Thursday, March 28, 2013

Tempeh, Sweet Potato Stir-Fry with Assorted Vegetables and Plum Sauce...



Last nights dinner was super simple, and super quick and easy to throw together, but it was so delicious I thought I’d share it. You know, when I was an omnivore I loved stir-fry. I used to make stir-fry’s at least 2-3 nights a week, but since going vegan I hardly ever make stir-fry. I think in the 3 years I’ve been vegan I’ve only made a handful of stir-fry’s. When I stop to wonder why this is I think it’s probably because as an omnivore I lacked creativity, not to mention that stir-fry is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook meat. Where as, as a Vegan there are so many extraordinary things one can do with vegetables that using them in a stir-fry seems a bit - well - meh. Of course, every now and then quick and easy is what you’re after - especially on a busy weeknight - and sometimes you just really want a big ‘ole heaping plate of veggies.














This stir-fry in particular is unique only in that it includes sweet potatoes and edamame - two things I’ve never seen in a ‘traditional’ stir-fry and two things I’ve rarely if ever seen in any other kind of stir-fry. It also includes a plum sauce rather then the standard ginger sauce or teriyaki sauce. I really wanted a different flavor component and I thought plum sauce would work really well with sweet potatoes - spoiler, it does! How much sauce you use is up to you, and how saucy you like your fry’s, since I was in the mood for a plate of mostly veg, I was happy with 1/4 cup of sauce though my husband added a bit more to his own plate. Experiment and see what works best for you, there’s no right or wrong amount. Lastly you can serve this fry over rice for a hearty meal - as I did for my husband - or eat it like me, just plain and on its own a big ‘ole plate of veggies. Or you can find a happy compromise and serve it over a bed of sauteed or wilted spinach, arugula, or kale. Anyway you decide to serve it I hope you enjoy!
















Tempeh, Sweet Potato Stir-Fry with Assorted Vegetables and Plum Sauce 

1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
2 Small Sweet Potatoes or Yams cubed
8oz Tempeh
1 Large Yellow Onion
8 Garlic Cloves Minced 
2 tsp Fresh Grated Ginger
1 Red Bell Pepper Chopped
2 Large Carrots Sliced on the diagonal
½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
2 Heads Broccoli Chopped
1 C Frozen Edamame
1/4-1/3C Asian Plum Sauce (Homemade or store bought)
1 Tbsp Bragg’s Liquid Amino’s (or Tamari)

- Heat the Sesame Oil in a large pan. Add peeled cubed sweet potatoes and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are al dente, and even a little browned. Stir a few times to make sure they don’t stick or burn.

- Meanwhile cube the tempeh and fill a pot with enough water to cover the bottom. Place a steamer basket inside and steam the tempeh for 10 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the steamer basket and set aside.

- Add in the Garlic, Onion, grated ginger, red pepper flakes,  bell pepper, and carrots. Stir to combine and cook an additional 5 minutes.

- Lower the heat to medium. Add in the frozen Edamame, steamed tempeh and broccoli. Cook for 3-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender crisp.

- Add in the Plum Sauce and Bragg’s Liquid Amino’s. Stir until well combines and then cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through, and vegetables have reached your desired level of doneness.

- Serve spooned over rice or wilted greens and enjoy!


4 comments:

  1. SO good! I love stir-fry meals. Nothing wrong w/ simple at all. ;) - Matt

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  2. Wow! Very flavorful dish! I want to cook this for my birthday party, I'm sure my visitors will like this very much. By the way, if you are looking for more recipes, you can visit this website that I've found earlier about stir fry recipes.

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  3. Thank you Adam, I"m glad you enjoy it so much! Thanks also for the website - I can always use new stir-fry ideas :)

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