Spicy Tempe Orek Without MSG: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Tempe Orek Pedas is a classic Indonesian dish that showcases the unique flavor of tempe, a fermented soybean cake, combined with a medley of spices and vegetables. This version is free of MSG, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish, this recipe promises a delightful burst of spice and umami.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (sliced as desired) | 2 pieces |
| Long beans (kacang panjang) | 4 pieces |
| Red shallots (bawang merah) | 2 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 15 pieces |
| Large red chili (cabe merah) | 1 piece |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Brown sugar (gula merah, shredded) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt (secukupnya) | To taste |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
| Ground pepper (merica bubuk) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | As needed |
| Olive oil (or cooking oil) | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the tempe into your desired thickness. Thinly slice the bird’s eye chilies and the large red chili. Chop the red shallots and garlic finely, and cut the long beans into manageable pieces.
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Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced red shallots to the hot oil and sauté briefly until fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté until the aroma is enticing.
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Add the Chilies: Toss in the sliced chilies and stir-fry for a moment to release their flavors.
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Incorporate the Tempe: Add the sliced tempe to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes. Pour in just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.
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Season the Dish: While stirring, add the shredded brown sugar, salt, ground pepper, and sweet soy sauce. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the seasonings.
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Simmer: Allow the mixture to cook until the water has reduced slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Add Long Beans: Finally, incorporate the chopped long beans, tasting as you go to adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cook until the long beans are tender but still crisp.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Spicy Tempe Orek is now ready to be served! Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this delightful dish!
Happy cooking! 💗
