50mNasi Lemak Tempeh Bowl
A vegan Malaysian nasi-lemak-inspired breakfast bowl with fragrant coconut rice, glazed tempeh, crisp cucumber, and a tangy sambal oelek condiment.
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- water-1.75 cups
- jasmine rice-1.5 cups
- canned full-fat coconut milk-1 cup
- roasted unsalted peanuts-0.33 cups
- tempeh-12 ounces
- sambal oelek-3 tablespoons
- fresh lime juice-3 tablespoons
- canola oil-2 tablespoons
- reduced-sodium soy sauce-2 tablespoons
- pure maple syrup-2 tablespoons
- fresh ginger-1 tablespoon
- scallions-3 each
- English cucumber-1 each
- kosher salt-0.75 teaspoons
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well. Complete the knife work: cut the tempeh into 1/2-inch cubes, halve the cucumber lengthwise and slice it 1/4 inch thick, thinly slice the scallions, and coarsely chop the peanuts.
Combine the rice, coconut milk, 1 1/4 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring once. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Prepare the sauces and cook the tempeh during the rice’s cooking and resting time.
Use caution when handling the hot saucepan and lifting the lid because escaping steam can burn.
While the rice cooks, whisk the tempeh glaze by combining the soy sauce, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon sambal oelek, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in one small bowl. In the second bowl, make the sambal condiment by stirring together the remaining 2 tablespoons sambal oelek, remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
Avoid touching your eyes after handling sambal oelek, and wash your hands and utensils promptly.
Place the tempeh and remaining 1/2 cup water in the skillet. Cover and steam over medium heat for 5 minutes. Uncover and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you evaporate all the water.
Use caution when uncovering the skillet because escaping steam may burn. Ensure the water has fully evaporated before proceeding to the oil step.
Add the canola oil to the dry skillet. Brown the tempeh for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Add the ginger and cook for 30 seconds, then pour in the tempeh glaze. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tempeh is glossy and lightly sticky.
Add oil only after the steaming water has fully evaporated to reduce hot-oil splatter. Use caution around the hot skillet and oil.
While the tempeh finishes, toss the cucumber with the remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dress it just before serving so the cucumber remains cool and crisp.
Fluff the coconut rice with a fork and divide it among four bowls. Add the glazed tempeh and cucumber, then finish each bowl with the sambal condiment, scallions, and chopped peanuts.
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