Tempe Orek

Discover the irresistible flavors of Tempe Orek, a traditional Indonesian stir-fry that transforms humble tempeh into a savory-sweet masterpiece. This dish features bite-sized tempeh cubes fried to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich sauce made with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), garlic, shallots, and a hint of chili heat. Infused with fragrant bay leaves and galangal, Tempe Orek boasts a delightful balance of umami, sweetness, and subtle spice. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as a protein-packed side dish or a standalone plant-based meal. Ideal for fans of Southeast Asian flavors, Tempe Orek is a must-try for anyone seeking a simple yet deeply flavorful dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams tempeh
• 5 large shallots
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 3 medium red chili
• 4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 100 milliliters water
• 200 milliliters cooking oil
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 inch, smashed galangal

Directions

Step 1

Cut the tempeh into small bite-sized cubes.

Step 2

Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the tempeh cubes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tempeh and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3

Peel and slice the shallots and garlic thinly. Slice the red chili into rounds. Adjust the amount of chili to your spice preference.

Step 4

In another pan, pour in a tablespoon of the oil used to fry the tempeh. Add the sliced shallots, garlic, and red chili, sautéing them until they are fragrant and slightly browned.

Step 5

Add the bay leaves and smashed galangal to the pan, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

Step 6

Once the spices are aromatic, add the fried tempeh back into the pan.

Step 7

Pour in the sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, and water. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 8

Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes over a low simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the tempeh thoroughly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Once the sauce has caramelized and the tempeh is well-coated, remove the pan from heat.

Step 10

Transfer the Tempe Orek to a serving bowl. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish as a side or main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1127.4 grams (1127.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3043

Total Fat 247.10g	317%
Saturated Fat 41.70g	209%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3957mg	172%
Total Carbohydrate 146.60g	53%
Dietary Fiber 9.80g	35%
Total Sugars 77.80g
Protein 91.30g	183%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 562mg	43%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 2887mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.0%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 18.5%