Hello, Kawan Mastah! Tempe orek is one of the most beloved dishes in Indonesia. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious tempe orek step by step. Let’s get started!
What is Tempe Orek?
Tempe orek is a traditional Indonesian dish that originated from Java. It’s made by frying tempeh and then cooking it in a sweet, salty, and spicy sauce made from soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic, chili, and other spices. Tempe orek is usually served as a side dish, but it can also be eaten as a main dish with rice.
Table 1: Ingredients for Tempe Orek
Ingredients |
Measurement |
|---|---|
Tempeh |
300g |
Garlic |
4 cloves |
Red chili |
2 pcs |
Green chili |
2 pcs |
Kaffir lime leaves |
2 pcs |
Lemongrass |
1 stalk |
Soy sauce |
2 tbsp |
Palm sugar |
2 tbsp |
Salt |
1 tsp |
Oil |
2 tbsp |
Water |
1/2 cup |
How to Make Tempe Orek?
Making tempe orek is easy and straightforward. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first step in making tempe orek is to prepare the ingredients. Start by thinly slicing the garlic and chili, and then bruising the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to release their flavors. Cut the tempeh into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Tempeh
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tempeh and fry until it turns golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the tempeh from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same pan, add the sliced garlic, chili, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Fry for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, palm sugar, salt, and water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Add the Tempeh and Serve
Add the fried tempeh to the pan with the sauce and stir well until the tempeh is coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the tempeh is heated through. Serve hot with rice.
FAQ about Tempe Orek
Q1: Can I use tofu instead of tempeh?
A1: Yes, you can. However, tempeh has a firmer texture and nuttier flavor compared to tofu, which makes it more suitable for this dish.
Q2: Can I adjust the spiciness level?
A2: Yes, you can. If you don’t like it too spicy, you can reduce the number of chili or remove the seeds. Conversely, if you want it spicier, you can add more chili or use a spicier variety.
Q3: How long can tempe orek last in the fridge?
A3: Tempe orek can last up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
Q4: Can I freeze tempe orek?
A4: Yes, you can. Tempe orek can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, the texture might change slightly after thawing.
Q5: What can I serve with tempe orek?
A5: Tempe orek is usually served with rice, but it can also be served with noodles, bread, or as a side dish to grilled meats or vegetables.
Conclusion
That’s it, Kawan Mastah! You have learned how to make delicious tempe orek, one of the most iconic Indonesian dishes. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy making and eating tempe orek as much as we do. Happy cooking!