Indonesian Tempeh Orek Recipe – Spicy Tempeh Stir Fry
Introduction
Indonesian Tempeh Orek is a delicious and spicy dish made with tempeh, a traditional Indonesian soy product. This recipe combines the bold flavors of tempeh with a fragrant blend of spices, resulting in a mouthwatering stir fry that will tantalize your taste buds. Tempeh Orek is a popular dish in Indonesian cuisine and is often enjoyed with steamed rice or as a side dish. Whether you are a vegetarian looking for a protein-packed meal or simply a fan of Indonesian flavors, this Tempeh Orek recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
To make Indonesian Tempeh Orek, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300 grams of tempeh, cut into small cubes
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Steps
Follow these steps to make Indonesian Tempeh Orek:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and red chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the tempeh cubes to the pan and cook until they turn slightly brown and crispy.
- Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for a few minutes until the bell pepper is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, tomato ketchup, sugar, salt, and ground white pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the tempeh and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tempeh and vegetables.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish.
Variations
Indonesian Tempeh Orek can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the stir fry, such as carrots, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Make it spicier: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chilies or add a dash of chili powder.
- Sweet and sour twist: For a tangy flavor, add a splash of lime juice or tamarind paste to the sauce mixture.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make the perfect Indonesian Tempeh Orek:
- Marinate the tempeh: For extra flavor, marinate the tempeh cubes in the sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the stir fry as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and sliced onion will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Garnish with cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a touch of freshness and color to the dish. Feel free to skip this if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
Conclusion
Indonesian Tempeh Orek is a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the versatility of tempeh. With its combination of spices and crispy tempeh, this stir fry is a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to explore Indonesian cuisine, give this recipe a try and enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of Tempeh Orek.
FAQs
1. What is tempeh?
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian soy product made from fermented soybeans. It has a firm texture and a nutty flavor, making it a popular alternative to meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
2. Can I use tofu instead of tempeh?
Yes, you can substitute tofu for tempeh in this recipe. However, keep in mind that tofu has a softer texture and may not provide the same level of crispiness as tempeh.
3. Is tempeh gluten-free?
Yes, tempeh is naturally gluten-free as it is made from fermented soybeans. However, it’s always important to check the packaging for any potential cross-contamination if you have gluten sensitivities or allergies.
