Key Highlights
- Tempeh Orek is a flavorful Indonesian dish made using nutty fermented soybean cake stir-fried in sweet soy sauce and aromatic spices.
- This meal showcases bold textures and a savory-sweet-tangy profile, ideal for fans of Indonesian cuisine.
- The dish is prepared using simple kitchen tools like a frying pan and includes vegan-friendly protein sources.
- A crispy golden brown tempeh combined with a rich, sticky sauce makes this recipe irresistible.
- It's versatile, pairing beautifully with steamed rice as a main or a side dish.
Introduction
Tempeh Orek is a classic dish from Indonesian cuisine that shows just how flavorful and special Indonesian food can be. In this vegan recipe, crispy Royal Tempeh is cooked with a rich, sticky sauce made from sweet soy sauce and chili, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. You can make this dish using a Royal Tempeh block or even frozen tempeh for convenience. It’s a great way to add variety to your meals and explore more Indonesian-inspired tempeh dishes. Tempeh, whether enjoyed as tempeh chips, a tempeh block, or in stir-fries, is packed with nutrients and plant-based protein, making it a healthy choice. This easy, one-pan orek recipe is perfect for anyone who loves vegan or plant-based food and wants deep, satisfying flavors in every bite.
Understanding Tempeh Orek: A Classic Indonesian Dish
Tempeh Orek is a favorite Indonesian stir-fried dish made from tempeh, a firm and nutty fermented soybean cake. "Orek" means stir-fried, which shows how simple and easy this dish is to make.
Tempeh Orek is loved because it’s quick to cook and full of sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors. You can enjoy it as a main vegan meal or as a side dish. Thanks to its high protein content, tempeh is a great source of vegan protein and is perfect for anyone looking to add more protein tempeh to their diet.
What Makes Tempeh Orek Unique?
The star of this dish is tempeh. Unlike tofu, it has a firm, cake-like texture and a strong, nutty taste. The fermentation process not only improves flavor but also makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients, making it a powerful vegan protein and plant-based option.
Tempeh Orek stands out with its bold, rich flavors. Sweet soy sauce gives it umami, palm sugar adds sweetness, and chilies bring heat. Together, they make this one of the most flavorful tempeh dishes you can try.
Tempeh Orek is perfect for those who enjoy tempeh snacks or want to explore more authentic tempeh dishes. Its warm, savory aroma and satisfying taste make it a must-try for anyone craving real Indonesian food.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, Spicy, and Savory
Tempeh Orek has a tasty mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The Indonesian sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) makes it sweet and rich, while the aromatics add a savory depth.
Red and green chilies bring the heat, and you can make it as spicy as you like. Palm sugar adds caramel-like sweetness and makes the sauce smooth and sticky, coating the tempeh perfectly.
Tempeh is a superfood full of nutrients, turning this dish into one of the best healthy snacks or meals you can try. The mix of bold flavors and crispy texture makes Tempeh Orek a dish you won’t forget.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
The magic of Tempeh Orek comes from using fresh, simple ingredients and easy kitchen tools. Aromatics like lemongrass and bay leaves add depth, while tamarind water and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) give bold, rich flavors. The main star is crispy tempeh, which brings plant based protein and makes this dish a great vegan meat alternative.
You’ll also need chilies and palm sugar for that sweet and spicy kick.
To make this dish, you only need basic kitchen tools: a frying pan, cooking oil, and a small bowl for mixing tamarind water. With these simple items, you can cook up delicious Tempeh Orek at home anytime. You can even buy tempeh online to keep it easy and always have this healthy, plant based protein option ready to go!
Key Ingredients Explained
The ingredients used for Tempeh Orek bring real depth and classic indonesian flavor to this dish. Here’s a simple look at what each one does:
|
Ingredient |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Tempeh |
This is a fermented soybean cake that is firm and has a nutty flavor. It is a main protein in indonesian cooking. |
|
Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis) |
This is a thick and sweet type of soy sauce. It gives the dish both sugariness and lots of flavor. |
|
Palm Sugar |
It is a sweetener that tastes like caramel. It helps balance out how spicy the orek dish can get. |
|
Tamarind Water |
This brings a tangy taste. If you do not have tamarind, you can use lime juice or even a splash of lime. |
|
Red and Green Chilies |
These add heat and color to the dish. You can put in as much or as little as you like. |
All these ingredients come together to give Tempeh Orek its special taste and texture. This mix is what makes indonesian food stand out to people all over the world.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make Tempeh Orek at home. Just a few simple tools:
- Frying pan or skillet: To fry the tempeh and cook the sauce.
- Small bowl: For mixing tamarind water.
- Medium heat: To get the sauce thick and caramelized without burning.
With these, you’re ready to create bold Indonesian flavors at home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tempeh Orek
Making Tempeh Orek is easy and also gives you a good meal. This tasty dish is all about frying tempeh slices until they turn golden brown and crisp. After that, you mix them with a savory sauce.
To start, cut the tempeh, get your aromatics, and slice the chilies. Fry the tempeh slices so they become crispy and golden brown. Let the sauce and aromatics cook, making sure they mix well and turn into a sweet and sticky flavor. Then, add the fried tempeh into the sauce and stir everything together.
In just a few easy steps, you get a sweet, savory, and sticky tempeh orek. You can also change the recipe a bit to fit your taste.
Step 1: Preparing the Tempeh and Aromatics
Cut the tempeh block into thin cubes or slices (about 1/4 inch thick). Slice shallots and garlic, soak tamarind in hot water, and get your lime leaves ready. Slice the chilies at an angle for extra color and heat.
Step 2: Frying the Tempeh to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a frying pan. Fry the tempeh on medium heat until golden and crispy. You can add a bit of palm sugar for a sweet, sticky glaze.
Step 3: Building the Sauce and Combining Ingredients
In the same pan, cook shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and chilies until fragrant. Mix sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), tamarind water, and palm sugar in a small bowl. Add this sauce and stir. Return the fried tempeh to the pan, mixing until everything is coated and sticky.
Step 4: Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve your tempeh orek with steamed rice. Add green beans or extra sweet soy sauce if you like. Finish with lime wedges and crispy shallots for more flavor.
Conclusion
Adding Tempeh Orek to your meals is a tasty way to enjoy Indonesian flavors while getting the benefits of plant based meat. This dish has a rich, nutty flavor and is packed with vegan protein or plant based protein from fermented tempeh. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for healthy, flavorful vegan meat options. Tempeh Orek tastes delicious on its own or served with rice and vegetables. If you love plant-based meals and want to try something new from Indonesian cuisine, Tempeh Orek is an easy, satisfying dish to make and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is tempeh orek, and can I adjust the heat?
Tempeh Orek can be mild or spicy. It depends on how much chili you put in the sauce. You can make it less hot by using less chili paste or flakes. If you like it hot, just add more. This way, you get the flavor that you want in your tempeh orek.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
To keep leftover tempeh orek fresh, put it in an airtight container. Then place it in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to eat again, just heat it up in a skillet on medium heat. You can also use the microwave if you like. Enjoy the meal one more time!
Where can I purchase tempeh online?
Looking to buy tempeh online? Head to https://www.royaltempeh.com/collections/all and explore our full range of products from tempeh snacks like tempeh chips to meat substitutes of our premium frozen tempeh. Whether you're meal prepping or looking for healthy snacks on the go, Royal Tempeh delivers delicious, protein-packed vegan meat options straight to your door. Our products are perfect for creating a variety of tempeh dishes that satisfy your cravings for wholesome, plant based meat alternatives.
How does tempeh taste?
Tempeh has a firm, meaty texture and a slightly nutty, earthy flavour. Royal Tempeh retains that authentic richness with every bite, whether you’re enjoying a tempeh block in a stir-fry or crunching on our seasoned tempeh chips. It's a true superfood packed with plant based protein, making it perfect for both savory meals and satisfying vegan protein tempeh.
Who is the distributor of Royal Tempeh in the United States?
Royal Tempeh, a premium Indonesian fermented soybean brand, is proudly distributed across the U.S. by Jans, a trusted partner for natural grocers, plant-based markets, and food service buyers seeking high-quality meat alternatives and traditional Asian protein sources.
Jans isn’t just a wholesale food distributor, we are a dedicated food and beverage distributor focused on delivering authentic, clean-label products to the American market. From iconic Indonesian food staples to health-forward innovations, Jans curates imports that reflect growing demand for natural and cultural authenticity.
Founded in 1998 as an Indonesian food distributor USA, Jans has become a reliable Asian food importer, serving leading retailers, health-focused stores, and distributors nationwide. We are now recognized among top food importers in USA, known for bringing dependable, trend-forward products with integrity and flavor.
Thanks to Jans, Royal Tempeh is now available throughout the U.S. — offering a versatile plant-based protein that meets the needs of modern consumers while honoring traditional Indonesian fermentation methods. We ensure availability, quality, and logistic reliability for all our B2B partners.