English (International) 
Try cah tauge pedas tahu udang, a quick and spicy Indonesian stir-fry with bean sprouts, tofu, and shrimp. A simple, flavorful everyday dish ready in minutes.
About the Dish
Cah tauge pedas tahu udang is a Chinese-Indonesian style stir-fry that has earned its place as a staple of everyday Indonesian home cooking. Popular for its speed and simplicity, this dish comes together in minutes and delivers a light yet satisfyingly savory and spicy flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
What makes it especially clever is the cooking technique: the bean sprouts are added at the very end and cooked only briefly, keeping them crisp and fresh while preserving their nutritional value. The combination of soft tofu and juicy shrimp creates a pleasing contrast of textures, making this dish practical, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare on any given day. You will typically find cah tauge pedas tahu udang served as a side dish alongside steamed white rice at home kitchens and local Indonesian warungs, a humble dish with a bold personality.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
Four ingredients carry the heart of this dish.
- Bean sprouts (tauge) are the soul of the stir-fry, intentionally cooked for just a short time to maintain their signature crunch and freshness, which balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Shrimp (udang) adds a natural savory depth and a satisfying chew; deveining the shrimp before cooking ensures a clean, pleasant flavor in every bite.
- Tofu (tahu) brings a soft, pillowy contrast to the crisp bean sprouts and springy shrimp, lightly pre-fried to give it a golden exterior that holds its shape well during stir-frying.
- Ground red chilies in the spice blend form the bold, aromatic base of the dish. Bringing heat, color, and complexity that ties everything together.
Ingredients
(Serves 3–4)
Main Ingredients
- 300g shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- 250g bean sprouts
- 2 large firm white or yellow tofu, cut into cubes
- 5 shallots, sliced
- 1 stalk spring onion, sliced
- 3 red chilies, sliced
- ½ tsp shrimp paste (terasi), to taste
- 2 cm galangal, bruised
- Cooking oil, as needed
Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp seasoning powder
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 3 tbsp water
Ground Spice Blend
- 3 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 6 red chilies
- 3 bird’s eye chilies (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the shallots, spring onion, and red chilies. Set aside.
- Grind or blend the shallots, garlic, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste. Add a little water if needed.
- Cut the tofu into cubes and fry until half-cooked. Remove and drain.
- Clean the shrimp by removing the digestive tract along the back. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium heat.
- Add the ground spice blend, sliced shallots, galangal, and shrimp paste. Stir-fry until fragrant and fully cooked.
- Add the shrimp and tofu. Stir until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Season with salt, seasoning powder, sugar, oyster sauce, and ground pepper to taste.
- Add the bean sprouts and a splash of water. Stir and cook briefly, just until everything is heated through and the bean sprouts are still crisp.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm.
Serving Suggestion
Cah tauge pedas tahu udang is best served hot alongside steamed white rice. For a more complete meal, pair it with a light clear soup and another protein dish such as fried egg or grilled chicken. The crunch of the bean sprouts against the spiced shrimp and tofu makes every spoonful of rice deeply satisfying.
Love the Food? Learn the Language
Simple, fast, and full of flavor. Cah tauge pedas tahu udang is the kind of dish that reminds you why Indonesian everyday cooking is so deeply loved. And if this recipe has made you curious about the language and culture behind the food, there is no better time to dive in. BASANTARA offers Indonesian language courses designed specifically for non-native speakers, giving you the tools to connect with Indonesia more deeply. Through its language, its people, and yes, its food. Get in touch via WhatsApp at +62 852 1396 8601 or visit basantara.net to start your journey today.
