Tempeh Stir-Fry: Indonesian-Inspired
Here's how to make weeknight dinners much more interesting with this sweet and savory glazed tempeh! Crispy tempeh pieces are coated in a rich, aromatic sauce featuring chilies, ginger, and kecap manis. Perfect over steamed rice, this flavorful dish is a satisfying meal that's quick, easy, and bursting with bold, irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
- 14 oz tempeh about 400 grams, cut into matchstick pieces
- 2 bay leaves or sub with kaffir lime leaves for an aromatic twist
- 2 red chilies thinly sliced diagonally (adjust heat to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce kecap manis preferred, or substitute soy sauce with 1 tsp molasses or maple syrup mixed in
- 3-4 tbsp oil for frying and sautéing
Aromatic Blend:
- 3-4 shallots or sub with 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger grated (or galangal if available)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 stalk lemongrass lightly crushed
Instructions
- Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Shallow fry the tempeh pieces until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. (For a lighter version, air-fry the tempeh at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway.) Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Reduce the pan’s heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Sauté the aromatic blend (shallots, garlic, ginger) along with bay leaves (or kaffir lime leaves) and lemongrass (if using) for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced red chilies and cook for 1-2 minutes on low heat until they soften.
- Add the fried tempeh back into the pan. Season with salt, brown sugar, and sweet soy sauce. Stir or toss everything together on low heat until the tempeh is fully coated in the glaze, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed white rice. Garnish with extra chilies or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 20gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 344mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 3mg
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