Orek Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Stir-Fry
Orek Tempe is a beloved Indonesian dish that brings together the nutty, satisfying flavor of tempeh with a spicy and savory blend of chilies, garlic, and soy sauce. This simple stir-fry offers a deliciously crispy texture, enhanced by a touch of sweetness from soy sauce and sugar, perfect for accompanying rice or a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re new to Indonesian cuisine or looking for a quick, wholesome meal, Orek Tempe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 250 grams |
| Red chilies | 5 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 10 pieces |
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Soy sauce (kecap manis) | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
| Seasoning powder (optional) | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tempeh
- Cut the tempeh into small bite-sized cubes or strips, depending on your preference. Try to keep them evenly sized so they fry consistently.
Step 2: Prepare the Spices
- Grind or finely chop the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and garlic together into a paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this. Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your heat preference—more if you like it extra spicy!
Step 3: Fry the Tempeh
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the tempeh pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, remove the tempeh from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Cook the Spice Paste
- In the same pan, remove any excess oil, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Toss in the ground spice paste (chilies, shallots, garlic) and sauté until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the spices!
Step 5: Combine the Tempeh and Seasonings
- Once the spices are fragrant, add the fried tempeh back into the pan.
- Season with soy sauce (kecap manis), sugar, and a pinch of salt. If desired, you can also add a small amount of seasoning powder for extra umami.
- Stir everything together until the tempeh is evenly coated with the sauce and the mixture is well combined.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Cook for an additional minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Once done, remove from heat and serve hot.
Orek Tempe can be served as a side dish alongside steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal. Enjoy the balance of crispy, savory, and spicy elements in every bite!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
This nutrient breakdown is based on a serving size of about 100 grams of tempeh. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Orek Tempe is not only a quick and easy dish to prepare but also rich in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. The combination of tempeh’s hearty texture with the kick of chilies and the sweetness of soy sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
