Vegan Malaysian Curry, Malak Percik

Malaysian curry (known as Masak Percik) is actually not a curry because it does not have curry in it. But, it is the closest term to describe it – Asian spicy sauce, eat with rice. The sauce is a bit thicker and sweeter compare to other dishes. Because of the sugar in this sauce, it is also perfect for the barbeque, creating a beautiful caramelization unto the ingredients used. The main ingredient usually cooked with this Masak Percik is chicken or fish. Of course since this is a vegan version of Malaysian curry Masak Percik, fried tempeh would be a great substitute.

Tempeh is a traditional soy product that is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form.  Another soy product, Tofu also become a favorite substitute for the most of dish for vegan. They differ a lot in taste and also the texture. Tofu is very soft, while the tempeh is very firm and almost a firm veggie burger (morning star farm griller texture).

Tempeh Masak Percik curry

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Ingredients

• 2 packet Tempeh
• 2 stalks lemongrass or 1/3 bottle of Gourmet Garden Lemongrass paste which can be found at your local groccery store
• 1 onion
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 inch turmeric
• 1 piece of dried asam gelugor – can be found at your local asian market (or 1 tsp. tamarind paste)
• 10 dried chilies
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 whole pure coconut milk
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• Salt to taste
• Oil to fry

Directions

• Cut tempeh into smaller pieces, then fry the tempeh until golden brown.
• Blend the lemongrass, onion, ginger, dried chilies, turmeric, and garlic.
• Heat another pan. Add coconut milk. When it starts to boil, add the blended ingredients.
• Cook on low heat and keep stirring.
• Add in the fried tempeh, asam gelugor, salt and sugar.
• Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Now it’s ready to serve with rice!

*Benefits of lemon grass*

Lemongrass has lots of benefits such as: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. And minerals like Potassium, Calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper.

Preventing skin cancer

Lemongrass has also been done in a scientific study to actually have detered skin cancer because of it’s anti-cancerous properties.

Healing Cough and cold

Lemongrass is used by many to heal cough and cold because of the Vitamin C content.