Craving takeout but want something healthier? This teriyaki tempeh and broccoli recipe delivers all the savory-sweet flavors you love in just 30 minutes! With a homemade teriyaki sauce that rivals a restaurant’s, this stir-fry features protein-rich tempeh and crisp broccoli florets. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just exploring plant-based options, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
Teriyaki tempeh and broccoli is a Japanese-inspired dish that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The nutty, fermented flavor of tempeh pairs beautifully with the sweet and salty notes of teriyaki sauce, while fresh broccoli adds color, crunch, and vital nutrients to every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This teriyaki tempeh and broccoli recipe has become a weeknight hero in kitchens everywhere, and here’s why it should be in yours too:
- Lightning fast: This dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight
- Protein powerhouse: Each serving packs 18 grams of complete plant-based protein
- Naturally vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari
- Budget-friendly: This dish is a budget-friendly option for meal prep, as it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Meal prep champion: Perfect for meal prep, this recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Kid-approved: The sweet teriyaki sauce wins over even the pickiest eaters
- Customizable: Easy to adapt to your favorite vegetables or protein preferences
- One-pan wonder: With only one pan to clean, you’ll have more time to enjoy your dinner
Author’s Note
I’ll never forget my first encounter with tempeh at a local farmer’s market five years ago. The vendor convinced me to try this “fermented soybean cake,” and I was skeptical. I was instantly won over after just one bite of her delicious teriyaki tempeh sample. The nutty, almost meaty texture combined with that glossy, sweet sauce created magic in my mouth.
Main Ingredients
The beauty of this teriyaki tempeh and broccoli recipe lies in its simplicity. This recipe uses common staple ingredients you probably already have:
For the dish:
- Tempeh: With its meaty texture and nutty flavor, tempeh serves as an excellent star protein
- Fresh broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and vital nutrients
- Sesame oil: Creates the authentic Asian flavor base
For the teriyaki sauce:
- Soy sauce or tamari: The salty base of the sauce comes from either soy sauce or tamari
- Mirin or rice vinegar: Adds subtle sweetness and depth
- Brown sugar or maple syrup: Provides the signature teriyaki sweetness
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that bring the sauce to life
- Cornstarch: Helps create that glossy, restaurant-style sauce consistency
For serving:
- Green onions and sesame seeds: Classic garnishes that add freshness and crunch
Variations
One of the best things about this teriyaki tempeh and broccoli recipe is how adaptable it is to your preferences and dietary needs:
Protein alternatives:
- Chicken or beef: If you are not a vegetarian, substitute with 1 lb of chicken or beef
- Edamame: To make this a lighter option, add 1 cup of shelled edamame
Vegetable additions:
- Bell peppers: For a pop of color, use strips of red, yellow, or orange bell peppers
- Snap peas: Include 1 cup of snap peas for a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness
- Carrots: Julienned carrots add beautiful color and subtle sweetness
- Mushrooms: Sliced shiitake or button mushrooms complement the umami flavors
Sauce modifications:
- Spicy teriyaki: For an extra kick, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes
- Low-sodium version: To make a low-sodium dish, swap in low-sodium soy sauce and use only 2 tablespoons
- Sugar-free: To make the dish sugar-free, substitute the brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener
- Extra ginger: For a stronger zing, simply double the fresh ginger
Grain pairings:
- Brown rice: The classic, healthy choice
- Quinoa: For extra protein and a nutty flavor
- Cauliflower rice: Perfect for low-carb dieters
- Rice noodles: For an Asian noodle bowl experience
Serving
For the best results, serve the dish right away while the sauce is glossy and the vegetables are still crisp-tender. Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to mingle with the grains.
Garnish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an authentic touch. The sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, sharp contrast to the sweet sauce.
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, miso soup, or steamed edamame. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve alongside vegetable spring rolls or a crisp Asian slaw.
Storage
Refrigerator storage: Store leftover teriyaki tempeh and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors actually develop and improve after a day.
Freezer storage: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months without a loss of quality. If the sauce separates after thawing, just give it a quick stir while reheating to fix it.
Reheating instructions:
- Stovetop method: Heat in a large skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce
- Microwave method: Heat the food for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals until it is warmed through.
- Oven method: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out
For best results, store the rice separately and reheat it with a damp paper towel in the microwave to restore its fluffy texture.
Recipe Card
Nutrition Information
Additional Nutritional Benefits:
- Complete Protein: Tempeh is a complete protein because it contains all 9 essential amino acids
- Probiotics: Fermented tempeh supports digestive health
- Antioxidants: Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane and vitamin C
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Sesame oil provides beneficial monounsaturated fats
- Low Glycemic: Brown sugar and mirin provide sustained energy
Equipment
Having the right tools makes this teriyaki tempeh and broccoli recipe even easier to prepare:
Essential equipment:
- Large skillet or wok: A 12-inch skillet or wok provides enough space for proper stir-frying without overcrowding
- Sharp chef’s knife: Use a sharp chef’s knife to easily cut the tempeh and trim the broccoli
- Cutting board: Preferably wood or bamboo for easy cleanup
Helpful tools:
- Two small mixing bowls: One for the sauce, one for the cornstarch slurry
- Whisk: For smooth sauce mixing
- Wooden spatula or tongs: For gentle stirring that won’t break the tempeh
- Microplane grater: Perfect for finely grating fresh ginger
- Garlic press: Optional, but makes quick work of mincing garlic
Nice to have:
- Rice cooker: For perfectly cooked rice every time
- Fine-mesh strainer: If you prefer to strain your sauce for ultra-smoothness
This teriyaki tempeh and broccoli recipe proves that healthy, plant-based eating can be both delicious and satisfying. This meal is perfectly balanced with protein, vegetables, and great flavor, making it a go-to for your dinner rotation. The combination of crispy-edged tempeh, vibrant broccoli, and glossy teriyaki sauce creates a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is nutritious.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The best part? You’ll have dinner on the table faster than it would take for takeout to arrive, and you’ll know exactly what went into every delicious bite.
Have you tried this teriyaki tempeh and broccoli recipe? Share your photos and variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe to help other home cooks discover this weeknight winner.
