How to Make Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Easy Vegan Recipe

Looking for a vibrant and satisfying plant-based meal? Look no further than this delicious vegetable tempeh stir-fry! Bursting with fresh vegetables, savory tempeh, and a tangy sauce, this recipe is a true celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

This vegetable tempeh stir-fry is incredibly versatile. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste. Feel free to experiment with different sauces, spices, and toppings to create your own unique variations. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the tempeh:
  • 1 (8-ounce) package tempeh, crumbled or diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• For the stir-fry:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• For the sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
• Garnish (optional):
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes

Equipment:

• One large skillet or wok
• One small bowl (for mixing the sauce)
• One medium bowl (for marinating the tempeh)

Instructions:

Prepare the Tempeh:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
2. Add the crumbled or diced tempeh to the marinade, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Allow the tempeh to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for a more intense flavor).

Make the Stir-fry:

1. While the tempeh is marinating, prepare your vegetables and make the sauce. This will make the cooking process quicker and more efficient.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the marinated tempeh to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the tempeh from the skillet and set aside.
5. To the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
6. Add the broccoli florets, carrots, snap peas, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Finishing Touches:

1. While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
3. Return the cooked tempeh to the skillet and stir to combine.

Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the vegetable tempeh stir-fry immediately over rice or noodles.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

A steaming plate of colorful vegetable tempeh stir-fry

Tips and Tricks for the Best Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry:

• Press your tempeh: For extra-firm and crispy tempeh, press it between layers of paper towels for about 15 minutes before marinating.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Get creative with your vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Mushrooms, bok choy, and snow peas would all be delicious additions.
• Adjust the spice level: For a spicier stir-fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Close-up shot of vegetables and tempeh cooking in a wok

FAQs:

• Can I use a different protein source?
  • Absolutely! Tofu is a great substitute for tempeh. Simply press it to remove excess moisture before marinating and cooking.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  • Yes, be sure to use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free.
• How do I store leftovers?
  • Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Delicious Vegetarian Recipes:

Looking for more delicious and easy vegetarian recipes to try? Check out these favorites:

• How to Make Vegetable and Tofu Pad Thai
• How to Make Vegetable Stir-fry
• How to Make Vegetable and Tofu Coconut Curry

This vegetable tempeh stir-fry is a flavor-packed and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. We hope you love this recipe! If you give it a try, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how you like it. Happy cooking!