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Tempeh Kecap

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Youโ€™ll be blown away by the unique flavors in this Indonesian Tempeh Kecap! Fried tempeh and peanuts are coated in a sticky, sweet, umami-rich sauce perfumed with lime leaves and lemongrass. Itโ€™s a gourmet stir fry thatโ€™s surprisingly easy to make.
Prep 30 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 50 minutes
4.9 from 41 votes

Youโ€™ve never had a stir fry quite like Tempeh Kecap. Protein-packed tempeh is the star of the show while a sweet-and-savory sauce made from kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and Indonesian aromatics coat each piece. Itโ€™s all tossed together in one skillet, leaving you with a surprisingly quick and easy yet gourmet meal!

This unique yet simple dish is a great excuse to make a trip to your local Southeast Asian or East Asian grocery store. Lime leaves, lemongrass, and kecap manis give this Indonesian tempeh stir fry an authentic blend of tangy, fresh, sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Every bite will take you on a trip around the world, just like my Vegan Pho and Thai Butternut Squash Curry.

Table of Contents:
1. About tempeh kecap
2. Why this recipe works
3. Ingredient notes
4. Step-by-step instructions
5. Tips for making tempeh kecap
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Recipe Card

tempeh kecap stir fry in a black bowl over white rice with lime wedges and gold fork.

What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a basically a fermented soybean cake, typically sold in rectangular blocks. It’s originally from Indonesia, where it’s been used in cooking for thousands of years.

Tempeh is a good source of umami thanks to fermentation. The flavor is meaty, nutty, and a little mushroom-y. And its nutrition profile is off the charts (more on that below)!

Note: Sometimes, tempeh will have dark black or blue-ish spots on it. This is not mold or a sign of spoilage. It’s safe to eat and tastes fine.

two blocks of tempeh on a wooden cutting board on a grey-blue surface.

About tempeh kecap

Tempeh kecap (sometimes called tempeh manis) is an Indonesian tempeh stir fry thatโ€™s sweet, salty, a little spicy, and sticky. Itโ€™s made primarily from fried tempeh and peanuts, which are coated in an aromatic sauce and flavored with plenty of aromatics. 

This dish gets its name from the popular condiment kecap manis, which is a sweet soy sauce thatโ€™s used both as a condiment and as a seasoning in Indonesian cooking. 

Kecap manis is typically made from soy sauce and palm sugar, boiled down into a syrupy consistency; sometimes aromatics like lime leaves, star anise, ginger, and garlic are added. The texture and taste are similar to molasses with background notes of soy sauce.

Interested in reading more? Learn more about kecap manis over on Serious Eats

tempeh kecap stir fry in a black bowl over white rice with lime wedges.

Why this recipe works

Crispy without the excess oil.

In a traditional tempeh kecap (and in similar Indonesian recipes), the tempeh is deep fried. While Iโ€™m not opposed to deep frying (as you might know from my epic Gobi Manchurian!), choosing not to deep fry is a low-maintenance and less messy alternative that doesnโ€™t compromise on taste or texture.

Instead, the tempeh is pan-fried, making it remarkably crispy and irresistible. It honestly tastes deep fried but is a bit more wholesome. 

Tempeh has (truly) never tasted so good.

If my BBQ tempeh or tempeh tacos havenโ€™t turned you into a tempeh lover yet, tempeh kecap surely will. While tempeh has a naturally bitter and dense texture that can be hard to love, a few techniques here make all the difference.

(1) Cutting the tempeh into very small matchsticks, (2) pan-frying the pieces in oil, and (3) coating them in a sweet and sticky sauce masks tempeh’s natural bitterness and converts the dense nuttiness into crispy morsels.

A to-die-for flavor profile.

Unless youโ€™re already familiar with Indonesian cuisine, I can guarantee youโ€™ve never tried anything quite like this. Every bite is zingy uniquely refreshing.

And itโ€™s all thanks to the various citrus flavors. First, fresh lime leaves bring distinctive Southeast Asian flavor right to the tip of your tongue. They perfume the entire dish with refreshingly bright and citrusy notes without the familiar tartness of fresh lime.

Lemongrass also comes into play, adding its intoxicating lemony, minty, and gingery aromas. Itโ€™s the secret to lightening up this rich Indonesian stir fry.

Ingredient notes

Tempeh. This is an Indonesian vegan meat substitute made from fermented soybeans. You can find tempeh in most grocery stores these days (next to the  tofu!).

Tip: When youโ€™re shopping, look for โ€œoriginalโ€ varieties, as they have the best texture. Skip the โ€œthree grainโ€ varieties, as their texture can be quite hard, and anything flavored (like โ€œtempeh baconโ€ or โ€œbuffalo tempehโ€).

Substitute: While tempeh is the key ingredient here, if you’re allergic to soy but still intrigued by these flavors, you could try a soy-free sub like jackfruit here.

Kecap manis. This is a popular Indonesian condiment thatโ€™s basically a sweet soy sauce. It adds a powerful sweet umami flavor to this tempeh stir fry.

You can find bottled kecap manis at Southeast Asian grocery stores and large East Asian markets like Hmart (โ€‹โ€‹ABC and Cap Bango being the most popular brands in the U.S.), or you can buy it online (affiliate link).

Make it at home: Alternatively, you can make kecap manis at home using my easy 3-ingredient recipe in the 2nd recipe card (I actually prefer this to store-bought).

Peanuts: Peanuts are an integral ingredient in an Indonesian tempeh kecap, adding a nutty crunch to each bite.

Substitute: Allergic to peanuts? Omit and/or substitute with chopped dry roasted almonds.

Lemongrass. Both East Asian and Southeast Asian grocery stores should sell fresh lemongrass. Some well-stocked grocery stores will sell pre-trimmed lemongrass in packages. If you canโ€™t find lemongrass, leave it out.

Lime leaves. Just like lemongrass, fresh lime leaves should be in stock at most East Asian and Southeast Asian grocery stores. They may be sold as โ€œlime leaves,โ€ โ€œmakrut lime leaves,โ€ or โ€œkaffir lime leaves.โ€

Substitute: If you canโ€™t find fresh leaves, dried makrut lime leaves are a good alternative (affiliate link). Keep the dried leaves whole or snip each leaf to release more flavor.  

Fresno peppers. Fried tempeh in sweet soy sauce isnโ€™t an overly spicy dish. However, if you canโ€™t handle spicy food at all, use just 1 Fresno pepper.

Substitute: If you canโ€™t find Fresno peppers, replace them with 1 to 2 Thai chile peppers or 1 serrano pepper (seen in the step-by-step photos). If you love spicy food, feel free to add another pepper. 

tempeh kecap stir fry in a black bowl over white rice with lime wedges.

Step-by-step instructions

Prep the aromatics. Slice the shallots, chile peppers, lime leaves, garlic, and bell pepper. Grate the lemongrass. Make the sauce: mix all of the sauce ingredients together in a bowl. 

Sliced aromatics on a wooden cutting board.

Cut the tempeh crosswise into very thin slices. Stack several slices on top of each other and cut those into tiny slivers. The smaller the matchstick pieces, the better.

Tempeh in slices and matchsticks on a wooden cutting board.

Fry the tempeh. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet (or wok). Once itโ€™s hot, add the tempeh and season with salt. Cook undisturbed until itโ€™s beginning to brown, then stir.

Youโ€™ll know itโ€™s ready when most pieces are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried tempeh to a paper towel-lined plate while you prepare the rest.

Browned thinly sliced tempeh in a black frying pan.

Make the stir fry. Lower the heat and add a little more oil before adding the shallots, garlic, and chile peppers in the pan. Cook briefly, then add the lemongrass, lime leaves, and bay leaf.

Turn up the heat and add the bell peppers, and stir fry for a couple minutes. 

Bell peppers added to cooked aromatics in a black frying pan.

To assemble the stir fry, add the fried tempeh back into the pan along with the peanuts. 

Tempeh and peanuts added to aromatics and bell peppers in frying pan.

Pour in the sauce and toss to coat. Keep cooking until the sauce becomes sticky and covers each piece of tempeh.

Remove the lime leaves and bay leaf and season with salt and lime juice if needed. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Finished tempeh kecap dish after the sauce coats each piece of tempeh.

Tips for making tempeh kecap

You need a nonstick frying pan.
Itโ€™s non-negotiable. A nonstick frying pan or wok is essential because the tempeh will stick otherwise. 

If you don’t have a large pan (e.g., 12 inches), I recommend cooking the tempeh in two batches for the crispiest results.

To cook tempeh in a wok: Heat over high heat until it just starts to smoke. Add the oil and swirl it in the pan to get it up the lower sides. Add the tempeh and cook for 2 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for a total of 8 to 12 minutes. Stir every 2 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. 

Thin matchstick slices are key. 
The key to super crispy tempeh without deep frying is to slice the tempeh very small (and to use relatively high heat). It takes a few extra minutes to slice the tempeh this way, but the crispy results are worth it, I promise. 

Donโ€™t stir the tempeh too often. 
Let the tempeh fry undisturbed for a few minutes at a time. This enables it to get golden and crispy without deep frying. If youโ€™re worried about it burning, turn the heat down slightly.

indonesian tempeh stir fry with bell peppers in a black skillet on a black board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use soy sauce instead of kecap manis?

No, as they are quite different. Kecap manis is made by cooking soy sauce, palm sugar or brown sugar, and water together until it turns into a thick, pourable syrup. Itโ€™s much sweeter than regular salty soy sauce, giving you a sweet umami flavor profile.ย 

Can I make kecap manis instead of buying it?ย 

Yes! You need just three ingredients: soy sauce, brown or coconut sugar, and molasses. Itโ€™s simple to make and more well-rounded in flavors than store-bought options, in my opinion.

Find my homemade kecap manis recipe in the second recipe card below. You can use it in other stir fries, marinades, dressings, or barbecue sauces.ย It will stay good in the fridge for a few months.

How do you prepare lemongrass?

First cut off the nubby end of the stalk, then cut off the top half (both are quite tough). Remove the papery outer layers of the rest of the lemongrass (there will be several layers). Youโ€™ll be left with the tender, bendy inner white core thatโ€™s ready for mincing.

I also have video instructions on how to prep lemongrass in a past video if you need more help.

Is this recipe gluten free?

No, but it’s easy to make GF with a few changes: (1) replace the soy sauce with tamari and (2) instead of buying kecap manis, use my homemade kecap manis recipe (and use tamari instead of soy sauce).

Most brands of tempeh are naturally gluten free, but check the packaging to ensure they donโ€™t contain wheat.

Can you make this recipe without the sugar?

Tempeh kecap has a fairly sweet flavor profile. Sweetened soy sauce and brown sugar work together to elevate each bite and balance the strong citrus flavor. I recommend reducing the brown sugar from 1 ยฝ tablespoons to 1 tablespoon instead of leaving it out altogether.

tempeh kecap stir fry with peanuts in a black bowl over white rice with lime wedges.

If you love this unique Indonesian Tempeh Kecap as much as we do, please be sure to leave a rating and review below :) And as always, I love seeing your remakes on Instagram!

Big Vegan Flavor

Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.

Tempeh Kecap

4.9 from 41 votes
Youโ€™ll be blown away by the unique flavors in this Indonesian Tempeh Kecap! Fried tempeh and peanuts are coated in a sticky, sweet, umami-rich sauce perfumed with lime leaves and lemongrass. Itโ€™s a gourmet stir fry thatโ€™s surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indonesian
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Serving size: 5

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks of tempeh
  • ยผ cup (56g) neutral-flavored, high-heat oil (avocado, grapeseed, canola, vegetable oil)

Aromatics

  • 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced*
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 3 Fresno chile peppers, thinly sliced**
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, outer layers peeled, then minced or grated
  • 4 fresh lime leaves, finely chopped (or 10 to 12 dried makrut lime leaves, left whole)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 medium red/orange/yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • ยพ cup (90g) dry roasted unsalted peanuts (salted peanuts are fine too)

Sauce

  • 3 ยฝ tablespoons kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)***
  • 1 ยฝ tablespoons organic brown sugar or cane sugar****
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

For serving

  • Lime juice to squeeze on at the end (optional)
  • Cooked white/brown/sticky rice for serving

Instructions

  • Cut both blocks of tempeh crosswise into very thin slices, almost as thinly as you can. Then stack several slices on top of each other and cut crosswise into tiny slivers.*
  • Fry the tempeh. Heat a 12-inch nonstick** frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ยผ cup oil and heat for a few minutes until hot. Add all the tempeh and season with a couple pinches of salt, and stir to coat the tempeh into the oil. Spread out the tempeh into an even layer as much as possible and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow browning, then stir.
    Repeat this process (cook for 2 minutes undisturbed, then stir) for a total of 10 to 12 minutes, or until most of the tempeh is golden browned and crispy. Lower the heat a touch if the tempeh starts to burn.
  • Mix together the Sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Make the stir fry. Return the frying pan to medium heat and allow to heat up again. Add a touch more oil (or cooking spray). Add the shallots, garlic, and chile peppers. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook until shallots and garlic start to turn color, 2 to 3 minutes.
    Add in the lemongrass, lime leaves, and bay leaf, and cook for 1 minute, tossing frequently.
    Increase the heat to medium-high and add in the bell peppers and cook until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the fried tempeh and peanuts to the pan, and toss to coat. Pour in the Sauce, and stir for a couple minutes, until the sauce clings to the tempeh and coats it well.
  • Remove the bay leaf (and dried lime leaves, if used). Taste, adding salt as needed. Finish with a squeeze or two of lime juice, if desired.

Notes

Ingredient Notes
* You can sub the shallots with 1 small yellow onion.
** If you canโ€™t find Fresno peppers, sub with 1 to 2 Thai chile peppers or 1 serrano pepper (these peppers are spicier).
*** See the next recipe card for my homemade kecap manis recipe.
**** Use 1 tablespoon for a slightly less sweet pronounced dish.
Instruction Notes
*For reference, see photo #2 in the step-by-step instructions..ย 
**ย A nonstick pan is essential to prevent sticking. If you donโ€™t have a large nonstick pan, I recommend cooking the tempeh in two batches. If using a wok, heat it over high heat until it just starts to smoke (open windows). Add the oil and swirl up the sides. Add the tempeh and cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for a total of 8 to 12 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 697mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1584IU | Vitamin C: 75mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 4mg

Big Vegan Flavor

Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.

Homemade Kecap Manis

4.9 from 31 votes
Can't find kecap manis in stores? This Indonesian sweet soy sauce is remarkably easy to make and requires just 3 ingredients! Use in tempeh kecap and other Indonesian stir fries. Stays fresh in the fridge for several months.
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Indonesian
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Serving size: 11 tablespoons

Ingredients

  • ยฝ cup (140g) soy sauce (use tamari to keep gluten-free)
  • 1 cup (152g) organic brown sugar (or coconut sugar), loosely packed
  • ยฝ cup (120 mL) water
  • 1 tablespoon molasses*, (regular molasses, not blackstrap molasses)

Instructions

  • Add the soy sauce, sugar, and water to a medium or small saucepan. Stir occasionally as it comes to a boil to prevent sugar from burning, about once a minute. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low or low. Simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens a bit (small bubbles and frothing are okay, you just don’t want lots of big bubbles, or it can quickly bubble over).
  • Once it starts to thicken, start stirring frequently. And once it almost reaches a thin syrupy consistency, about 10 minutes in, add the molasses. Stir frequently and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until it has thickened to a maple syrup consistency.
  • Take off the heat. Carefully pour into a heat-proof jar. Once cooled to room temp, (it will thicken a fair amount as it cools), seal the jar and store in the fridge for several months.

Notes

*If you donโ€™t have molasses, omit it and use less water, about โ…“ cup (80 mL).

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.03g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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4.93 from 41 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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66 comments on Tempeh Kecap

  1. Lasha Mahina

    5 stars
    Being part Indonesian I’m quite familiar with this dish but hadn’t had it in quite some time.
    Was in need of a new recipe with tempeh and when I saw this I got so excited!
    I always keep lemon grass & lime leaf in my freezer, of course kecap manis is definitely a staple in my cupboard.
    This recipe is easy & tasty!
    Thank you!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Your review made our day, Lasha! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for trying out the recipe.

  2. Sid

    5 stars
    Every time I make one of Nisha’s recipes, I say to myself, “Nisha is a goddess,” but this recipe was just beyond outstanding (and I did make the kecap manis sauce from scratch, too). Next time I make it, I’ll try it with some chopped celery for extra cronch.

    So pleased I found your site and YouTube channel. Thanks for revolutionizing my cooking and getting me excited about being in the kitchen again–after being vegan for well over 15 years, my routine had gotten sad and stale.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Sid, thank you so much for the lovely comment! I’ll be sure to pass it along to Nisha, I’m positive it will put a big smile on her face :)

  3. Anna

    5 stars
    OMG insanely good <3

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Anna, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!

  4. Johanรฉ Berry

    Hi! Iโ€™m so keen to make this as a meal prep recipe! Does it refrigerate well and if so, for how many days?

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Johanรฉ, you sure can! I think 3 days is best, but it will probably last up to 5 days maximum. I think itโ€™s best to reheat in a frying pan to bring it back to life and crisp it up a bit. Depending on how picky you are, a microwave will do! My partner has reheated this in the microwave at his work and said it was great! Enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Annie

    5 stars
    OMG! Again the ” Queen ” has come with a great recipe! My husband thought the tempeh was French fries!๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚. I can only say THANK YOU for your creativity!๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Your review made our day, Annie! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for trying out the recipe.

  6. MH

    5 stars
    This is a terrific recipe. Have made it multiple times and it’s been a hit with friends every single time.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi MH, Thank you so much for such a fantastic review! Appreciate you taking the time!

  7. Alec

    5 stars
    This recipe is SO good and really easy to make too. The lemongrass, lime leaves, sauce, and peanuts all blend together so well and the flavors are just wonderful. It doesn’t taste “tempeh-y” at all. Thanks for another great recipe, Nisha!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Weโ€™re so happy that the tempeh kecap turned out well for you, Alec. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and for trying out the recipe!

  8. Rachel

    5 stars
    Delicious! One of our new favourites from here. We didnโ€™t add the peppers and liked the milder version :) These recipes are always flavourful.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      We’re over the moon to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Rachel. Thanks for your kind words!

  9. Jackie Cuba

    5 stars
    GUYS! I made this recipe last night and omg, let me tell you… it was INCREDIBLE!!! I can’t wait to serve this to my non-vegan guests at future family gatherings…. yes, it’s THAT good! Nisha, you’re amazing! THANK YOU!!! Tonight I will be making your tempeh taco recipe and the hubby & I are super excited because I can already tell it will be delicious just like all of the RPL recipes. I’ve made over 30 recipes from your channel and cookbook and I have yet to be disappointed. Cheers from VA! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Aw, thank you for such a kind comment, Jackie! It makes us very happy to hear that you have loved each of the recipes you’ve tried. I myself work from home and have tried just about that many of the recipes on my own accord- and I agree… Nisha’s recipes don’t miss! Thanks for taking the time to write a review :)

  10. Suzy

    5 stars
    I didnโ€™t love tempeh till I made this for dinner! We couldnโ€™t wait and kept having spoonfuls from the pan. I love Indonesian flavours, so fresh and aromatic. Iโ€™m making this again for a friend tonight but using fresh rice noodles instead of rice, because weโ€™re noodle obsessed :)

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Your positive feedback is the best reward for our hard work. Thank you, Suzy!

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