Tempe Orek: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Tempe Orek is a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the unique flavors of tempeh, a staple made from fermented soybeans. This delightful recipe combines fragrant spices, salty anchovies, and a touch of sweetness, resulting in a dish that is both savory and satisfying. Whether served alongside rice or enjoyed as part of a larger meal, Tempe Orek is sure to please any palate.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bumbu Halus (ground spices) | |
| – Kemiri (candlenuts) | 2 pcs |
| – Bawang Merah (red onions) | 7 pcs |
| – Bawang Putih (garlic) | 3 pcs |
| – Lada Bubuk (ground pepper) | ½ tablespoon |
| – Gula (sugar) | 1½ tablespoons |
| – Kecap Asin (soy sauce) | 1 tablespoon |
| – Tomat (tomato) | ½ pcs |
| Other Ingredients | |
| – Lengkuas (galangal) | 1 finger (about 1-2 inches) |
| – Tempe (fermented soybean cake) | ½ block, diced |
| – Ikan Teri Asin (salted anchovies) | 1 handful |
| – Cabe Hijau (green chilies) | 5 pcs |
| – Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce) | 1½ tablespoons |
| – Minyak Goreng (cooking oil) | For frying |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Begin by heating oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced tempeh and fry until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
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Cook the Anchovies: In the same pan, add the salted anchovies. Rinse them beforehand to reduce excess saltiness. Sauté the anchovies for about 2 minutes over medium heat until they become slightly crispy.
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Add the Ground Spices: Incorporate the bumbu halus (ground spices) into the pan with the anchovies. Stir and sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the chopped green chilies and sauté for a short while until they soften slightly. Next, introduce the fried tempeh back into the pan, mixing gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Season the Dish: Pour in the kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and kecap asin (soy sauce). Stir thoroughly to ensure that all the tempeh and anchovies are evenly coated in the flavorful sauces.
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Final Touches: Allow the mixture to cook for a few more minutes, letting the flavors deepen and blend. Serve warm alongside steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Tempe Orek is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant expression of Indonesian culinary culture, full of flavor and nutrition. The combination of crispy tempeh and savory anchovies, enhanced by aromatic spices, makes this dish a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of flavors in Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy your culinary adventure!



