Orek Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Stir-Fry
Orek Tempe is a beloved Indonesian dish that showcases the delightful flavors of tempeh, garlic, and spices, creating a savory experience that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to explore Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 papan |
| Shallots | 4 cloves |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk |
| Palm sugar (Gula Jawa) | 1 piece |
| Red chilies | 3 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 4 pieces |
| Water | As needed |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Flavor enhancer (e.g., Masako) | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Begin by cutting the tempeh into small, thin slices. Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the tempeh until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the tempeh from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Chop the Aromatics: Thinly slice the shallots, garlic, and both types of chilies. Additionally, chop the palm sugar into small pieces to facilitate melting.
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Sauté the Base: In the same pan used for frying the tempeh, add a little more oil if necessary. Heat the oil and add the sliced shallots and garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
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Add the Spices: Toss in the bay leaves and lemongrass, stirring briefly to release their aromatic oils.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in water and add the chopped palm sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely. Then, add your flavor enhancer and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
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Combine with Tempeh: As the sauce begins to thicken and reduce, carefully add the fried tempeh back into the pan. Gently stir to coat the tempeh evenly with the flavorful sauce, ensuring each piece absorbs the delicious spices.
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Final Adjustments: Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve: Once everything is well combined and flavorful, your Orek Tempe is ready to be served. Enjoy this dish warm, ideally accompanied by steamed rice.
This Orek Tempe recipe beautifully captures the essence of Indonesian cooking, highlighting the rich flavors of tempeh and the vibrant spices that define this cuisine. Whether served as a main dish or as a side, it is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
