Think of these bright and cheery bowls as comforting takeout that can easily be made at home. These Sticky Orange Tempeh Bowls are hearty, salty-sweet, and ideal for a cozy night in.
Easy Comfort Food Created at Home
These plant-based bowls are sure to knock your socks off and here’s why…
- Salty-sweet— The savory combo of orange, garlic, and ginger is bound to be a crowd pleaser. I mean is there anything better than mixing salty and sweet?!
- Healthy (sort of…)— Of course this isn’t the lightest meal in the world but it is 10 times healthier than actual takeout. Plus, it has orange! That counts for something, right???
- Easy—This meal can easily be prepared on one sheet pan and then just add rice or another nutritious grain for one killer bowl that is ready in under 30 minutes….Mmmmm!
A Sweet and Savory Vegan Orange Glaze
The true star of this meal is the sticky orange glaze. It coats each and every nook and cranny of the cut tempeh, leaving an enticing layer of heavenly citrus.
For this plant-based orange glaze we used agave syrup as the sweetener. It provides a clean sweetness that doesn’t overpower the citrus flavor. Alternatively, you can also use maple syrup or any granulated sugar in its place.
The addition of orange juice brings a little sweetness to the glaze as well. We recommend either a basic orange juice with minimal ingredients or you can even use fresh squeezed juice if you have oranges handy.
Orange you glad you got this recipe? Sorry I just couldn’t resist. Sometimes it comes out that I teach small children…haha.
Variations for this Plant-based Bowl
One great thing about this recipe is that it is easy adaptable for other plant-based protein sources or vegetables.
Tempeh Substitutes:
- Tofu
- Chickpeas
- Cauliflower/Broccoli
- Jackfruit
- Store-bought Meat Replacement
Change Up the Glaze
If you aren’t a big fan of orange, try this recipe with BBQ, teriyaki, or chili garlic sauce. This plant-based bowl delivers big flavor no matter what glaze you for the tempeh!
Seasonal Swaps
Seasonal vegetables are also a great way to mix things up. Here are some favorites:
- Spring: green beans, peas, or asparagus
- Summer: zucchini/summer squash, eggplant, or bell peppers
- Fall: Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or mushrooms
- Winter: cabbage, parsnips, winter squash, or yams
A Healthy Vegan Meal Ready In Under 30 minutes
There is no place like home, especially during these uncertain times. Feed your loved ones a meal that replicates a fast food favorite. These Sticky Orange Tempeh Bowls are easy to make and even better to eat. In fact, they are unbelieva-bowl! 😉
Sticky Orange Tempeh Bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Grain Bowl
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
An easy plant-based meal of citrusy coated tempeh and snow peas over a bed of rice. Delicious and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Sauce:
½ Cup vegetable broth
¼ Cup agave nectar
¼ Cup Orange Juice
4 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
3 Tbsp Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Sriracha or Chili Sauce
2 tsp Grated Ginger
3 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
Thickener:
2 Tbsp Tapioca Starch
1/4 cup Vegetable Broth
Main:
1 Cup Snow Peas(Trimmed)
1 8 oz. Package of Tempeh (Diced into Cubes or Triangles)
Garnish:
1 Bunch Green Onion (Garnish)
Orange/Zest (Garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare all fresh produce and cut tempeh.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and start making the rice as per directions on package.
- Arrange tempeh and snow peas on a baking sheet coated with a thin layer of oil.
- In a sauce pan over medium high heat, combine the ingredients for the sauce. While the sauce comes to a boil, combine the thickener in a small bowl.
- Once the sauce is boiling add the thickener to the sauce and reduce the heat to low. Stir constantly until the sauce becomes a gooey consistency. Remove from heat.
- Brush the tempeh and snow peas with the prepared sauce and bake for 10 minutes.
- Flip the tempeh over and brush again with the sauce. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve on a bed of rice or another grain and garnish with fresh green onion, orange slices and orange zest, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Serve over a bed of rice or another grain of your choosing.
Keywords: Sticky Orange Tempeh Bowls
Loving these Sweet and Savory Bowls? You’ll also enjoy these recipes:
-
Glazed Lemon Tofu with Sautéed Kale
-
Turmeric Tempeh Skewers with Mango Relish
-
Jerk Jackfruit Tostadas
-
Miso Ginger Veggie Kebabs
-
Air Fryer Chili Garlic Tofu
Please let us know how these orange tempeh bowls turn out for you in the comments, and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #meatlessmakeovers!
This looks so good and we could use some fresh oranges! Do you think it would work to use the jackfruit in place of the tempeh? If so, any suggestions in advance?
Yes jackfruit would be delicious! I would pull the jackfruit apart, sauté it, and make an amazing orange pulled “pork”.
Serve it over rice or even on top of mixed greens. Wow! my mouth is watering just writing this. Please let us know how it turns out, if you make it!
Really beautiful pictures, makes you want to try the recipe — very easy instructions, thank you!
★★★★★
Thanks so much! Please let us know if you do end up trying the recipe. We would love to know what you think! 🙂