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Indonesian Tahu Telur (Tofu Omelet) Recipe

Indonesian Tahu Telur (Tofu Omelet) Recipe

Tahu Telur is a savory tofu omelet from Indonesia, served with a spicy peanut sauce and a choice of crunchy toppings. It is entirely vegetarian but still packed with protein, making it a great option to enjoy as a snack or appetizer.

Tahu telur is a type of ‘tahu goreng’ dish, a broader category meaning fried tofu. These kinds of dishes are very popular in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore where many people are vegetarians or do not eat certain meats for religious reasons. Tahu telur is especially enjoyed for its mix of fluffy omelet with crunchy shallot and peanut toppings.

Known for its upright and circular shape, a special tool must be used to create the perfect tahu telur. This special tool can be made at home with a strong work knife and an old metal can. If you cannot find a metal omelet ring in the store, simply cut one from a metal can. Be careful to file down or cover the sharp edges.

Origin & Cultural Significance

Tahu telur is originally from East Java, from where it has spread across the many islands of Indonesia and into neighboring countries. It has recently gained popularity as a street food, as its minimal ingredients and quick cook time make it a convenient solution for those on the go. 

With the wide array of tofu dishes such as Tahu telur available in Indonesia, it is no surprise that the origin of these dishes has been carefully traced through history. The first tofu dishes began making their way to Indonesia through trade and immigration with China, the inventors of tofu itself.

Through the processes of immigration and adaptation, Indonesia now has a slew of tofu-based cuisine that reflects the cooking styles and flavors favored in the region.

Tahu Telur

Indonesian Tahu Telur Recipe

Yield: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Tahu Telur is a savory tofu omelet from Indonesia, served with a spicy peanut sauce and a choice of crunchy toppings.

Ingredients

  • Tofu - 1 lb
  • Eggs, beaten - 5
  • Tapioca starch - 2 tbsp
  • Salt - ½ tsp
  • White pepper - ¼ tsp
  • Green onion, chopped - 1
  • Vegetable oil - for frying
  • Carrot (julienned) - 1
  • Cucumber (julienned) - 1
  • Bean sprouts - 300g
  • Peanuts, crushed - ⅓ cup

For the sauce:

  • Garlic, minced - 1 clove
  • Shallot, minced - 1
  • Peanut butter - 1 cup
  • Sambal oelek - 2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce - 3 tbsp
  • Water - ½ cup
  • Salt - to taste

To garnish:

  • Roasted peanuts, chopped - ½ cup
  • Crispy fried shallots
  • Sweet soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare your tofu-and-egg batter. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. 
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and add in cornstarch. Stir well for an even mixture, and then add in the eggs. Stir again and add salt. 
  3. Heat oil on medium-high, placing your metal ring on the oiled pan surface. 
  4. Use a spoon to put the tofu egg mixture into the metal ring until full. Cook for 7-9 minutes until the egg is cooked through. 
  5. While the mixture is cooking, prepare your sauce in a medium bowl. Simply add all the ingredients to the bowl and stir well. 
  6. Once the tahu telur is ready, remove it from the pan with a spatula, allowing the oil to drain if there is excess. You can also dab it with a paper towel. Place the metal ring onto a plate and use a spoon or knife to work the egg away from the metal. 
  7. Pour your sauce around the omelet. Top with cucumbers, carrots, and beansprouts. 
  8. Use your choice of garnishes or all three– soy sauce, crispy shallots, and/or roasted peanuts. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 674Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 1565mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 7gSugar: 11gProtein: 35g

Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.

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