Orek Tempe Teri Medan: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Indulge in the unique and rich flavors of Orek Tempe Teri Medan, a beloved Indonesian dish that combines crispy fried tempeh with savory dried anchovies, known as teri Medan. The fragrant blend of aromatic spices and a touch of sweet soy sauce brings out the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempeh (cut into thin strips) | 1/2 block |
| Teri Medan (small dried anchovies) | As needed |
| For the spice paste (Bumbu Rajang): | |
| Shallots | 5 cloves (thinly sliced) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (thinly sliced) |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece (thinly sliced) |
| Red curly chilies | 5 pieces (thinly sliced) |
| Red bird’s eye chilies | 3 pieces (optional, for extra heat) |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 3 leaves (torn into pieces) |
| Galangal | 1-inch piece (bruised) |
| Palm sugar | 1 piece (thinly sliced) |
| Tamarind | As needed (dissolved in a little water) |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
| Salt and sugar | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tempeh and Anchovies
Begin by frying the tempeh that has been cut into thin strips. Fry until it’s half-cooked and lightly golden, then set it aside.
In the same oil, fry the teri Medan (dried anchovies) until they are crispy. Remove and set aside. -
-
Cook the Aromatic Spice Paste
Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the sliced shallots, garlic, ginger, red curly chilies, and bird’s eye chilies until fragrant. This will bring out the natural flavors of the spices. -
Create the Flavor Base
Once the spices are aromatic, add water to the pan and stir in the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), salt, sugar, tamarind water, and palm sugar. Toss in the kaffir lime leaves and the bruised galangal to add a subtle citrusy aroma. -
Combine Tempeh and Anchovies
Add the fried tempeh and crispy anchovies to the pan. Stir well to coat them in the spice mixture. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces. The flavors should deeply infuse into the tempeh and anchovies. -
Adjust the Taste
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, sugar, or sweet soy sauce to balance the flavors. -
Serve
Once the sauce has reduced and the tempeh and anchovies are fully coated, remove from heat. Serve your Orek Tempe Teri Medan warm alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Indonesian dish, perfect for family gatherings or as a delightful side dish to your meal.
