When I first stumbled upon this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry, it quickly became more than just a meal in my weekly rotation. It gently invited me to slow down and embrace cooking as a mindful ritual. Each time I prepare it, I feel a sense of calm wash over me—the stirring, the sizzling, and the aroma of the orange sauce glaze feels like a tender act of self-care. This recipe is a soulful pause, a way to nourish not just my body but also my everyday rhythms.
This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry offers a wonderful way to connect with the present moment. The tangy sweetness of the orange sauce glaze paired with the hearty texture of tempeh creates a comforting balance that speaks to both comfort and health. It’s an Asian-inspired tempeh dish that feels light yet satisfying, a healthy plant-based dinner that nurtures without heaviness. I love how it invites me to listen deeply to the ingredients, the heat, and my breath as I stir the pan.
Friends on this mindful cooking journey, I warmly invite you to approach this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry not as a chore, but as a moment you gift to yourself. Allow the process to nourish your senses and your soul, inviting peace into the kitchen. If this nourishing favorite resonates with you, you might appreciate other gentle plant-based recipes too, like the Orange Tempeh Stir Fry (Vegan Orange Chicken) – Emilie Eats or for a cozy contrast, the Easy Eggplant Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce that brings its own homey warmth.
Soulful Ingredients for This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry:
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry to life:
- 8 ounces tempeh, cubed – The star of this Asian-inspired tempeh dish, rich in protein and gentle on the digestive system. Prefer a smoother texture? Try crumbled tempeh as a gentle swap, which offers similar nourishing qualities and a playful twist. For this, see the Crumbled Tempeh with Garlicky Soy Glaze.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – This adds a warm, toasted note. I love sourcing organic varieties here, as their flavor feels truly soulful.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic supports wellbeing with its natural immune boost and comforting aroma.
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated – Ginger’s warmth brings gentle spice and aids digestion.
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced – Choose vibrant colors to brighten your dish and plate.
- 1 cup broccoli florets – This green wonder adds crunch and vitamins.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot – Sweetness and color infused into every bite.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – A final fresh lift.
- For the orange sauce glaze:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice – For a vibrant, natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup – A gentle sweetener that blends beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari – Depth and umami.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Adds balance and brightness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water – For that perfect glaze consistency.
I always take a moment before cooking this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry to appreciate the colors, textures, and aromas that each ingredient brings. Choosing local and organic when possible makes this process feel even more connected to the earth and my wellbeing.
Store any leftover tempeh stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.
Creating Your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry with Presence:
Let’s move slowly and with intention through the joyful process of crafting your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry. The rhythm of this recipe is calming, and though it comes together in about 30 minutes, I invite you to take whatever time feels right.
- Prepare your ingredients mindfully. As you cube the tempeh, notice the firmness and the little nooks it holds. When you mince garlic or grate ginger, breathe in their fresh, zesty aroma. These early steps set a mindful tone.
- Heat sesame oil in your pan over medium heat. Pay attention to the shimmer as the oil warms. This moment is your invitation to breathe deeply and savor being present.
- Add the cubed tempeh, cooking for about 7-10 minutes until golden on all sides. Let the sizzling sound remind you of the transformation taking place. If your tempeh sticks, gently nudge it rather than stirring too often—trust the process.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, letting their fragrance fill your kitchen. This sensory detail links your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry with calm connection.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the pan, cooking until just tender, about 5 minutes. Notice the brightening colors and textures mingling with the soy-scented air.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and your cornstarch slurry. The tangy, sweet blend is the soul of your orange sauce glaze.
- Pour the sauce into the pan, gently folding it through the tempeh and vegetables. Watch how the sauce thickens and glazes every ingredient with warm, glossy hues.
- Simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors. While that simmers, take a deep breath and appreciate the nourishing meal you are creating.
Throughout, notice how your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry evolves and how your senses respond—this is more than food; it’s mindful presence.
For another nourishing touchpoint, you may enjoy the easy garlic-laden flavors in the Easy Eggplant Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce.
Nourishing with Your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry:
Serving this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry feels like sharing a quiet moment of connection. I love to plate it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or simple quinoa, where the tender tempeh and vegetables rest like a comforting embrace.
Pairing it with steamed greens or crisp cucumber salad adds a fresh contrast, enriching the experience softly. This balanced mix underscores the recipe as a healthy plant-based dinner that feels nourishing without heaviness.
When I bring this dish to the table, whether surrounded by loved ones or in gentle solitude, I place gratitude beside every bite. A simple garnish of sesame seeds or additional green onions can transform the visual, reminding me to appreciate the small details.
This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry feels perfectly suited for a quiet weeknight supper, but it also holds space for special occasions when meaningful food connects us. Leftovers become delightful additions to wraps or bowls, inviting creativity and continued nourishment.
Seasonally, I sometimes add snow peas or snap peas to celebrate spring’s greenness, or a sprinkle of chili flakes when I crave a little warmth in cooler months. Wherever you take this recipe, it remains a soulful favorite that invites presence and care.
If you enjoy this, you might also appreciate the comforting simplicity of the Cranberry Orange Scones.
Gentle Guidance for Your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry:
How can I make this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry preparation more mindful?
Begin by setting your intention before cooking. Notice each step—the sounds, smells, and textures—and breathe deeply between them. Rather than hurrying, honor the rhythm that feels natural.
What’s a nourishing alternative to tempeh in this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry?
If you prefer, tofu can be a tender stand-in, offering a softer texture while still soaking up the orange sauce glaze beautifully. Chickpeas also work, adding a gentle nuttiness.
How can I adapt this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry for different energy needs?
On days you want a lighter meal, try halving the rice and adding extra greens. When you need more grounding, increase the tempeh or pair with roasted sweet potatoes.
Can I adjust the orange sauce glaze sweetness?
Absolutely. Maple syrup adds gentle sweetness, but you can soften or brighten it by reducing syrup or adding a splash of fresh lemon juice.
What can I prepare ahead for this vegan stir fry?
Cubing the tempeh and chopping vegetables in advance can make the cooking flow even more peaceful. Store veggies in crisp containers to keep freshness.
Is there room to make this Asian-inspired tempeh dish spicier?
Certainly. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil adds warmth without overwhelming the mindful spirit of the recipe.
How do I handle leftover Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry?
Store leftovers tightly sealed and gently reheat. You can also fold leftovers into grain bowls or enjoy over steamed greens the next day for nourishing variety.
Preparing this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry has been a journey of gentle learning for me—each time I cook, I discover how embracing patience opens space for deeper connection with my food and self.
Heartfelt Reflections on This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry:
This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry holds a special place in my collection because it reminds me how simple, intentional preparation can bring profound nourishment. It’s more than sustenance; it is a quiet celebration of mindful living.
Heartfelt Tips for This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry:
- Let your senses guide you — notice how the sauce thickens and coats the tempeh, a sign everything is melding harmoniously.
- Approach texture with curiosity — sometimes softer tempeh feels most nurturing, other times a crispy sear brings joy. Both are welcome.
- Don’t rush this dish — the mindful pace lets flavors deepen and your spirit settle alongside.
Three soulful variations I cherish are: using crumbled tempeh for a more rustic texture, adding toasted cashews for crunch, and stirring in fresh basil or cilantro for a fragrant finish. The version with crunchy-tempered tempeh and bright orange sauce glaze feels most grounding to me—comforting and alive.
I encourage you to prepare this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry with your intuition as your guide. Let your hands move gently and your heart open to what this recipe can offer uniquely to you. My hope is that with each bite, you feel held in kindness and find yourself nourished fully—not just in body, but in spirit.
If this recipe speaks to you, consider visiting Emilie Eats’ Orange Tempeh Stir Fry for a wonderful vegan orange chicken variation that might expand your love for this style of cooking.
Thank you, friends on this journey, for allowing me to share this comforting, nourishing favorite. May your kitchen be a place of calm, connection, and soulful delight with every Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry you create.
Ingredients Image
Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry
A vibrant and tangy Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry featuring protein-rich tempeh tossed with crisp vegetables in a zesty orange sauce, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 oz tempeh, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add tempeh strips and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove tempeh from skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return tempeh to the skillet and pour the orange glaze sauce over everything.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the tempeh and vegetables, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For extra protein, serve with a side of quinoa or add cashews for added crunch and flavor.