This Indonesian Tempeh Kecap (Tempeh Manis) is a sweet, sticky, and savory stir-fry made with fried tempeh and kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce). It’s bold in flavor, naturally plant-based, and incredibly satisfying. Serve it with rice for a quick, protein-packed, comforting meal that’s a staple in many Indonesian households.
Why You’ll Love This
✔ Crispy-meets-chewy texture from the double-frying technique
✔ Complex flavor with just 6 core ingredients
✔ Vegan/vegetarian protein powerhouse
✔ Meal-prep friendly – stays good for 5 days
Ingredients:
- 1 block (about 200g) tempeh, sliced into 1 cm-thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 red chilies, thinly sliced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the tempeh. Slice the tempeh into even, bite-sized pieces about 1 cm thick.
Step 2: Heat oil in a pan. Add the tempeh slices and fry on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced garlic, red onion, and red chilies (if using) until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Step 4: Add the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), water, ground coriander, and ground white pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Return the fried tempeh to the pan and stir to coat evenly with the sauce. Season with salt to taste.
Step 6: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the tempeh nicely.
Step 7: Serve the Tempeh Kecap hot with rice and your favorite side dishes. Garnish with extra sliced chilies or fried shallots if desired.
Pro Tips
✅ No kecap manis? Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp molasses
✅ Extra crunch: Add ¼ cup crushed peanuts at the end
✅ Low-oil version: Air fry tempeh at 375°F for 12 mins
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Calories 240 | Protein 14g | Carbs 18g |
| Fiber 6g | Iron 2mg | Vegan ✔ |
🍽 Serving Traditions
Nasi Campur: Part of an Indonesian mixed rice platter
Gado-Gado: Topping for vegetable salad with peanut sauce
Meal Prep: Pack with rice & stir-fried greens
Enjoy your delicious homemade Indonesian Tempeh Kecap!
THANK YOU for Visiting Savory Life Recipes!
👉 If you loved this recipe, please share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram!
