Orek Tempe: A Sweet and Spicy Tempeh Delight
Orek Tempe is a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavor of tempeh with a medley of aromatic spices and seasonings, resulting in a delightful explosion of flavors. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also a fantastic way to introduce tempeh to your culinary repertoire. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information for making this delectable dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 5 small pieces |
| Red chilies | 6 pieces |
| Shallots | 6 cloves |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Palm sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sweet soy sauce | A pinch |
| Tamarind juice | 1/2 cup |
| Water | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Galangal | To taste |
| Bay leaves | To taste |
| Kaffir lime leaves | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Begin by slicing the tempeh thinly. Rinse it under cold water to remove any impurities. In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat and fry the tempeh slices until they are crispy and golden brown. Once fried, set them aside on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Thinly slice the red chilies, shallots, and garlic. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the sliced shallots and garlic until they become fragrant and golden. Add the red chilies and continue to sauté until the chilies soften and the flavors meld together.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the water and add the palm sugar, granulated sugar, tamarind juice, flavor enhancer, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, salt, and galangal. Stir the mixture well and allow it to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors combine.
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Combine and Adjust Flavor: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the fried tempeh slices back into the pan. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the tempeh is well-coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, balancing the sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess to your preference.
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Finish and Serve: Allow the dish to cook for an additional few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. When done, remove from heat and serve warm over steamed rice or as a side dish.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Enjoy Your Orek Tempe!
Orek Tempe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that pay homage to Indonesian cuisine. With its sweet, spicy, and savory notes, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Serve it alongside steamed rice and your favorite vegetable dishes for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the delightful taste of Orek Tempe!
