Delicious Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry Full of Flavor

I still remember the first time I stumbled upon the Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry and realized healthy food could taste this comforting and delicious. I was in my little kitchen on a busy weeknight, staring down a fridge full of fresh veggies and a block of tempeh that had been waiting patiently in the back. My goal was simple—a quick healthy dinner that didn’t feel like a chore but still packed a punch of flavor and nourishment. Spoiler: this stir fry checked every box.

What made this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry really stand out was how easy it was to balance sweet, tangy, and savory notes with minimal fuss. I wasn’t trying to perfect a fancy recipe; just creating something I could feel good about eating after a full day. The orange glaze sauce, with its bright citrus zing, turned the humble tempeh into the star of the show. Over time, it became my go-to when I wanted something that felt fresh but also like a little kitchen celebration.

What really sells this dish in my book is how easy it fits into real life. Whether I’m feeding family, hosting friends, or just cooking for me, this stir fry feels sustainable—no rare ingredients, no stress over fancy tools. It comes together quickly for those nights when you want nourishing food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s vegetarian while still delivering hearty protein, so it suits a variety of diets.

If you’re a fellow home cook looking for simple, feel-good meals that brighten up a busy week, I’d love for you to try this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry. It’s less about perfection and more about joyful, balanced eating that works for your life. And hey, if you enjoy this, you might love the twist on flavors in my Orange Tempeh Stir Fry (Vegan Orange Chicken) – Emilie Eats or the comforting Peanut Tempeh Stir Fry – Nora Cooks.

No stress if you don’t have fresh ginger—I often use ground ginger for this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry instead. And if fresh orange juice isn’t in your fridge, bottled juice does the trick too! You can find the broccoli and fresh veggies in the regular produce section of any grocery store, making this vegetarian stir fry an easy fridge raid winner.

Here’s a little budget-friendly tip: frozen veggies like broccoli and bell peppers work wonderfully here and help cut down on waste. This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry keeps costs low by using staples most kitchens already have, and tempeh is often pretty wallet-friendly compared to other plant proteins.

For busy days, I prep the sauce ingredients ahead and keep the chopped veggies ready in the fridge. Having the cornstarch slurry made up also saves time when it’s go-time for the stir fry.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge, and I love reheating it topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra orange zest to freshen it up.

In my kitchen, this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry usually takes about 25 minutes total, making it perfect for any quick healthy dinner plans. While the tempeh is crisping, it’s the perfect time to set the table or prep a simple side like steamed rice or noodles.

If you want to shake things up, I’ve spotted lovely recipe ideas for orange tempeh variations over at Emilie Eats and 101 Cookbooks that add a fun twist with their own orange glaze sauces.

This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry feels like a complete meal to me when paired with fluffy jasmine rice or my favorite brown rice for some extra fiber and chew.

Sometimes, I’ll toss in some quick soba noodles or serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter touch. Either way, it’s a win. For a fun family dinner, I add some crunchy crushed peanuts on top—they always bring smiles.

It’s a beautiful vegetarian stir fry for weeknight meals because it comes together fast but looks colorful and inviting on the plate. For a seasonal twist, I swap in fresh snap peas or zucchini in spring and summer.

Leftovers are a breeze. I often turn the next day’s Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry into a filling wrap with lettuce and cucumber slices for a lunch that’s just as satisfying as dinner.

Friends have told me this recipe reminds them of their favorite Asian-inspired dishes but with a nourishing homemade vibe. That mix of sweet and savory in the orange glaze sauce always surprises guests and makes this stir fry feel special without adding extra fuss.

If you’re looking for more spice or nutty flavor, you might enjoy something like the Peanut Tempeh Stir Fry from Nora Cooks, which pairs great with these fresh vegetable combinations.

Absolutely! I like to cook the tempeh and veggies separately, keep them cool, and add the glaze fresh on the day I’m eating it. It reheats beautifully and keeps flavors lively for up to 3 days.

No worries! Swap the maple syrup for honey, or use bottled orange juice if fresh isn’t available. If you’re out of rice vinegar, a splash of apple cider vinegar works too. Mix and match with what you have—real-life cooking means flexibility.

Yes! Just substitute tamari for soy sauce, and double-check your vinegar and cornstarch are gluten-free—which they usually are. This swap doesn’t compromise the flavor much.

The recipe is mild by default but adding a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha makes it pop nicely. I leave it up to your taste buds.

Tempeh and vegetables can be frozen, but the texture changes a bit. I recommend freezing the tempeh separately if you want to extend shelf life. Defrost and toss with fresh veggies when ready.

Using a good non-stick skillet and enough oil helps here. Also, give the tempeh space in the pan—it needs room to brown rather than steam.

Great idea! Add extra veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn, or throw in some cooked quinoa or rice noodles. I often add edamame for some extra protein punch.

For more ideas on stir fry dinners that bring home Asian flavors, check out the Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce here on Just Healthy Bites. And if you’re craving a sweet twist with orange, the Orange Clove Cookies and Cranberry Orange Scones are fabulous holiday treats.

This Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry is a keeper in my kitchen because it checks all the boxes—simple ingredients, easy prep, real-life friendly, and always satisfying. I love how the orange glaze sauce brings out the best in tempeh and veggies without needing hours at the stove.

I’ve experimented with a handful of versions—sometimes extra ginger for warmth, swapping in different veggies by season, or doubling up the sauce for big appetites. The classic version with broccoli and bell peppers is the one I come back to most often.

I hope you make this Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir Fry your own, playing with all those balancing flavors in a way that feels right in your kitchen. And when you do, I hope it brings you that same cozy, nourishing feeling it always does me.

Happy cooking, friend. Here’s to simple, tasty meals that fit your life beautifully.

For more nourishing recipe inspiration, check out Emilie Eats’ take on Orange Tempeh Stir Fry (Vegan Orange Chicken) or 101 Cookbooks’ version of orange pan-glazed tempeh. And if you want to keep exploring tempeh stir fry options, Nora Cooks has a wonderful peanut variation you might enjoy too!