Bean tempe orek (Sweet & spicy tempeh with beans)

This Bean Tempe Orek is the perfect combination of savory, sweet and spicy flavors. Originating from Indonesia, this vibrant and traditionally vegan dish features crispy tempeh and tender green beans in a fragrant tamarind and kecap manis sauce, making it a delicious and protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

  • 400 g
    tempeh cut into 1cm pieces
  • 300 g
    green beans cut into 4cm pieces
  • 4
    shallots thinly sliced
  • 4 clove(s)
    garlic thinly sliced
  • 8
    red bird’s eye chilies
  • 1 stick
    lemongrass bruised
  • 2
    kaffir lime leaves
  • 4 tbsp
    kecap manis sweet soy sauce
  • 30 g
    tamarind paste dissolved in 70ml water
  • ½ tbsp
    palm or brown sugar
  • 5 tbsp
    groundnut oil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss tempeh with 2 tbsp oil and roast at 220°C (428°F) for 15 minutes until golden.
  2. Heat the remaining oil in a pan and sauté shallots, garlic, chilies, and lime leaves until the garlic turns golden.
  3. Add green beans, lemongrass, and salt. Sauté for 1 minute, then add a splash of water to steam the beans until the water evaporates.
  4. Stir in the tamarind water, kecap manis, sugar, and pepper. Let the sauce bubble.
  5. Add the roasted tempeh and toss until everything is evenly glazed.
  6. Remove the lemongrass and lime leaves before serving with hot rice.

Notes

Craving more plant-powered dishes? 

The Youth Board Cookbook, developed by ProVeg’s global network of young changemakers, is packed with recipes, stories and cultural insights from around the world. 

Download the full version here

About the author

Julius Fiedler

@Hermann

Tags

Courses: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisines: Indonesian
Taste: Savory, Spicy, Sweet
Keywords: Youth Board Cookbook

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