Fiery Tempe Orek: A Spicy Indonesian Delight
Spicy Tempe Orek (Tempe Orek Pedas)
Discover the vibrant flavors of Indonesia with this delightful Spicy Tempe Orek, a dish that combines the nutty richness of tempe with the fresh crunch of vegetables, all brought together by a medley of aromatic spices. This recipe serves as a perfect companion for steamed rice and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybeans) | 1 block (approximately 200g), sliced into long strips and fried until golden |
| Petai (stinky beans) | 3 pieces, peeled |
| Bakso (meatballs) | 5 pieces, thinly sliced |
| Long beans (kacang panjang) | 1 small bunch, cut into 2-inch pieces |
| Green chilies | 10, thickly sliced |
| For the Spice Mix: | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, thinly sliced |
| Shallots | 4 cloves, thinly sliced |
| Red bird’s eye chilies | 10, thinly sliced |
| Bay leaves | 3 leaves |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 piece, smashed |
| Salt | to taste |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | to taste |
| Soy sauce (kecap asin) | to taste |
| Fish sauce (kecap ikan) | to taste |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | to taste |
| Oyster sauce (saos tiram) | to taste |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Base:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, shallots, and red bird’s eye chilies. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes.Related Articles -
Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. The broth will infuse the dish with flavor and moisture. -
Add the Vegetables:
Once boiling, add the long beans, green chilies, and sliced meatballs. Stir well and season with a pinch of palm sugar and salt to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. -
Incorporate the Tempe:
Gently fold in the fried tempe strips, adding sweet soy sauce to your desired taste. The sweet and savory notes will enhance the dish beautifully. -
Finish with Petai:
Just before removing from heat, add the petai for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the petai retains its crunch. -
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, palm sugar, or soy sauce according to your preference. -
Serve:
Transfer the Spicy Tempe Orek to a serving plate and enjoy it hot, paired with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.
This Spicy Tempe Orek recipe not only celebrates the deliciousness of tempe but also brings forth the harmonious balance of spices and fresh ingredients, making it a delightful dish that embodies love through food. Enjoy your culinary adventure!



