Tempe Orek — Sweet-Soy Glazed Crispy Tempeh

Ingredients

• 14 oz Tempeh, cut into thin batons
• 1 handful Green Beans, cut into short lengths
• 3 shallots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 red chilies, sliced
• 3 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy)
• 1 tsp tamarind paste in 2 tbsp water
• ¼ cup oil
• 1 pinch salt
• Cooked rice, for serving

Method

1. Fry the Tempeh batons in the oil over medium-high, turning, until deeply golden and crisp, 6–8 minutes. Drain, leaving 1 tbsp oil behind.
2. Stir-fry the shallots, garlic, and chilies until fragrant and just coloring, 2 minutes, then add the Green Beans for 2 minutes more.
3. Add the kecap manis and tamarind water and let it bubble into a dark syrup, about 1 minute.
4. Return the Tempeh and toss fast so every baton gets lacquered while keeping its crunch.
5. Serve over rice as the main event or alongside anything that needs a sweet-spicy sidekick.