Tempe Orek Pedas Manis: A Sweet and Spicy Delight
Discover the rich flavors of Indonesia with this mouthwatering recipe for Tempe Orek Pedas Manis, a sweet and spicy tempeh dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This dish, combining the savory taste of tempeh with the fragrant spices of the region, makes for a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice or as part of a larger feast.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 3 pieces (approximately 1 piece if smaller) |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Galangal (laos), crushed | 1 piece (about an inch) |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Lime leaves (remove the stem) | 4 leaves |
| Large chilies | 4 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 4 pieces |
| Sweet soy sauce | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Brown sugar, sliced | 2 tablespoons |
| Powdered broth (mushroom broth) | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt (to taste) | ½ teaspoon |
| Water | 50 ml |
| Cooking oil | 3 tablespoons |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering and preparing all the ingredients. Cut the tempeh into 1 cm x 1 cm cubes or to your preferred size.
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Fry the Tempeh: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tempeh cubes and fry them until they are half-cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced shallots and garlic to the remaining oil. Sauté until fragrant. Then, introduce the large chilies, bird’s eye chilies, bay leaves, lime leaves, and crushed galangal. Stir continuously until the mixture is aromatic.
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Add the Flavorings: Pour in the sweet soy sauce, salt, and powdered broth. Stir to combine. Then, add the water and brown sugar, mixing well. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
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Combine with Tempeh: Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the fried tempeh back into the pan. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently to ensure the tempeh is well-coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Cook Down the Sauce: Allow the dish to simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has mostly evaporated and coats the tempeh nicely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to your desired consistency, remove from heat and serve warm. This dish is best enjoyed with steaming hot rice, making every bite a delightful experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Final Thoughts
Tempe Orek Pedas Manis is a culinary gem that embodies the essence of Indonesian flavors, offering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that will leave you craving more. This recipe not only highlights the versatility of tempeh but also showcases how simple ingredients can create a truly delectable dish. So, gather your ingredients and embark on this flavorful journey that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
