Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

This vibrant Asian-inspired dish combines protein-rich tempeh with a colorful medley of crisp vegetables. The nutty, fermented soy cubes develop a golden crust when pan-fried, while red and yellow bell peppers, crunchy snap peas, and tender-crisp broccoli provide texture and visual appeal.

A simple savory sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup creates a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Sesame oil adds depth, while garlic and fresh ginger provide aromatic warmth.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile stir-fry works perfectly over steamed jasmine rice or soba noodles. You can easily customize the vegetables based on season or preference—mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini all work beautifully. For extra heat, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Updated on Sat, 24 Jan 2026 22:50:43 GMT
Sizzling Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry with golden cubes of tempeh and crisp, colorful veggies in a glossy, savory sauce. Save
Sizzling Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry with golden cubes of tempeh and crisp, colorful veggies in a glossy, savory sauce. | whisknjoy.com

A vibrant, quick-cooking stir-fry featuring nutty tempeh and a medley of crisp, colorful vegetables, tossed in a savory sauce. This Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry is a perfect healthy weeknight dinner that is both high in protein and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.

Sizzling Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry with golden cubes of tempeh and crisp, colorful veggies in a glossy, savory sauce. Save
Sizzling Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry with golden cubes of tempeh and crisp, colorful veggies in a glossy, savory sauce. | whisknjoy.com

The nutty profile of the tempeh is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the julienned carrots and the crunch of sugar snap peas. The homemade Asian-inspired sauce adds a savory depth that makes this dish satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

  • Protein: 250 g tempeh, cut into 1 cm cubes
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 medium carrot (julienned), 100 g sugar snap peas (trimmed), 100 g broccoli florets, 2 spring onions (sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cm piece fresh ginger (peeled and minced)
  • Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari), 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Cooking: 2 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g., sunflower or canola)
  • Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, fresh coriander or cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Sear the Tempeh
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tempeh cubes and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on all sides. Remove tempeh to a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add the bell peppers, carrot, sugar snap peas, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
5. Combine and Finish
Return tempeh to the wok. Give the sauce a quick stir, then pour it over the stir-fry. Toss everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the tempeh and vegetables.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in spring onions and garnish with sesame seeds and coriander if desired. Serve hot, with steamed rice or noodles if preferred.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, ensure your wok or skillet is properly preheated before adding the ingredients. Stir-frying at a high heat is essential for keeping the vegetables crisp and preventing the tempeh from becoming too soft.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish by swapping vegetables based on your preference; try adding mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini. For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you prefer a spicy kick, add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

Serviervorschläge

This Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry pairs excellently with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or soba noodles. Garnish with plenty of fresh coriander and toasted sesame seeds just before serving to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.

A close-up of Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry, showcasing broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas tossed with protein-rich tempeh. Save
A close-up of Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry, showcasing broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas tossed with protein-rich tempeh. | whisknjoy.com

Enjoy this nutritious and colorful meal as a quick weeknight dinner. With its balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, it's a satisfying way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients.

Recipe FAQ

What does tempeh taste like?

Tempeh has a nutty, earthy flavor with a firm, chewy texture. Unlike tofu, it's made from fermented whole soybeans, giving it a more robust taste and satisfying bite that holds up well in stir-fries.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients in this dish are naturally gluten-free.

How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables work best for maintaining crisp-tender texture, but you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Thaw them first and pat dry to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

What can I serve with this stir-fry?

Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or soba noodles are classic accompaniments. For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own as a protein-packed meal.

How can I add more protein?

While tempeh provides 15g of protein per serving, you can add edamame, cashews, or peanuts for additional protein and crunch. Tofu cubes also work well alongside the tempeh.

Vegetable Tempeh Stir-Fry

Nutty tempeh and colorful vegetables in a savory Asian-inspired sauce, ready in 30 minutes.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Vegetarian Favorites

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Asian-Inspired

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy

Components

Protein

01 8.8 oz tempeh, cut into 0.4 inch cubes

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, sliced
02 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 3.5 oz sugar snap peas, trimmed
05 3.5 oz broccoli florets
06 2 spring onions, sliced
07 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 0.8 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced

Sauce

01 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
02 2 tbsp water
03 1 tbsp rice vinegar
04 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
05 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
06 1 tsp cornstarch

Cooking

01 2 tbsp vegetable oil (sunflower or canola)

Garnish (optional)

01 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
02 Fresh coriander or cilantro leaves

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl until cornstarch dissolves completely. Set aside.

Stage 02

Cook the Tempeh: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add tempeh cubes and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate.

Stage 03

Aromatics: Add remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Stage 04

Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrot, sugar snap peas, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Stage 05

Combine and Sauce: Return tempeh to the wok. Restir sauce and pour over stir-fry. Toss everything together and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats ingredients evenly.

Stage 06

Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in spring onions and garnish with sesame seeds and coriander if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Necessary tools

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains soy (tempeh, soy sauce)
  • Gluten present in soy sauce - use tamari for gluten-free version
  • Contains sesame oil and optional sesame seeds

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 15 g