Orem-Orem Tahu Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delicacy
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity/Preparation |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybeans) | 1 block (cut into 2 and steamed for a short time) |
| Tahu (firm white tofu) | 1 block (cut into pieces and half-fried) |
| Green onions | 2 stalks (thinly sliced) |
| Green chilies | 3 large (sliced) |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk (crushed) |
| Galangal (laos) | 1 thumb-sized piece (crushed) |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 3 leaves (torn into pieces) |
| Thick coconut milk | 500 ml |
| Spice paste (bumbu halus): | |
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Turmeric (kunir) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Kencur (lesser galangal) | 1/2 thumb-sized piece |
| Ginger | 1/2 thumb-sized piece |
| Red curly chili (cabe merah) | 1 piece (optional, add more if you like it spicier) |
| Fine salt | 2 tsp |
| Sugar (gula pasir) | 1 tsp |
| Seasoning (ro*ko, optional) | 1/2 tsp |
| Cooking oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Paste
Begin by grinding the shallots, garlic, turmeric, kencur, ginger, and red curly chili into a smooth spice paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step. -
Sauté the Spice Paste
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the crushed lemongrass, galangal, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Sauté everything together until the aroma becomes fragrant. -
Add Green Chilies
Once the spices are fragrant, toss in the sliced green chilies. Continue sautéing for about a minute to allow the flavors to combine. -
Pour in the Coconut Milk
Add half of the coconut milk to the pan, stirring gently to mix it with the spices. -
Add Tofu and Tempeh
Next, add the half-fried tofu and steamed tempeh into the pan. Stir well and season with fine salt and sugar to balance the flavors. Let the mixture simmer until it begins to boil. -
Finish the Dish
Once the mixture starts to boil, pour in the remaining coconut milk, followed by the optional seasoning (ro*ko) and the sliced green onions. Cook on low heat, allowing the flavors to absorb and meld together for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir gently, as stirring too frequently may cause the tempeh to break apart. -
Serve
Once the dish is ready, serve warm with a steaming bowl of white rice. Enjoy this Indonesian comfort food that pairs well with other side dishes or as a satisfying main course.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
This Orem-Orem Tahu Tempe is a warm, comforting dish with a rich, flavorful broth that pairs perfectly with rice. The combination of tempeh and tofu gives it a hearty texture, while the fragrant spices and coconut milk bring out a balance of savory and slightly sweet notes. Perfect for a cozy meal with loved ones or as part of a festive gathering!
