Orek Tempe: A Savory Indonesian Tempe Stir-Fry
Orek Tempe is a beloved Indonesian dish that blends crispy fried tempe with a fragrant, savory mix of spices, garlic, and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). It’s a simple yet satisfying dish often served with rice. Here’s how to make it at home!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into long cubes) | 1 block (approximately 300g) |
| Red onions (thinly sliced) | 8 cloves |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 4 cloves |
| Kaffir lime leaves (discard stem) | 4 leaves |
| Bay leaves | 1 leaf |
| Galangal (smashed) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis) | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Clean the red onions, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal thoroughly. Set them aside. -
Fry the Tempe
Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the tempe pieces until they turn crispy and golden brown. Once done, drain and set them aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, sauté the red onions and garlic until fragrant. Add in the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaf, and smashed galangal. Stir-fry until the spices release their aroma and the mixture becomes fragrant. -
Add Sweet Soy Sauce and Seasonings
Pour in a small amount of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the fried tempe back into the pan, then drizzle in the sweet soy sauce, salt, and sugar to taste. Stir gently to coat the tempe evenly in the sauce and spices. Let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed, and the flavors meld together. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the sauce has thickened and the tempe is flavorful, remove from heat. Serve hot, paired with steamed rice or as a side dish.
Enjoy this delicious Indonesian Orek Tempe, a perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors!
This recipe is simple, easy to make, and offers a delicious taste of Indonesian cuisine.
