Orek Tempe Pedes Manis: A Sweet and Spicy Tempeh Delight
Embark on a culinary adventure with Orek Tempe Pedes Manis, a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully marries the nutty flavor of tempeh with a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy notes. This recipe promises a delightful experience, whether you’re looking for a satisfying main dish or a savory side. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 board (about 250g) |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | 1/2 stick (approximately 50g) |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 6 tablespoons |
| Red chili peppers (cabe merah keriting) | 5, sliced |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 7, whole or sliced |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground pepper | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
| Water | 50 ml |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 4, finely chopped |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 piece, crushed |
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimates)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Slice the tempeh according to your preference—thinner slices will absorb more flavor, while thicker pieces will provide a meatier bite. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat, then fry the tempeh slices until they are half cooked, achieving a golden color. Once done, remove the tempeh from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the finely chopped shallots and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the crushed galangal to the mix, allowing its earthy aroma to infuse the oil.
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Create the Sauce: Pour the 50 ml of water into the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Next, add the sliced red chilies and the palm sugar, allowing them to simmer together. Stir in the sweet soy sauce until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently add the pre-fried tempeh into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, salt, ground pepper, and flavor enhancer if desired. Give everything a good stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust according to your preference.
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Cook to Perfection: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces, leaving a beautifully glistening coating on the tempeh. The goal is to have most of the liquid evaporated, resulting in a sweet and spicy tempeh dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, remove from heat and transfer your Orek Tempe Pedes Manis to a serving dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and fresh vegetables, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
- Adjust Heat Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies. For an extra kick, feel free to add more!
- Serving Suggestions: Orek Tempe Pedes Manis is not only delicious as a main dish but also works well as a side for grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread.
This dish not only encapsulates the essence of Indonesian flavors but also embodies the spirit of love and togetherness, making it a perfect addition to any family meal. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Orek Tempe Pedes Manis, and savor the tastes of Indonesia in your kitchen!
