Orak Arik Tempe: A Savory Indonesian Tempe Stir-Fry
Orak Arik Tempe is a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases the unique flavors of tempeh, an excellent source of protein made from fermented soybeans. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with aromatic spices, making it a perfect choice for any meal. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 block (about 200g) |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 2 cm, crushed |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 6 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 5 cloves |
| Curly chili (cabe keriting) | 3 pieces (adjust to taste) |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 3 pieces |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato | 1 piece (optional) |
| Lemongrass (serai) | 1 stalk |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2 leaves |
| Brown sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | Varies |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Cut the tempeh into desired sizes (cubes or slices) and soak them in salted water for about 15 minutes. This step helps enhance the flavor and texture. After soaking, fry the tempeh in hot oil until it turns golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Blend the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, curly chili, candlenuts, and coriander. Blend until smooth.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet or wok, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add the crushed galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Add the blended spice paste to the pan and sauté until the oil begins to separate, about 5 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a splash of water to keep it from burning.
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Season the Dish: Incorporate the brown sugar and salt to taste, stirring well to combine. If using, chop the tomato and add it at this stage. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the tomato softens and blends into the sauce.
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Combine with Tempeh: Carefully add the fried tempeh to the pan, stirring gently to coat the tempeh with the spice mixture. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
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Final Touches: Once the sauce has thickened and coats the tempeh well, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
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Serve: Transfer the Orak Arik Tempe to a serving plate. For an added touch, sprinkle some fried shallots on top. Enjoy your delicious dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal!
This vibrant and aromatic Orak Arik Tempe recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, this dish can be customized to suit your spice preference. Enjoy exploring the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia with this delightful recipe!
