Orek Tempe Asam Manis: A Flavorful Tempeh Delight
Orek Tempe Asam Manis is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of fried tempeh with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, bringing a taste of Indonesian cuisine to your table. This dish is perfect as a side or main course, and it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Here’s how you can create this delectable dish in your kitchen:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe | Sliced as desired |
| Large red chili pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Bird’s eye chili | 2-3 (sliced) |
| Shallots | 3 (sliced) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (sliced) |
| Tamarind water | 2 tablespoons |
| Sweet soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Galangal | 2 slices |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempeh:
Heat enough cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the sliced tempeh. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. -
Slice the Aromatics:
While the tempeh is frying, slice the shallots, garlic, large red chili pepper, and bird’s eye chili. Set them aside for later use. -
Sauté the Spices:
In the same pan used for frying the tempeh, add a bit more cooking oil if necessary. Once hot, add the sliced shallots, garlic, large red chili, and bird’s eye chili. Sauté until fragrant and golden. -
Add the Flavorings:
To the sautéed mixture, add the galangal and bay leaves. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until aromatic. -
Incorporate the Sauce:
Pour in the tamarind water, followed by the sugar, salt, and sweet soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors. -
Combine with Tempeh:
Gently add the fried tempeh back into the pan. Toss everything together until the tempeh is well coated with the sauce. If the mixture appears too dry, add a splash of water. -
Cook Until Well Blended:
Allow the tempeh to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce clings to the tempeh and has a slightly glossy appearance. -
Serve:
Once the tempeh is coated and the flavors have infused, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Orek Tempe Asam Manis warm, garnished with fresh chilies if desired, alongside steamed rice or as a flavorful side dish.
Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors in this Orek Tempe Asam Manis, a dish that is sure to please your palate and impress your guests. Perfect for any occasion, it highlights the beauty of tempeh and the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cooking. Happy cooking!
