How to Cook Tempeh: Easy Recipes

Speak about tempeh, and Indonesia immediately comes to mind (TOP THINGS TO DO IN INDONESIA). Originating from the island of Java based on historical records, tempeh is found virtually everywhere in Indonesia. It has become one of the country's most iconic traditional foods and is equally popular in neighbouring Malaysia, particularly among the Malay community. While tempeh may not officially be classified as a superfood, it has certainly earned that reputation through its impressive nutritional value (TEMPEH OREK RECIPE). 

Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is naturally rich in plant-based protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds produced during fermentation. Nutritious, affordable and versatile, tempeh has steadily gained recognition beyond Indonesia (WHAT TO EAT IN INDONESIA) and Malaysia, finding its place in kitchens around the world.

It appeals not only to vegetarians and vegans, but literally anyone. In Indonesia and Malaysia, tempeh remains an everyday staple. At least one tempeh dish is commonly served on its own or added to gravy dishes at mixed rice stalls. For tempeh lovers, one thing stands out above all else: tempeh shines through in its simplicity. Whether deep-fried, pan-fried or lightly grilled with just a sprinkle of salt, it delivers the much-loved taste. A sprinkle of turmeric powder not only enhances its colour but also complements its wholesome qualities.

How to cook tempeh does not have to be complicated. Using everyday kitchen staples, it can be stir-fried with vegetables, simmered in curries, cooked as sambal, and the list of easy tempeh recipes goes on. Even tempeh salads, although less common in Southeast Asia, prove just how adaptable this humble ingredient can be.

Easy Tempeh Salad Recipe
Ingredients (as needed)
Tempeh - sliced, sprinkle salt and pan grilled
Salad leaves - shredded
Red capsicum - diced
Tomato - diced
Salt
Lime juice

Method
Add all ingredients, and toss together

Tempeh Sandwich Recipe
1 piece tempeh - cut into 4 pieces & season with salt
Some sliced cucumber
Chili sauce as needed
2 slice toasted bread
Some oil

Method
Heat oil and pan grilled tempeh on both sides.
Place into bread slices. 
Top with cucumber. 
Drizzle chili sauce atop.

YouTube Cooking Short - Lemongrass Tempeh Stir-Fry

Lemongrass Tempeh Stir-Fry Recipe
1 medium piece tempeh - sliced
1 lemongrass - smashed
Shallots - sliced
Green chilies - sliced
Lime juice
Salt
Oil

Method
Pan fry tempeh till lightly crispy on both sides.
Add lemongrass, shallots and green chilies.
Stir all in.
Season with lime juice and salt.
Dish out.

YouTube Shorts - Cooking Tempeh and Green Beans Stir Fry 

Tempeh and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
I packet tempeh - diced
One handful French beans - remove strings and sliced
6 garlic - smashed
Fresh (small ones) or dried bay leaves (2 small leaves)
Oil
Salt

Method
Heat a little oil and lightly fry.
Remove and set aside. 
In the same oil, add smashed garlic and beans.
Cook to a texture preferred (pour water if needed to soften beans). 
Add fried tempeh, salt and fresh bay leaves. 
Stir to combine in and off the heat. 

YouTube Cooking Short - Tempeh Anchovies

Tempeh Bilis Recipe
Ingredients 
1 packet tempeh - sliced into long pieces
One handful anchovies - soaked and rinsed
3 medium size shallots - sliced
2 red chilies - sliced
Lime juice
Oil
Salt

Method
Heat oil and fry tempeh till crispy on both sides.
Remove and set aside.
Into the same oil, add anchovies and fry till crispy. 
Add shallots, chilies and tempeh.
Season with lime juice and salt.
Stir all in and dish out.

Sweet and Sour Tempeh Recipe
Ingredients
1 packet/bundle tempeh - sliced 
1 large red onion - chopped
1 large tomato - chopped
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
Some spring onion - thinly sliced
2 tbsp oil
¼ cup water
Salt to taste
A tinge of lime juice and sugar

Method
Heat oil.
Add onion and soften.
Add tomato.
Stir and cook till mushy.
Pour in chili sauce and 1/4 cup water.
Stir and cook gravy to heat through.
Tip in tempeh.
Gently stir.
Season with salt, lime juice and sugar.
Cook for 2 to 3 mins.
Off the heat and combine in spring onion.