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A comforting Indonesian classic stew simmered in a sweet-savory soy-based sauce. This vegetarian-friendly version features tempeh, tofu, and boiled eggs, paired with aromatic spices like coriander, cumin, and cloves. The sauce thickens beautifully, enveloping the ingredients in rich caramelized flavors. Perfectly paired with warm steamed rice, this dish is kid-friendly and packed with bold, fragrant notes.
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Roast the coriander seeds, white pepper seeds, cumin, and cloves to enhance their aroma.
Blend the roasted spices together with the shallots, candlenuts, and garlic until smooth.
Heat oil in a pot and sauté the blended spices until fragrant.
Add bay leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and a pinch of nutmeg to the pot. Stir to combine.

Pour in the water, sweet soy sauce, salt, and mushroom bouillon. Bring to a gentle boil.

Add the potatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the tempeh, tofu, and boiled eggs to the pot. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for 20–30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.


Adjust salt to taste.
Serve the Semur with steamed rice and enjoy the rich, caramelized flavors.
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For a non-vegetarian version, you can substitute tempeh and tofu with beef or chicken.
Roasting the spices before blending enhances their aroma and depth of flavor.
Use fresh galangal and lemongrass for the best flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the boiled eggs or replace them with a vegan alternative.
What can I substitute for candlenuts?
You can use macadamia nuts or almonds as a substitute for candlenuts.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of sweet soy sauce?
Sweet soy sauce is essential for the authentic flavor, but you can mix regular soy sauce with a bit of sugar as a substitute.
What is the best way to serve Semur?
Semur is best served with steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce.
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