Orek Tempe Basah Bumbu Ulek (Sweet Tempe Stir-Fry with Spicy Spices)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soy cake) | 3 pieces |
| Green chili (sliced diagonally) | 3 pieces |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | To taste |
| Lemongrass (sereh) | 1 stalk |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 8 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Red curly chilies (cabe merah keriting) | 5 pieces |
| Tomato | 1 medium-sized |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 2 pieces |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, red chilies, tomato, candlenuts, and coriander until smooth to create the bumbu ulek. You want this paste to be fine and aromatic. -
Fry the Tempe:
Cut the tempe into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the tempe until it is golden brown and slightly crispy, but not overly dry. Once done, remove and set aside. -
Sauté the Spices:
In the same pan, add the spice paste along with a stalk of lemongrass and bay leaves. Sauté this mixture until it becomes fragrant and the raw smell of the spices fades away. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Add the fried tempe into the pan, stirring to coat the tempe evenly with the spice paste. Add sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), sugar, salt, and the sliced green chilies. Stir everything together thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld and the tempe to absorb the spices. -
Simmer and Serve:
Pour in a little water to help the sauce develop and cook the tempe until the flavors are well absorbed. Cook for an additional few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the tempe is coated in the flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning with more sugar, salt, or soy sauce as needed. -
Final Touches:
Once the sauce is thickened and the tempe has absorbed the bumbu, remove from heat. Serve the Orek Tempe Basah warm, either with rice or as a savory side dish to a main meal.
This Orek Tempe Basah Bumbu Ulek is a classic Indonesian dish, known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. The tempe absorbs the rich, sweet, and savory bumbu, making it an irresistible dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or any side of your choice. Enjoy the blend of spicy, sweet, and umami in every bite!
