Tempeh Orek Kering

Tempeh Orek Kering: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Fried Tempeh

This recipe is brought to you by: Cindy's Kitchen UK

Indonesian & Asian food specialist based in Winslow - MK18 3FP

This dish features crispy fried tempeh mixed with a flavourful blend of palm sugar, tamarind, garlic, shallots, and red chilli peppers. It can be made vegan and kept for up to a month if stored properly.

Ingredients:

• 400g tempeh (slice into matchstick shapes)

• 75g groundnuts (optional but recommended)

• 7 shallots, thinly sliced

• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1 big red chili, sliced

• 2-4 bird's eye chilies (optional, for extra spice)

• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised

• 2 cm galangal, bruised (optional)

• 6 kaffir lime leaves (remove the midrib, thinly sliced)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp tamarind (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp coconut sugar, shaved

• 6-7 tbsp sweet soy sauce (adjust to taste; use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 2-4 tbsp water

• Vegetable oil for frying

Method:

1. Fry the Tempeh: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Deep-fry the tempeh sticks until crispy and golden, stirring regularly to prevent burning. Set aside on kitchen paper to drain excess oil.

2. Fry the Groundnuts in the same oil, fry the groundnuts until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Aromatics in a separate pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir-fry the shallots and garlic until softened. Then, add the red chili, bird's eye chilies (if using), lemongrass, galangal, bay leaf, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir-fry until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce: Add the tamarind, coconut sugar, sweet soy sauce, water, and salt to the pan. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste. The sauce should be a balanced mix of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.

5. Coat the Tempeh and Serve once the sauce is ready, add the fried tempeh and groundnuts to the pan. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately with jasmine rice, coconut rice, turmeric rice, or enjoy on its own.

Notes:

• Healthier Version: Air-fry or oven-bake the tempeh and groundnuts for a lighter option.