Tahu/tempe goreng


1½ tsp salt
1 cup water

tofu and tempe cut into pieces

1 cup oil
  1. Soak tofu and tempe in salt water for 5 minutes.
  2. Deep fry in hot oil.
American note: This is a very healthy dish because it is very filling and digests slowly, and only healthy fats are used. The Javanese generally eat small amounts of fried foods - one (large) shrimp chip, for example, along with larger amounts of rice and vegetables.

Ayam goreng

Fried chicken, the Javanese way

1½ tsp. salt
1 cup water
1 cup oil

chicken pieces
  1. Cover chicken pieces with water and boil for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Soak in salt water, as for tahu/tempe goreng.
  3. Deep fry in hot oil.
American note:  Javanese chickens are scrawny by American standards, but have excellent flavor. Don't try this recipe with bloated, tasteless supermarket chicken. Chinese markets sell “Buddhist-style chicken” which is one possibility. Western-style free-range chickens are another.