Simple Orek Tempe Recipe
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe | 1 block |
| Fresh basil (kemangi) | 1 small bunch |
| Scallion (daun bawang) | 1 leaf |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 2 nuts |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 4 shallots |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | A small piece |
| Granulated sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tempe:
Slice the block of tempeh into thin pieces to ensure it fries evenly. Set aside. -
Grind the Aromatics:
Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind together the shallots, garlic, kencur, and candlenuts until you form a smooth paste. This mixture will serve as the flavor base for the dish. -
Fry the Tempe:
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the sliced tempeh until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tempeh from the pan and set it aside to drain on paper towels. -
Sauté the Spice Paste:
In the same pan, using a little oil if necessary, sauté the ground spice paste over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning. After the aromatics release their fragrance, add a little water to prevent sticking and to help blend the flavors. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Add the fried tempeh into the pan with the sautéed spices. Stir well to coat the tempeh with the flavor-packed paste. -
Season:
Adjust the seasoning by adding salt, granulated sugar, and a flavor enhancer if desired. Pour in some sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to taste. Stir everything together until the tempeh absorbs the flavors and the sauce slightly thickens. -
Finish with Basil and Scallion:
As a finishing touch, toss in the fresh basil leaves and sliced scallion. Stir everything gently to wilt the basil without overcooking it, allowing it to impart its fresh, aromatic flavor. -
Serve:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from the heat and serve. Your simple, fragrant Orek Tempe is ready to enjoy with rice or as a side dish!
Notes:
- Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sweet soy sauce based on your preference for sweetness.
- Substitutions: If kencur is not available, you can skip it or use a small amount of ginger as a substitute.
- Optional Flavor Enhancers: Add chili if you prefer a spicy kick, or use a flavor enhancer (like MSG) to elevate the savory taste.
This simple Orek Tempe recipe is a quick and flavorful Indonesian dish, perfect for a daily meal or as part of a more elaborate spread!
