Orek Tempe Basah is a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the delightful texture of tempeh, combined with aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe will guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The balance of flavors, from the sweetness of palm sugar to the savory notes of garlic and shallots, makes this dish a true culinary gem.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 board (about 250g) |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk, bruised |
| Galangal | 3 cm, bruised |
| Green chilies | 3 large, sliced diagonally |
| Ground Spices | |
| Shallots | 6 cloves |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Red curly chilies | 3 |
| Palm sugar | 1 tablespoon, grated |
| Sweet soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Flavoring (optional) | to taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 150 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Start by cutting the tempeh into square pieces. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the tempeh until it’s golden brown but not overly crispy. This ensures it retains some moisture and softness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, use the remaining oil to sauté the ground spices (shallots, garlic, and red curly chilies). Add the bruised lemongrass and galangal to infuse the oil with their flavors. Stir-fry until the mixture is fragrant and the shallots become translucent.
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Add the Chilies: Toss in the sliced green chilies and sauté for an additional minute. This will help release their flavor while keeping some crunch.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in a little water to create a sauce, then add the grated palm sugar, salt, sweet soy sauce, and any additional flavoring if desired. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Combine with Tempeh: Add the fried tempeh back into the pan and stir gently to coat the pieces with the flavorful sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and adheres to the tempeh, about 5 minutes.
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Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Orek Tempe Basah warm with steamed rice or as a side dish.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Orek Tempe Basah is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine to your table. Whether enjoyed as part of a larger feast or as a standalone dish, it promises to satisfy and delight. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite!