanched

- Fried shallots

**Instructions:**

#### Preparing the Tofu:

1. **Drain the tofu** and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the tofu into cubes.

2. **Heat the vegetable oil** in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

3. **Fry the tofu** until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

#### Making the Sauce:

1. **Grind the garlic** and bird’s eye chilies into a paste using a mortar and pestle or a food processor.

2. **Add the roasted peanuts** to the paste and continue to grind until you achieve a coarse mixture.

3. **Mix in the sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste, and salt**. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach the desired consistency.

#### Assembling the Dish:

1. **Arrange the fried tofu** on a serving plate.

2. **Add the cubed boiled potatoes, sliced cucumber, and blanched bean sprouts**.

3. **Drizzle the peanut sauce** generously over the tofu and vegetables.

4. **Garnish with quartered hard-boiled eggs** and a sprinkle of fried shallots.

#### Serving:

- Serve Tahu Tek immediately as a light meal or appetizer. Enjoy!

**Tips:**

- You can adjust the number of chilies according to your spice preference.

- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the peanuts until they form a finer consistency.

- Tahu Tek is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Tahu Tek!