Crispy Tempeh & Veggie Stir-Fry
A quick and satisfying high-protein stir-fry featuring perfectly crispy crumbled tempeh, vibrant vegetables, and a savory soy-ginger sauce. It's a wholesome meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Tempeh:** Steam the tempeh blocks for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness and soften them slightly. Let cool for a few minutes, then crumble them into bite-sized pieces using your hands. In a medium bowl, toss the crumbled tempeh with 1 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tbsp of cornstarch until evenly coated.
**Make Stir-Fry Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 4 tbsp of soy sauce, 2 tbsp of rice vinegar, 1 tbsp of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth, and 1 tsp of cornstarch. Set aside.
**Cook Tempeh:** Heat 1 tbsp of neutral cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated tempeh and spread it out in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tempeh is golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Remove the tempeh from the pan and set it aside.
**Sauté Aromatics & Veggies:** Add the remaining 1 tbsp of neutral cooking oil to the same wok or skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, retaining a slight bite.
**Combine & Thicken:** Return the crispy tempeh to the wok with the vegetables. Give the prepared stir-fry sauce a quick whisk (as cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom) and pour it evenly over the tempeh and vegetables.
**Finish Cooking:** Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes as the sauce heats up and thickens, coating all the ingredients beautifully. Ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
**Serve:** Remove the wok from the heat. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil for added depth of flavor. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately, ideally over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Press Tempeh for Extra Crispness:** For even crispier tempeh, after steaming, press it between paper towels under a heavy object for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture before crumbling and coating.
- 2**High Heat is Key:** Always use high heat for stir-frying to ensure vegetables cook quickly and remain crisp-tender, rather than becoming soggy. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- 3**Prep Ahead:** Chop all your vegetables and prepare the sauce in advance. Stir-fries cook very quickly, so having everything ready to go (mise en place) makes the process smooth and stress-free.
- 4**Adjust Sweetness/Spiciness:** Taste the sauce before adding it to the wok. Adjust maple syrup for sweetness or add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicier kick, if desired.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace tempeh with pan-fried tofu cubes, edamame, or even chickpeas for a different texture and protein source.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Feel free to use other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bok choy based on what's in season or your preference.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce for a delightful spicy variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Tempeh is an excellent source of complete plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, making this a very filling meal.
High in Fiber
Both tempeh and the abundance of fresh vegetables contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
The colorful array of vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots) provides a wide spectrum of vitamins (like Vitamin C and K) and antioxidants, which support immune function and protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
