Orek Tempe: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Orek Tempe is a delightful Indonesian dish that highlights tempeh, a fermented soybean product rich in flavor and nutrition. This recipe, filled with vibrant spices and aromatic herbs, is perfect for those seeking a quick yet delicious vegetarian option. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, Orek Tempe is sure to impress with its savory taste and enticing aroma. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Ingredients
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 large block of tempeh, cut into cubes |
| Chili Peppers | 1 red chili, sliced diagonally |
| 6 bird’s eye chilies, sliced diagonally | |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Ground Spices | 5 shallots |
| 2 garlic cloves | |
| 1/2 tomato | |
| 1 curly red chili | |
| 3 bird’s eye chilies | |
| 2 candlenuts (kemiri) | |
| 1/4 teaspoon coriander | |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | |
| 1 teaspoon brown sugar | |
| Other Ingredients | Salt to taste |
| Sweet soy sauce to taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempeh:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the cubed tempeh and fry until it is half cooked, achieving a light golden brown color. Once done, remove from the oil and set aside.
-
-
Sauté the Spices:
- In the same pan, reduce the heat and add the sliced red chili and bird’s eye chilies. Sauté them until they become tender and fragrant.
- Next, add the ground spice mixture made from the shallots, garlic, tomato, curly red chili, bird’s eye chilies, candlenuts, coriander, and black pepper. Cook this mixture until it changes color and releases a delightful aroma.
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Combine and Cook:
- Pour in the water and add the sweet soy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and brown sugar according to your preference.
- Carefully add the pre-fried tempeh back into the pan. Stir gently to ensure that the tempeh absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the spices. Allow it to cook until the sauce thickens and the tempeh is thoroughly coated and infused with the spices.
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Serve:
- Once everything is well-cooked and the spices have penetrated the tempeh, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the Orek Tempe to a serving dish and garnish as desired. Serve warm as a main dish or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Orek Tempe offers a beautiful balance of flavors, with the spiciness of the chilies harmonizing with the earthy notes of tempeh and the sweetness of soy sauce. This dish embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore new flavors in their cooking. Enjoy this vibrant dish as part of a larger feast or as a comforting meal on its own!
