Orek Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Stir-Fry Dish ๐ฟ๐ฝ๏ธ
Orek Tempe is a beloved Indonesian dish that brings together the rich, earthy flavor of tempeh with aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness from the kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). This dish is perfect as a side or even as a main meal paired with steamed rice. The balance of flavors in this recipe makes it a comforting and delicious choice for any occasion. Let’s dive into this savory stir-fry with a step-by-step guide to creating this wonderful dish.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into small cubes) | 400 grams (approximately 2 blocks) |
| Shallots (thinly sliced) | 5 pieces |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 3 cloves |
| Red chili peppers (sliced) | 5 pieces (with some seeds removed) |
| Green chili peppers (sliced) | 2 pieces |
| Galangal (smashed) | 1 cm piece |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 4 leaves |
| Lemongrass (smashed) | 1 stalk |
| Tomato (cut into cubes) | 1 piece |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Palm sugar (optional) | To taste (to add sweetness) |
| Salt (to taste) | To taste |
| Seasoning (optional) | To taste (can be a bouillon cube or MSG) |
Instructions:
-
Fry the Tempeh:
Begin by frying the tempeh cubes in hot oil until they are golden and crispy. Drain the fried tempeh on paper towels to remove excess oil. Set aside for later use. -
-
Prepare the Aromatics:
Thinly slice the shallots and garlic. Slice the red and green chili peppers, removing most of the seeds to control the heat level. -
Fry the Shallots and Garlic:
In a pan, heat a bit of oil and fry the shallots and garlic until they are crispy and fragrant. Once they reach a golden color, add a small amount of water to help loosen the mixture and prevent burning. -
Add the Spices:
Into the same pan, add the sliced chili peppers, smashed galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass stalk. Sautรฉ everything together to allow the flavors to infuse. -
Add Tomato and Seasonings:
Toss in the diced tomato and stir everything well. Then, pour in the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and adjust the taste with palm sugar, salt, and optional seasoning (such as bouillon cube or MSG if desired). -
Combine with Fried Tempeh:
Add the fried tempeh cubes to the pan and stir gently, making sure all the tempeh is well coated with the aromatic mixture. -
Simmer:
Cook the dish on low heat, allowing the tempeh to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally and cook until the sauce is reduced, and the tempeh has soaked up all the delicious aromas. -
Serve:
Once the dish is cooked through and the tempeh is infused with the rich flavors, remove from heat. Serve your Orek Tempe warm with steamed rice or enjoy it as a delicious side dish.
Nutrition Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~18 g |
| Protein | ~15 g |
| Fat | ~16 g |
| Fiber | ~6 g |
| Sugar | ~5 g |
This simple yet flavorful Orek Tempe recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen. With crispy tempeh, aromatic herbs, and a sweet-savory sauce, it’s sure to please both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Enjoy this hearty dish with a side of rice or as a topping for noodles, and let the flavors of Indonesia inspire your next meal!
