Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons

Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons Recipe from Indonesia

Region / culture: Indonesia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons is a delicious and unique dish that combines the savory flavors of tempeh with the tangy sweetness of pickled melons. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional stir-fry dishes, incorporating the popular Asian-style pickled melons for a refreshing and tangy flavor. The use of flavored tempeh adds a rich and hearty element to the dish, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

2 cups Asian-style Pickled melons, drained (reserve 0.5 cup juice)
1 cup diagonally sliced carrots
4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup snow peas, trimmed
1 lb (454 g) flavored tempeh
2 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp + 2 tsp cornstarch
1 large egg
3 tbsp club soda water
2 tbsp black sesame seeds
0.5 cup juice from pickled melons
0.25 cup water
0.25 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp hot chili oil

How to prepare

Place pickled carrots and scallions in separate piles on a plate, and set them aside.
Halve snow peas on a bias, and cut tempeh into 0.25 inch-wide strips. Set them aside.
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat.
In a small bowl, mix flour and 2 tbsp cornstarch.
In a second bowl, beat the egg and club soda together.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir with chopsticks until just barely mixed, leaving streaks of flour.
Stir in sesame seeds.
In a third bowl, mix pickled juice, water, sesame oil, chili oil, and remaining 2 tsp cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Dip the tempeh strips in the batter when the oil reaches 375°F (191°C) on a candy/fat thermometer, or when a dry bamboo chopstick held into the oil causes rapid bubbling.
Deep-fry the strips until golden, for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Discard all but 2 tbsp of oil from the wok, and stir-fry the carrots over high heat for 1 minute.
Add the remaining vegetables and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Stir the pickle juice mixture again, and add it to the vegetables.
When the sauce becomes clear, in about 30 seconds, add the tempeh and toss.
Remove from heat and serve while still hot.

Variations

Substitute tofu for tempeh for a lighter and milder flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or broccoli for extra vegetables and color.
Use different pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or radishes, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the tempeh into thin strips to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

- Deep-fry the tempeh strips until they are golden and crispy for the perfect texture.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Be sure to mix the pickled juice mixture well to ensure a smooth and flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and filling meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying the tempeh strips ensures a crispy and flavorful texture.

- Stir-frying the vegetables quickly over high heat retains their crunchiness and vibrant colors.

- Mixing the pickled juice mixture well ensures a smooth and flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular tempeh if flavored tempeh is not available.

- Substitute pickled cucumbers or radishes for pickled melons.

- Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pickled juice mixture and cut the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. The tempeh can also be deep-fried in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs and sesame seeds for an elegant presentation. Serve with chopsticks for an authentic touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a light cucumber salad for a complete and balanced meal. A glass of chilled white wine or green tea complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 350

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Proteins

Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50%

Vitamin C: 30%

Iron: 15%

Calcium: 10%

Alergens

Contains soy and wheat.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and saturated fats, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of tempeh with the tangy sweetness of pickled melons. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Enjoy the unique combination of flavors and textures in this delicious stir-fry dish!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, who had collected recipes from her own mother and various friends throughout the years. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on this unique and intriguing dish that I had never heard of before. The combination of tempeh and pickled melons was something I had never tried, but I was eager to give it a go.

I remember asking my mother about the recipe, and she told me that it was a dish she had learned to make from a friend who had traveled to Indonesia and brought back the recipe. The flavors, she explained, were a beautiful blend of sweet, sour, and savory, with the tempeh providing a hearty base for the pickled melons to shine.

I decided to give it a try, and so began my journey to recreate this delicious dish. I started by marinating the tempeh in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. I let it sit for an hour to soak up all the flavors before stir-frying it in a hot pan until it was golden and crispy.

Meanwhile, I prepared the pickled melons by slicing them thinly and placing them in a jar with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. I let them sit in the fridge for a few hours to pickle and develop their tangy flavor.

Once everything was ready, I combined the stir-fried tempeh with the pickled melons and a handful of fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. The first bite was a revelation – the tempeh was perfectly seasoned and crunchy, while the pickled melons added a burst of tanginess that brought the whole dish to life.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a flavorful and unique dish, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As I continued to cook and experiment with different ingredients and flavors, I realized that food was not just about sustenance, but about sharing stories and experiences. Each recipe I learned and adapted carried with it a piece of history and tradition, connecting me to the people and places that had inspired them.

I often think back to that moment of curiosity when I first stumbled upon the recipe for Stir-fried Flavored Tempeh with Pickled Melons. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, opening my eyes to the endless possibilities of flavor and creativity in the kitchen.

And so, I continue to cook and share my love for food with those around me, knowing that each recipe I make is a tribute to the stories and memories that have shaped my own culinary path. Cooking, for me, is not just a means to an end, but a way to preserve and honor the traditions and flavors that have been passed down through generations.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, feeling that familiar spark of curiosity, don't be afraid to try something new and unexpected. You never know what delicious discoveries you might make along the way.