Tempe Goreng: Classic Fried Tempeh is a soy-free Indonesian tempeh dish made with fresh, fermented chickpea tempeh instead of soy.
4 servings · About 20 min · Soy-free
Why fermented chickpea tempeh
This recipe is built on our fresh chickpea tempeh, which is fermented rather than pasteurized, so the culture stays active and the flavor stays full. It is naturally soy-free and holds its texture through cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh tempeh, sliced ¼” thick
- 4 cloves garlic, minced to paste
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp water
- neutral oil for shallow frying (¼” deep)
Instructions
- Spice paste. Combine garlic, coriander, turmeric, salt with 1 tbsp water. Stir into a loose paste.
- Coat. Toss tempeh slices in spice paste. Let sit 15 min.
- Fry. Heat oil in wide skillet, medium-high, until shimmering. Fry single layer 3 to 4 min per side until deep golden. Work in batches.
- Drain on rack or paper towels. Serve immediately.
Chef note: Serve with steamed rice, raw vegetables (lalapan), and sambal. This is the foundational Indonesian preparation, no pre-steaming needed. Fresh tempeh has no bitterness; fry directly from the block.
Make it with
This pairs with Fresh Tempeh. Start from a block of OG Raw Chickpea Tempeh (shop it here). Short on time? Reach for our heat-and-serve Simple Pan-Seared Tempeh.
Allergen swaps
Our tempeh is soy-free and gluten-free. Check any packaged sauces or condiments for soy and wheat if those are strict concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe Goreng: Classic Fried Tempeh soy-free?
Yes. Our tempeh is fermented from chickpeas, not soybeans, so this recipe is naturally soy-free. Check any packaged sauces or condiments if soy is a strict concern.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The tempeh is gluten-free and this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just double-check any store-bought sauces or condiments you add.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Components keep well in the fridge for a day or two. For the best texture, sear or crisp the tempeh fresh before serving.
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