Indonesian Sweet Fried Tempeh (Tempeh Manis)

Method

1. 1
   • tempeh 300 g
   • vegetable oil 2 tbsp

   Fry the tempeh sticks — Pat the tempeh sticks dry. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pan or wok over medium-high heat and fry the tempeh in batches until golden and lightly crisp on all sides.

   ⏱8 min
2. 2
   • tempeh 300 g
   • garlic 3
   • shallot 2
   • fresh chilli 1

   Sauté the aromatics — Remove the tempeh and set aside on paper towels. In the same pan, lower the heat and sauté the garlic, shallot and chilli until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.

   ⏱2 min
3. 3
   • tamarind paste 1 tbsp
   • brown sugar 1 tbsp
   • water 1¼ dl

   Simmer the sticky sauce — Stir in the sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar and water. Simmer until it reduces to a glossy, sticky sauce, about 3 minutes.

   ⏱3 min
4. 4
   • tempeh 300 g
   • salt to taste

   Coat the tempeh in sauce — Return the fried tempeh to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Season with salt to taste and cook 1 more minute until the sauce clings to the tempeh.

   ⏱1 min
5. 5
   • lime 1

   Finish with lime and serve — Transfer to a plate, squeeze over fresh lime juice and serve hot with lime wedges on the side.