TempehStirFry the Orp

The next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, why not save some money and make this healthier, more cost-effective, super adaptable yet super delicious (I’d go as far as saying better than takeout!) tempeh stir-fry with mixed vegetables in savory brown stir-fry sauce.

Yes, this stir-fry tempeh requires time in the kitchen, but it’s honestly SO easy to make, and the results are MORE than worth it! Pair it with rice or noodles for a satisfying, meat-free meal the entire family will enjoy. It makes great leftovers, too!

Stir Fry Sauce

🥘 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
🥘 2 tablespoons of water
🥘 1 vegetable bullion cube
🥘 ¼ cup of boiling water
🥘 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
🥘 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or agave
🥘 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
🥘 Red pepper flakes, to taste

For the Tempeh

🥦 2 tablespoons of high heat oil, divided
🥦 1 package of tempeh cut into bite size rectangles
🥦 2 cups of broccoli florets
🥦 1 red bell pepper, diced
🥦 1 thin carrot, sliced
🥦 2 teaspoons of minced ginger
🥦 2 garlic cloves, minced
🥦 Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
🥦 Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)


🧄 1. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Dissolve the bullion cube in the hot water and add it to the cornstarch mixture. Then add remaining ingredients and whisk until fully mixed and set aside.

🧄 2. Add one tablespoon of oil to a large pan and heat over medium-high heat.

🧄 3. Add tempeh and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until browning. Remove the cooked tempeh from pan and set aside.

🧄 4. In the same pan, at medium heat, add one tablespoon of oil and add the broccoli, pepper, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes stirring regularly to prevent burning. Add minced ginger and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant and cooked.

🧄 5. Add tempeh back into the pan and add the stir fry sauce. Mix well to coat the tempeh and veggies with the sauce.

🧄 6. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it gets too dry.


🥕 Serve with rice or noodles of your choice and sprinkle the garnish of your choice.

🥕 Speed hack: Most grocery stores sell pre-mixed stir-fry vegetable packs with various ingredients included.

🥕 Leave the tempeh alone: Moving it around too much in the pan won't brown it or achieve a proper sear.

🥕 Tweak the sauce: All the ingredients in the easy stir-fry sauce can be adjusted. I.e., more or less soy, sweetener, red pepper flakes, etc. Start with a little less of each than called for an increase to taste at the end.

🥕 To adjust the sauce consistency: For a thinner sauce, add more broth/water. For a thicker one, add more cornstarch slurry.