Oreg Tempe: Spicy & Savory Indonesian Tempeh Stir-Fry
Oreg Tempe (Yogya’s Nasi Kucing Side Dish)
Oreg Tempe is a beloved dish in Yogyakarta, often served as a flavorful side to the famous Nasi Kucing (a small rice portion wrapped in banana leaves). This dish features tempeh (fermented soybean cake) and kerecek (crispy beef skin), cooked with a combination of aromatic spices and savory seasonings. The result is a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy dish that complements the simplicity of Nasi Kucing perfectly.
This recipe is a wonderful example of Indonesian street food flavors, known for its versatility and heartiness. Whether you’re making it as an accompaniment to a traditional Indonesian meal or as a stand-alone dish, Oreg Tempe is sure to please with its rich and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small block of tempe, sliced | 1 small board |
| Kerecek (crispy beef skin) | 1 pack |
| Red chili peppers (whole) | 5 |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (crushed) | 1 stalk |
| Shallots (sliced) | 4 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Green chili peppers (sliced) | 6 |
| Small red tomato | 1 |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 4 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Sauté the Aromatics | Heat a little oil in a pan, then sauté the sliced shallots, chopped garlic, sliced green chilies, and the small red tomato until fragrant. |
| 2. Add the Herbs | Add the crushed lemongrass and bay leaves, stirring to release their aromatic flavors. |
| 3. Add Water and Tempeh | Pour in the water and add the tempeh slices and kerecek. Let this simmer until the flavors meld together. |
| 4. Season the Dish | Add sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and palm sugar, stirring well to combine. |
| 5. Simmer with Chili | Toss in the whole red chilies and let everything cook together until the water has mostly evaporated and the oil begins to separate from the mixture. |
| 6. Final Sauté and Serve | Stir-fry the mixture briefly in the remaining oil before serving. The dish is ready to be enjoyed warm with Nasi Kucing or as a tasty side. |
Serving Suggestions:
Oreg Tempe pairs perfectly with warm steamed rice, especially if served with a side of sambal, fried shallots, or other Indonesian condiments. It can also be served as part of a larger meal, adding an irresistible texture and flavor that balances spicy, savory, and sweet notes.
Enjoy the delightful taste of Oreg Tempe, a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of traditional Yogyakarta to your table!
