Authentic Ayam Penyet Tempe from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Crispy fried chicken and tempehh smashed with fiery sambal — the iconic East Javanese street food that combines protein powerhouse with bold chili paste.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 200 g tempeh, sliced
  • Ground spice paste for chicken: 5 shallots, 3 garlic, 2 cm ginger, 1 tsp coriander, turmeric, salt
  • Sambal: 15 red chilies, 5 shallots, 3 garlic, 1 tsp shrimp paste, salt, lime juice, sugar
  • Cooking oil for frying
  • Steamed rice, cucumber, cabbage for serving

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with ground spice paste for 1 hour.
  2. Boil chicken until almost cooked. Remove and drain.
  3. Fry tempehh until golden. Set aside.
  4. Fry chicken until crispy and golden.
  5. Grind sambal ingredients in a mortar until slightly coarse.
  6. Place chicken and tempehh on a stone mortar. Smash with pestle to crack the surface.
  7. Spoon sambal over the smashed chicken and tempehh.
  8. Serve with steamed rice, cucumber, and cabbage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean?

Crispy fried chicken and tempehh smashed with fiery sambal — the iconic East Javanese street food that combines protein powerhouse with bold chili paste.

Where does Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean come from?

Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean difficult to make?

Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).

How do I store leftover Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean?

Store leftover Ayam Penyet Tempe: Smashed Chicken with Fermented Soybean in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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