Delicious Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry For a Flavorful Dinner

I remember the exact moment I tasted my first Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry — it was a chilly evening at a friend’s housewarming party. What surprised me most was how the tangy, sweet orange glaze transformed what I expected to be a simple plant-based stir fry into something deeply comforting and vibrant. The tempeh was crisp at the edges but tender inside, and every bite was bursting with warmth and subtle layers of flavor. This beautiful dish perfectly represents the kind of cooking I love to share on Carmen Wausa Blog: approachable meals that fill your kitchen with joy and your table with connection.

This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry quickly became a staple in my weekly rotation because it balances nourishing ingredients with quick tempeh recipe magic. It’s vegan orange tempeh at its finest—simple yet full of heart. I knew I wanted to bring this recipe to you because it perfectly embodies my philosophy: meals that invite creativity without intimidation, making home cooking joyful and satisfying. I’m genuinely excited to share every step, ingredient, and serving idea so you’ll feel confident creating this sweet and tangy dish in your own kitchen.

If you’re curious about how this recipe came to life, or looking to add one more delicious plant-based stir fry to your line-up, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the details together and craft your new go-to orange-glazed tempeh delight!

For this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry, here’s what you’ll need:

The secret to an amazing Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry is using fresh, vibrant orange juice instead of bottled juice. It makes all the difference in that bright, authentic orange glaze flavor. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, let it be fresh ginger — it’s subtle but elevates the dish’s warmth and depth.

You’ll find the best ingredients for this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry at your local farmers market or well-stocked grocery store. Tempeh varies by brand, so I recommend a simple, organic one with a firm texture for the best results. Don’t worry if you can’t find broccoli — snap peas or green beans work beautifully too for a fresh crunch.

To save prep time, chop your vegetables the day before and store them well covered in the fridge. Tempeh also keeps well in the fridge, so this recipe comes together in no time when you’re ready to cook!

1. Prepare your tempeh and glaze: Slice the tempeh into thin strips about a half-inch wide. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic to form your beautiful orange glaze.

2. Pan-fry tempeh: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tempeh strips, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp around the edges. This step adds that lovely texture contrast that makes this tempeh stir fry so satisfying. Remove tempeh from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook your veggies: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and julienned carrots. Stir fry for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant.

4. Combine glaze and cornstarch slurry: Stir the cornstarch-water mixture into your orange glaze to help it thicken perfectly during cooking.

5. Bring it all together: Return the tempeh to the pan with your sautéed vegetables. Pour the orange glaze in and cook, stirring gently, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats each piece beautifully.

Don’t worry — your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry is going to turn out beautifully! If you notice the glaze isn’t thick enough, just let it simmer a little longer while stirring. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce looks shiny and clings to your tempeh and veggies.

Here’s a helpful tip for Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry success: pressing your tempeh before slicing helps it absorb more flavor and crisp up better. Simply wrap the tempeh in a clean towel and place a heavy pan on top for 10 minutes before cooking.

While your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry is cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma—spicy ginger and sweet citrus fill the air, setting the perfect mood for dinner.

When it’s time to serve your Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry, presentation can turn a straightforward meal into a special occasion. I love to plate this dish atop a bed of steaming jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up every drop of that gorgeous orange glaze. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and beautiful contrast.

Pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed edamame or a crunchy cucumber salad for a balanced meal. This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry is a lovely centerpiece for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even to impress friends on a weeknight.

People always smile when I serve this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry at gatherings—there’s something about its sweet, tangy sauce combined with hearty tempeh that brings everyone closer around the table.

Leftovers reheat nicely and taste delicious cooled down too; try wrapping them in whole wheat tortillas with fresh greens for a plant-based stir fry wrap the next day.

Seasonal variations are fun too. In winter, swap in roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. In spring, baby kale or snap peas add a fresh pop alongside the classic mix.

If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love the Orange Tempeh Stir Fry (Vegan Orange Chicken) – Emilie Eats for a slightly different vegan orange tempeh take.

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Simply store the cooked tempeh and veggies separately from the rice in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep everything fresh and saucy.

If fresh oranges aren’t available, use pure orange juice without added sugar. Avoid bottled orange drink mixes as they can alter the flavor balance.

You want tempeh to be crispy but not burnt, and vegetables tender yet still vibrant. The glaze should be thick and glossy, coating every piece evenly. It should smell fragrant and inviting—the hallmark of a successful stir fry!

Absolutely! This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry is versatile. Use what’s fresh or what you love. Snow peas, zucchini, and mushrooms are all excellent choices.

Make sure to use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your tempeh is gluten-free to keep this plant-based stir fry suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Pressing removes excess moisture so the tempeh browns better and absorbs more of that luscious orange glaze.

For more comfort food inspiration, check out my Orange Clove Cookies — they pair beautifully after this zesty stir fry. Or, if you’re intrigued by savory orange flavors, my Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Chops offer another delicious take to compare and enjoy.

This might be the best tempeh recipe I’ve published to date. It features a simple glaze that lets the tempeh shine while keeping things quick and satisfying. For a fresh approach, take a peek at the Orange Pan-glazed Tempeh Recipe | 101 Cookbooks.

This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry captures everything I love about home cooking: warm flavors, quick preparation, and meals that bring families around the table smiling. It’s a recipe I’ve tested and reworked until it became a comforting classic that feels both nourishing and joyful.

My Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry Success Tips:

I’ve also loved mixing up this recipe by trying different veggies, adding toasted cashews for crunch, or stirring in a splash of orange zest for a sharper pop. The version with broccoli and bell peppers gets the most smiles at my dinners but feel free to customize based on what you love!

I encourage you to make this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry a part of your regular cooking because it’s truly easy to fall in love with its balance of flavors and textures. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it — and I can’t wait to hear about your own delicious moments. Please share your results and tweaks!

If you want a delicious creation that connects your kitchen, your table, and your heart, this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry is waiting for you. Here’s to many joyful meals ahead!