Vibrant Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry! This recipe has earned its reputation as one of the most beloved dishes on our blog, and for good reason. It’s not just a meal; it’s a vibrant symphony of flavors, a truly satisfying plant-based experience that comes together in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring more plant-forward options, this stir fry is guaranteed to impress. Even those who usually favor meat, like my husband, can’t get enough of its rich, savory taste and satisfying texture. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious recipe!

If you’re embarking on a journey to discover the versatile world of tempeh, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. Tempeh is an unsung hero of plant-based cuisine, offering a robust texture and an impressive nutritional profile. It readily absorbs flavors, making it an ideal candidate for marinades and sauces. This stir fry showcases tempeh at its best, proving just how delicious and adaptable this fermented soybean cake can be. It’s no wonder we consider tempeh to be one of the most underrated vegetarian protein sources available today.

Have you had the pleasure of experiencing tempeh before? If not, prepare to be amazed! This Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry is the perfect introduction to this incredible ingredient. Tempeh isn’t just “good,” it’s truly fantastic. Its firm, chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor make it an excellent base for absorbing rich sauces, turning every bite into an explosion of taste.

For those new to tempeh, or anyone looking to deepen their appreciation, we have dedicated resources to help you become a tempeh master. Explore our comprehensive roundup of favorite tempeh recipes for endless inspiration, and dive into our Tempeh 101 guide to learn all about its origins, nutritional benefits, and best cooking practices. Mastering the art of tempeh preparation, especially knowing how to properly marinate tempeh, can dramatically enhance your culinary results, ensuring your dishes are packed with maximum flavor and tenderness.

Understanding Tempeh: The Star Protein

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a moment to appreciate tempeh. Originating from Indonesia, tempeh is a fermented soybean product renowned for its firm texture and earthy, nutty flavor. Unlike tofu, which is made from coagulated soy milk, tempeh is made from whole soybeans that are cooked, fermented, and pressed into a compact block. This fermentation process not only enhances its flavor but also makes the nutrients more digestible and increases its protein content, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, plant-based diet.

Tempeh is incredibly versatile, and its ability to absorb marinades makes it perfect for stir-fries. It holds its shape well during cooking, providing a satisfying chew that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Rich in protein, fiber, and prebiotics, tempeh is not just delicious but also highly beneficial for gut health. Learning to cook with tempeh opens up a world of flavorful and nutritious meal possibilities.

Ingredients for a Perfect Stir Fry: Flavor, Nutrition, and Versatility

Crafting an exceptional stir fry begins with selecting the right ingredients. Our Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry calls for a blend of fresh produce and pantry staples that create a vibrant and balanced flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Tempeh: The hearty foundation of our stir fry. This plant-based protein offers a substantial texture and readily soaks up the savory sauce. If tempeh isn’t available, firm or extra-firm tofu can be an excellent substitute, just be sure to press it well to remove excess moisture for best results.
• Ginger Paste: A key player in the “ginger” aspect of our flavor profile, providing a warm, spicy, and aromatic kick. Freshly grated ginger can be used for an even more potent flavor, or ground ginger if you’re in a pinch (use about 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of paste).
• Garlic Paste: Essential for depth and pungency, garlic paste infuses the sauce with its classic savory notes. Minced fresh garlic, approximately 3 cloves, works beautifully as an alternative, delivering a robust aroma.
• Sesame Oil: This aromatic oil is fundamental to Asian-inspired dishes, imparting a distinctive nutty and toasted flavor that is irreplaceable. It’s used in both the cooking process and the sauce for maximum impact.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the stir fry, balancing the sweet and savory elements. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a suitable substitute if rice vinegar is not on hand, providing a similar acidic lift.
• Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Provides the crucial umami and salty base for our sauce. For those avoiding gluten, tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative that maintains the desired flavor complexity. Coconut aminos offer a soy-free and slightly sweeter option.
• Maple Syrup: Contributes a natural sweetness that complements the savory and spicy notes, creating a perfectly balanced sauce. Honey or agave syrup are also great natural sweeteners that can be used interchangeably.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, ensuring our sauce clings beautifully to every piece of tempeh and vegetable. Arrowroot starch is a fantastic gluten-free alternative that performs similarly.
• Nut Butter: Whether it’s creamy peanut butter or smooth almond butter, this ingredient adds a wonderful richness, depth, and a hint of nutty flavor to the sauce. For those with nut allergies, tahini or sunflower seed butter are excellent nut-free alternatives that still provide creaminess and flavor.
• Green Beans & Carrots: These vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the stir fry. Their crisp-tender quality makes them ideal for stir-frying. Feel free to customize with other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced cabbage to suit your preferences and what’s in season.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the tempeh and vegetables, providing a neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine. Any high smoke point cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed oil can also be used.

How to Make This Easy Stir Fry: Step-by-Step Perfection

Creating this flavorful Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week. While the full, printable recipe card with precise measurements is located at the bottom of this post, let’s walk through the main steps to ensure your success.

STEP #1: Prepare the Irresistible Sesame Ginger Sauce. The heart of any great stir fry is its sauce. Begin by combining all your sauce ingredients—ginger paste, garlic paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), maple syrup, cornstarch, and nut butter—into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. While you can whisk it by hand, a blender ensures a perfectly emulsified and lump-free sauce, which is key to its luxurious texture and even flavor distribution.

STEP #2: Perfectly Cook the Tempeh. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your bite-sized tempeh cubes and cook for about 8 minutes. Remember to flip them every few minutes to ensure all sides develop a beautiful golden-brown crispness. Once browned, reduce the heat to low and toss the tempeh with just 2 tablespoons of your prepared sauce. Continue cooking briefly until the tempeh is fully coated and starts to caramelize, infusing it with initial layers of flavor. Transfer the coated tempeh to a clean plate and set aside, returning the skillet to the heat.

STEP #3: Sauté and Steam the Vegetables to Tender-Crisp Perfection. Increase the heat back to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then toss in your green beans and thinly sliced carrots. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. To achieve a tender-crisp texture, add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet and quickly place a lid on top. Let the vegetables steam for another 5 minutes. This steaming process helps cook them through while retaining their bright color and a slight crunch. Remove the lid and drain any excess water.

STEP #4: Combine All Ingredients and Thicken the Sauce. Now for the grand finale! Return the cooked tempeh to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the remaining glorious sesame ginger sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every piece of tempeh and every vegetable is beautifully coated in the rich, glossy sauce. Continue to cook for approximately 2-3 more minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken to your desired consistency. The cornstarch in the sauce will work its magic, transforming it into a luxurious glaze that clings perfectly to your stir fry. Once thickened, your masterpiece is ready!

Serving and Meal Prep Suggestions: Maximize Your Deliciousness

This Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a classic and comforting experience, serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up all the glorious sauce. Quinoa is another excellent choice, adding extra protein and a nutty texture. If you’re looking to boost your vegetable intake further, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some steamed edamame.

As mentioned, this dish excels in the realm of meal prep. To store leftovers, allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy lunch. This makes it perfect for busy individuals or families looking for healthy, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.

We absolutely love hearing from you! If you whip up this delicious Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry recipe or any other delightful dish from Food with Feeling, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. Your feedback helps other aspiring cooks and warms our hearts to hear about your culinary adventures. Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram and tag us @foodwithfeeling – we can’t wait to see your fantastic food photos! Happy cooking!

5 from 2 votes

Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry

By

Brita Britnell

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

15 minutes
mins

Total:

25 minutes
mins

Servings:

2
large servings

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Print

This Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry recipe is one of the most popular recipes on my blog! It’s an easy vegan stir fry that only requires 25 minutes to make and is incredibly delicious! Even my meat-loving husband enjoys this dish, a testament to its widespread appeal.

Video

Ingredients

• ▢
  
  8 ounces tempeh, cubed into bite-sized pieces

• ▢
  
  2 tablespoons ginger paste, sub for grated fresh ginger

• ▢
  
  2 tablespoons garlic paste, sub for 3 cloves of minced garlic

• ▢
  
  1 tablespoon sesame oil

• ▢
  
  1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ▢
  
  4 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos

• ▢
  
  3 tablespoons maple syrup

• ▢
  
  1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ▢
  
  1 tablespoon nut butter

• ▢
  
  3 tablespoons olive oil

• ▢
  
  2 cups green beans, ends trimmed

• ▢
  
  2 cups carrots, thinly sliced (or baby carrots)

Instructions

• In a blender, combine all the sauce ingredients: ginger paste, garlic paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), maple syrup, cornstarch, and nut butter. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. While hand-whisking is an option, a blender ensures a superior, emulsified texture.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the cubed tempeh and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping periodically until all sides are nicely browned and crisp. Reduce the heat to low, add 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce, and toss until the tempeh is fully coated and slightly caramelized. Transfer the tempeh to a clean plate and set aside, returning the skillet to the heat.
• Increase the heat back to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the green beans and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Incorporate a few tablespoons of water and cover the skillet with a lid to steam the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, approximately another 5 minutes. Remove the lid and drain any excess water.
• Return the cooked tempeh to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the remaining sesame ginger sauce. Toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the tempeh and vegetables beautifully.
• Serve your delicious Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry immediately over rice, quinoa, or enjoyed on its own. Enjoy your wholesome and flavorful meal!

Notes

This recipe is also incredibly delicious and works perfectly with tofu! Simply press extra-firm tofu well before cubing and cooking as directed for tempeh.

Nutrition

Calories:
754
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
63
g

,

Protein:
31
g

,

Fat:
45
g

,

Saturated Fat:
7
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
11
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
24
g

,

Sodium:
2128
mg

,

Potassium:
1373
mg

,

Fiber:
8
g

,

Sugar:
29
g

,

Vitamin A:
22144
IU

,

Vitamin C:
26
mg

,

Calcium:
304
mg

,

Iron:
6
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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