Spicy Tempe Stir-Fry with Green Chilies (Oseng Tempe Cabe Ijo)
This Oseng Tempe Cabe Ijo recipe features tempeh, a beloved Indonesian fermented soy product, stir-fried with aromatic spices and fiery green chilies for an irresistible combination of flavors. The dish is enhanced with fragrant shallots, garlic, ginger, and palm sugar, giving it a rich and savory-sweet balance. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal, it’s a wonderful way to experience the robust flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to make this vibrant, spicy dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Green chilies (Cabe Ijo) | 1/4 cup, sliced diagonally |
| Tempeh | 200 grams (cut to your preference, strips or cubes) |
| Fresh ginger | 1 small piece (about the size of a fingertip) |
| Palm sugar or regular sugar | 1-2 tbsp (depending on your preference) |
| Shallots (Bawang merah) | 2-3, thinly sliced |
| Garlic (Bawang putih) | 3 cloves, finely minced |
| Soy sauce (Kecap) | To taste |
| Salt (Garam) | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying and sautéing |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the green chilies diagonally. Cut the tempeh into your desired shape; whether strips or cubes is up to you. Fry the tempeh in hot oil until it’s golden brown, but not too crispy—this will help the flavors absorb better. Once done, drain the excess oil and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mixture
Thinly slice the shallots and finely chop the garlic and ginger. Add a pinch of salt to the garlic, and pound or blend them together until smooth. Slice the palm sugar into small pieces for easier melting later.
Step 3: Sauté the Shallots and Spice Mixture
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced shallots until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Next, add the ground garlic-ginger mixture and palm sugar. Stir-fry the ingredients until they release their aroma and start to caramelize.
Step 4: Add the Chilies and Stir-fry
Now it’s time to bring in the green chilies. Add them to the pan and stir-fry everything together until the chilies become slightly wilted and softened, but still vibrant in color.
Step 5: Combine the Tempeh and Soy Sauce
Toss in the fried tempeh into the pan. Add soy sauce to taste, adjusting the salt level as needed. Mix everything well, ensuring the tempeh is coated with the flavorful spice mixture.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce, salt, or sugar if desired. The dish should have a balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tempeh is well coated with the sauce and everything is nicely blended, remove the pan from the heat. Serve your delicious Spicy Tempe Stir-Fry with Green Chilies with steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy the bold, vibrant flavors of Indonesia right from your own kitchen!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150-200 kcal (depending on oil used) |
| Protein | ~15 grams |
| Fat | ~10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 grams |
| Fiber | ~4 grams |
| Sugars | ~3 grams |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
Pro Tips for the Perfect Oseng Tempe
- Tempeh texture: For a soft yet firm tempeh, avoid frying it too long. It should be crispy on the outside but still tender and flavorful on the inside.
- Spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, remove some of the seeds from the green chilies before stir-frying, or reduce the amount of chilies used.
- Additions: You can also toss in some sautéed vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
This vibrant, savory dish is a great way to showcase the unique flavors of Indonesian cuisine, while also being easy to prepare for anyone looking to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal!
