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Kung Pao Tempeh

Swapping tempeh and vegetables for the chicken transforms a takeout staple into a delicious vegetarian meal.

Course Main Dishes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 391 kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce divided
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 7 teaspoons cornstarch divided
  • 1 8-ounce package tempeh, cubed
  • 1 small zucchini cut into thick half moons
  • 1 small eggplant cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons hoisin sauce
  • 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed or peanut oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less, depending on the spice level you like
  • 6 green onions sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
  • Cooked quinoa or rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Whisk together 4 tablespoons of tamari, mirin, and 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in a small bowl. Place the tempeh, zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper in a large, shallow baking dish and pour the sauce  over them. Toss to coat and let the vegetables marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. While the vegetables are marinating, make the sauce. Whisk together the vinegar, hoisin, sesame oil, sugar, and remaining tamari and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat with the oil and add the red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the pepper flakes are beginning to darken, but not burn. Add the tempeh and vegetables to the wok and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the eggplant and zucchini are tender.
  4. Stir in the white parts of the green onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir to coat, then add the peanuts and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
  5. Serve over quinoa or rice and garnish with the remaining green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Kung Pao Tempeh
Amount Per Serving (1 /4 of the recipe (without quinoa or rice))
Calories 391 Calories from Fat 204
% Daily Value*
Fat 22.64g35%
Saturated Fat 3.4g21%
Carbohydrates 34.42g11%
Fiber 6.2g26%
Sugar 13.13g15%
Protein 17.8g36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.