Orek Tempe: A Savory Indonesian Tempe Stir-Fry
Orek Tempe is a beloved Indonesian dish that highlights the delightful taste and texture of tempeh, combined with a medley of aromatic spices and sweet soy sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to steamed rice or as a delicious side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (cut into matchstick shapes) | 1 piece |
| Galangal (cleaned and smashed) | 1 finger-length piece |
| Lemongrass (smashed) | 1 stalk |
| Bay leaves | 3 leaves |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 3 tablespoons |
| Cooking oil (for frying) | 1/4 cup |
| Ground Ingredients: | |
| Red chili (some sliced diagonally) | 50 grams |
| Bird’s eye chili | 8 pieces |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Sugar and salt | To taste |
| Water | 50 cc (about 1/4 cup) |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempeh:
- Begin by heating a frying pan over medium heat and adding the cooking oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, add the tempeh that has been cut into matchstick shapes. Fry the tempeh until it is half-cooked and lightly golden. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
-
-
Sauté the Spices:
- In the same pan, add the ground ingredients, which include the sliced red chili, bird’s eye chili, garlic, and shallots. Sauté these ingredients until they become fragrant and the shallots are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine the Flavors:
- Once the spices are fragrant, pour in the sweet soy sauce, and season with sugar and salt to taste. Add the smashed galangal, lemongrass, and bay leaves, followed by a splash of water to create a sauce.
- Gently stir in the previously fried tempeh, ensuring that each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Allow the mixture to cook until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the tempeh, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Serve:
- Once the tempeh is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Orek Tempe to a serving plate and enjoy it warm.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | Varies with added salt |
Orek Tempe is not just a dish but a culinary experience that showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The harmony of spices, the sweetness of the soy sauce, and the nuttiness of the tempeh come together in this delightful stir-fry, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore new and exciting flavors in their cooking repertoire. Serve it alongside a bowl of steaming rice for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy!
