Spicy Sweet Tempeh Recipe (Orek Tempe Pedas Manis)
Delve into the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Spicy Sweet Tempeh recipe, known as Orek Tempe Pedas Manis. This dish beautifully balances the savory depth of tempeh with the sweet and spicy notes from the aromatic spices and fresh chilies, making it a perfect accompaniment to your main courses or a standalone dish for a light meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 block (approximately 250 grams) |
| Palm sugar | 1 block (grated) |
| Granulated sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Galangal | 1 piece (bruised) |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 2 leaves |
| Red chili | 1 piece |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 5 pieces |
| Shallots | 5 cloves (sliced) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (sliced) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Begin by cutting the tempeh into pieces of your desired size, whether you prefer thin slices, cubes, or rectangles—this will influence the texture and flavor absorption during cooking.
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Fry the Tempeh: In a skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the cut tempeh and fry until it reaches a light golden color and is half-cooked, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the tempeh from the oil and drain it on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced shallots, garlic, red chili, and bird’s eye chilies, followed by the bruised galangal, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté the mixture over medium heat until the shallots are translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes.
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Add Sweetness: Stir in the grated palm sugar, allowing it to melt and combine with the sautéed aromatics. Continue to stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a luscious base for the dish.
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Combine with Tempeh: Gently add the fried tempeh back into the skillet. Mix well to coat the tempeh evenly with the aromatic sauce.
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Season: Sprinkle in salt and granulated sugar to taste. Continue to stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that all flavors meld together beautifully.
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Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, balancing sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
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Serve: Once the flavors are well combined and the tempeh is heated through, remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your Spicy Sweet Tempeh with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving (Approx. 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
This recipe for Spicy Sweet Tempeh is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients, thanks to the tempeh, which is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. So why not try this dish today? It’s a fantastic way to bring some Indonesian flair to your table, and it’s sure to please both vegetarian and meat-loving guests alike. Happy cooking! 😊
