Orek Tempe: A Delightful Indonesian Stir-Fry
Orek Tempe is a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully marries the nutty flavor of tempeh with aromatic spices, creating a savory and slightly sweet stir-fry that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavors, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Here’s how to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 block (papan), sliced into matchsticks |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 5, thinly sliced |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 3, thinly sliced |
| Curly Chili (Cabe Keriting) | To taste, diagonally sliced |
| Bird’s Eye Chili (Cabe Rawit) | To taste, diagonally sliced |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | A small piece, smashed |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) | 5, rib removed |
| Lemongrass (Serai) | 1 stalk, smashed |
| Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis) | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Soy Sauce (Kecap Asin) | 0.5 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Tomato | 1/2, chopped |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempeh:
Begin by frying the sliced tempeh in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the tempeh from the oil and set it aside to drain excess oil. -
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté the sliced shallots, garlic, curly chili, bird’s eye chili, smashed galangal, smashed lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir-fry these ingredients until they are fragrant and the shallots are translucent. -
Combine Ingredients:
Add the fried tempeh back into the pan, mixing it well with the sautéed aromatics. Season the mixture with salt, sugar, sweet soy sauce, and regular soy sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure the tempeh is well coated with the flavorful mixture. -
Incorporate Tomato:
Gently fold in the chopped tomato. If the mixture appears too dry, add a splash of water to help the ingredients blend and cook together. -
Cook Until Flavors Meld:
Allow the dish to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together and the bumbu (spices) thoroughly infuse into the tempeh. Cook until the sauce is absorbed and the dish is fragrant. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove from heat and serve hot. Orek Tempe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main dish.
This delightful Orek Tempe is a testament to the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine and is sure to impress at any dining table. With its easy preparation and rich taste, it’s a dish that embodies love for cooking and sharing delicious meals. Enjoy your culinary journey with this heartwarming recipe!
