Perkedel Tahu
A comforting, savoury Indonesian favourite — soft, fluffy tofu patties seasoned with aromatic shallots, garlic, and fresh herbs, shaped into neat rounds, and fried until beautifully golden and crisp on the outside. Light, tender, and full of flavour, perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal. This version is made completely plant-based — no eggs, no dairy, and no animal products of any kind, yet holding shape perfectly and tasting every bit as delicious as the traditional version.
Shared by novi
Time
35 min
Serves
5
Difficulty
easy
🛒 Ingredients
- #Main Ingredients;
- 500 g firm tofu — pressed well to remove water
- 3 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca starch — helps bind without eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or rice flour
- #Aromatics & Seasoning;
- 3 shallots — finely chopped or thinly fried.. 2 cloves garlic — minced very fine
- 1 stalk spring onion — finely sliced.. 1 tbsp celery — finely chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp ground white pepper.. ½ tsp sea salt — adjust to taste
- ½ tsp sugar — to balance flavour
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg or coriander (traditional touch)
- Neutral oil — for shallow frying
👩🍳 Instructions
- 1
Press the tofu: Wrap tofu in a clean cloth or paper towels. Place a light weight on top for 10–15 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture. The drier the tofu, the better the perkedel holds shape.
- 2
Mash and mix: Transfer pressed tofu into a bowl. Mash thoroughly with a fork until smooth and soft. Add shallots, garlic, spring onion, celery, salt, pepper, sugar, nutmeg, cornstarch, and flour. Mix very well until evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- 3
Shape: Take about 1½ tablespoons of mixture, roll into a ball, then flatten gently into thick round patties about 4–5 cm wide. Smooth the surface with your hands. If too soft, add a little extra starch.
- 4
Fry: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat — enough to come halfway up the sides. Once hot, carefully place the perkedel in. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and firm to the touch. Flip gently only once the bottom is crisp and golden.
- 5
Drain & serve: Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with chilli sauce, sambal, or alongside rice and vegetables. Enjoy!