Delicious Tempe Recipes You Must Try

Tempe, a staple in Indonesian cuisine, is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these tempe recipes are simple, affordable, and incredibly delicious. Below, we will explore several tempe recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

1. Orek Tempe (Stir-Fried Tempe)

Ingredients:

• 1 papan (block) tempe, diced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 large red chilies, sliced
• 2 large green chilies, sliced
• 2 red bird's eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Dice the tempe and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
2. In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced chilies and cook until they are soft.
4. Introduce the fried tempe back into the pan, add oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

Tasting Suggestions: Serve this dish hot with steamed rice and a fried egg for a complete meal. The combination of flavors from the spices and sauces will make your taste buds dance!

2. Tempe Orek Basah (Wet Tempe Orek)

Ingredients:

• 2 papan (blocks) tempe, cut into cubes
• 7 shallots, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 5 red chilies, chopped
• 7 green chilies, chopped
• Bird's eye chilies, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
• 1/2 thumb-sized piece of galangal, crushed
• 1 piece of tamarind
• 1/2 piece of palm sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Flavor enhancer, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Sweet soy sauce, to taste

Steps:

1. In a pan, add water and spices and let it caramelize before adding the tempe.
2. Stir in sweet soy sauce at the end to maintain its vibrant color.

Tasting Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with hot steamed rice and a sunny-side-up egg. The wet version of tempe orek is rich in flavors and perfect for those who enjoy a saucy dish.

3. Tempe Bacem (Sweet and Savory Tempe)

Ingredients:

• 1 papan (block) tempe
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Water, enough to cover the tempe
• Spices: 5 shallots, 5 cloves garlic, and a piece of galangal

Steps:

1. In a pot, combine the tempe, spices, sweet soy sauce, and enough water to cover.
2. Simmer on low heat until the tempe absorbs the flavors and the liquid reduces.
3. Once cooked, you can either serve it directly or fry it until crispy.

Tasting Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice and sambal for a delightful meal. The sweetness of the bacem tempe is a hit amongst those who may not initially favor tempe!

4. Tempe Goreng Bawang Putih (Fried Tempe with Garlic)

Ingredients:

• 1 papan (block) tempe, sliced
• 10 cloves garlic, smashed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

1. Marinate the tempe slices with salt, pepper, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes.
2. Fry the tempe in hot oil until golden and crispy.
3. Add the smashed garlic and fry until fragrant.

Tasting Suggestions: This crispy tempe is perfect as a side dish or snack. Pair it with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!

5. Tempe Orek Setan (Spicy Tempe Orek)

Ingredients:

• 1 papan (block) tempe, cut into strips
• Chili paste or sambal, to taste
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil for frying

Steps:

1. Fry the tempe until golden brown.
2. Add chili paste and sweet soy sauce, stir to coat the tempe evenly.
3. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Tasting Suggestions: This fiery dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat. Serve with rice to balance the spice!

6. Oseng Tempe (Sautéed Tempe)

Ingredients:

• 1 papan (block) tempe, diced
• 1 red chili, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. In a pan, sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add red chili and tempe, stir-fry for a few minutes.
3. Season with sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is cooked through.

Tasting Suggestions: This dish is simple yet flavorful, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Tempe is not only nutritious but also a delicious ingredient that can be prepared in various ways. From stir-frying to sautéing, the possibilities are endless. These recipes showcase the versatility of tempe and how it can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking these delightful tempe dishes!