Tempeh Kriuk Pedas (Spiced Crispy Tempeh)

Spice up your palate with this popular Indonesian dish featuring crispy tempeh infused with tantalising flavours. A healthy protein-rich boost to your meals.

Preparation time: 20 minutes  

Cooking time: 20 minutes  

Serves: 5 servings  

Ingredients:

• 400g tempeh, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cooking oil
• 50g red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 55g fresh red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
• 20g fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 3 pieces kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
• 3 pieces bay leaves, torn into smaller pieces
• 1 teaspoon white pepper powder
• 20g coconut sugar, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon mushroom seasoning

Method

1. Prepare the tempeh: Cut the tempeh into thin slices.
2. Fry the tempeh: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tempeh until crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain the fried tempeh on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Set aside.
3. Prepare the spice paste: In a pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion, garlic, and red chili. Stir-fry until aromatic.
4. Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped ginger and cook for about a minute.
5. Add herbs: Add the sliced kaffir lime leaves and torn bay leaves to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Season: Sprinkle white pepper over the mixture and stir well.
7. Sweeten and season: Stir in the coconut sugar, Himalayan pink salt, and mushroom seasoning. Cook until the paste thickens, about 2 minutes.
8. Incorporate tempeh: Add the fried tempeh to the pan with the spice paste. Mix well to evenly coat the tempeh with the spices.
9. Serve: Transfer the Tempeh Kriuk Pedas to a serving bowl and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Recipe created by Ryza @theveganmumnson and Nora @javanese_vegan.

"Embracing veganism has deepened our connection to Islam, guiding us towards a lifestyle rooted in compassion, sustainability, and health. It prompts us to reflect on our food choices, the products we use, and their impact on others and the environment. We aspire to inspire others to embark on a similar journey."