Bali Gorengan

Introduction to Bali Gorengan

Bali Gorengan, a beloved street food delight in Indonesia, offers a delightful combination of crispy textures and savory flavors. This dish, which translates to "fried snacks from Bali," is widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The term "gorengan" covers a range of fried foods; however, in Bali, they often feature unique ingredients and spices that highlight Balinese culinary traditions.

The tradition of enjoying these crispy treats dates back centuries, with influences from various regions and cultures that visited and traded with Indonesia. Ingredients such as coconut, soy sauce, and shallots reflect the rich history of interactions within Indonesian archipelago.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Water - 1 cup
• Cornstarch - 1/2 cup
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Grated coconut - 1/2 cup
• Thinly sliced shallots - 3
• Minced garlic - 2 cloves
• Sweet soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Cold water - 1/4 cup (for batter)
• Vegetable oil - for frying
• Sliced tempeh - 200 grams
• Cubed tofu - 200 grams

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Batter

Start by mixing flour, cornstarch, baking powder, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add cold water while stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Add more water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

2. Incorporating the Aromatics

Blend the grated coconut, shallots, and minced garlic into the batter. Stir well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

3. Enhancing with Soy Sauce

Add sweet soy sauce to the batter, stirring to combine. The soy sauce will add a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness that is characteristic of Balinese cuisine.

Cooking Process

4. Heating the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Ensure the oil reaches an optimal temperature for frying by testing with a small drop of batter – if it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.

5. Frying the Tempeh and Tofu

Dip each piece of tempeh and tofu into the prepared batter, ensuring a thorough coating, before placing them gently into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

6. Draining Excess Oil

Remove the fried pieces from the oil and allow them to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step ensures the gorengan remains crispy.

Enjoying Your Bali Gorengan

Complementary Dipping Sauces

While the gorengan is delicious on its own, you might enjoy pairing it with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider a spicy sambal or a lighter peanut sauce to complement the savory flavors.

Serving Recommendations

Bali Gorengan is best served hot and fresh. Enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger shared meal. It's common to serve several varieties of gorengan together, allowing a mix and match experience for different tastes.

If you find yourself in Bali, make sure to explore these treats from local street vendors – it’s not just about the food itself, but the vibrant atmosphere that accompanies it.

The cooking time for this dish might vary depending on your frying batch size, but expect to spend about 30 minutes in total.