
Ayam Geprek
Makan Tengah Hari • Malaysia
How to Make Ayam Geprek (Traditional & Healthy Vegetarian Version)
Ayam Geprek is a beloved dish that has found its way into Malaysia's multicultural cuisine, offering a harmonious balance of spicy, crispy, and aromatic flavors. Originating from Indonesia but wholeheartedly embraced in Malaysia, this dish has been adapted to suit local tastes and dietary preferences. Traditionally made with chicken, our recipe features a wholesome vegetarian twist using tempeh, a protein-rich soy product popular in Malaysian kitchens. The dish is characterized by its crispy 'ayam' (here, tempeh as the protein substitute), smashed and coated in a fiery sambal made from fresh cili padi, garlic, and local ingredients like serai (lemongrass) and daun limau purut (kaffir lime leaves). The sambal's robust heat is balanced with a hint of sweetness and citrus, making every bite satisfying. Ayam Geprek is not only a popular lunch choice but also a showcase of Malaysia’s diverse culinary influences and local produce, making it perfect for those seeking an authentic, healthy, and vegetarian-friendly meal.
Bahan-bahan(untuk 1 plate with tempeh and sambal, served with brown rice or salad)
- 200g Tempeh (substitute for ayam, rich in protein)
- 8 pieces Cili padi (bird's eye chilies) (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 2 Shallots (bawang merah)
- 1 stalk Serai (lemongrass) (finely chopped)
- 2 leaves Daun limau purut (kaffir lime leaves) (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (for pan-frying)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Brown rice or salad (to serve, optional) - pilihan
Arahan
- 1
Slice tempeh into 1cm thick pieces. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
3 minutes
Make sure tempeh is dry to achieve a crispier coating when frying.
- 2
Toss tempeh slices in cornstarch and a pinch of salt for even coating.
2 minutes
Cornstarch ensures a light, crispy texture without excess oil.
- 3
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry tempeh until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
8 minutes
Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for best results.
- 4
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, shallots, and serai until fragrant.
3 minutes
Stir constantly to prevent burning and maximize aroma.
Kenapa hidangan ini sihat
By swapping traditional fried chicken with pan-fried tempeh, this Ayam Geprek maintains authentic flavors while lowering cholesterol and calories. The use of whole, unprocessed ingredients and local herbs boosts nutritional value. This healthy Malaysian recipe is ideal for those looking to enjoy classic flavors with a lighter, vegetarian twist that supports heart health and weight management.
This vegetarian Ayam Geprek is packed with plant-based protein from tempeh, which is also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins B2 and B6, and essential minerals like iron and calcium. The use of olive oil keeps unhealthy fats low, and sambal ingredients like cili padi, garlic, and lime provide antioxidants and vitamin C. Paired with brown rice or salad, this dish offers a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and minimal saturated fat.
Petua
- 💡Tip 1: For extra crunch, double-coat tempeh in cornstarch.
- 💡Tip 2: Use a mix of red and green cili padi for a colorful sambal.
- 💡Tip 3: Add finely chopped pandan leaves to the sambal for a unique Malaysian aroma.
Penyimpanan & hidangan
Store leftover tempeh and sambal separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat tempeh in an oven or air-fryer to restore crispiness before serving.
Paling sesuai dihidang: Breakfast or Lunch
Fakta Nutrisi
| Nutrien | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Tenaga | 400.0 kcal |





