30-Minute Tempeh Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup coconut aminos (or sub slightly lesser amount of tamari to taste as it can be more pungent in flavor)
• 4 tsp coconut aminos (or tamari)
• 4 Tbsp salted creamy peanut butter (or almond, cashew, or sunflower butter)
• 4 cups mixed chopped vegetables (we used red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots & kale)
• 3 cups leftover cooked quinoa,* brown rice,* or uncooked cauliflower rice*
• 2/3 cup chopped green onion
• 4 tsp sesame oil (if avoiding oil, sub water)
• 3-4 Tbsp water
• 4 tsp sesame oil (or sub double this amount in water)
• 4 tsp lime juice
• 3-4 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to preferred spice level)
• 1 tsp maple syrup (plus more to taste)
• 8 ounces tempeh (chopped into large, bite-size squares // if GF, ensure gluten-free friendly)
• 3 tsp freshly grated ginger (or sub 1/2 tsp ground ginger)

Method

1. Prepare glaze by adding chili garlic sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, coconut aminos (or tamari), lime juice, fresh ginger, and maple syrup to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
2. Add water until a thin, pourable sauce is formed. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more chili garlic sauce for heat, maple syrup for sweetness, lime juice for acidity, or coconut aminos for saltiness. Don't be shy — you want this quite flavorful.
3. Add the chopped tempeh to the glaze and toss to coat. Then cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (or cover and refrigerate up to 24-48 hours). Prep your other vegetables and toppings at this time.15 min timer
4. Heat a large rimmed cast iron or metal skillet over medium heat. Once hot, spoon in the tempeh, reserving most of the glaze in the bowl (set aside for later). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, turning on each side until browned. Then remove from pan and set aside.4 min timer
5. To the still-hot skillet add sesame oil, green onion, and mixed vegetables (if adding greens, wait to add until step 6). Season with a bit of coconut aminos (or tamari) and stir to coat. Cover to cook and steam the vegetables, stirring occasionally until slightly golden brown and tender (about 4-5 minutes). If they stick to the pan, add 1-2 tsp of water to loosen.5 min timer
6. Once the vegetables are nearly done, add your greens and grains and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through and slightly browned. Then add in the cooked tempeh and the rest of the glaze and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until everything is hot and well incorporated.4 min timer
7. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days. If freezing, store in the freezer up to 1 month. Let thaw before reheating in a hot skillet with a little sesame oil.