- Easy
- 35 min
- 4 serv.
- 11 synergies
- Now at its best: Broccoli
Quick Asian stir-fry with crispy fried tempeh, bright green broccoli and red bell pepper from the wok. Finished with a ginger-garlic sauce, soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds on basmati rice.
The tempeh cubes go into the smoking hot wok first — five minutes on high heat until they have a golden-brown crust that cracks with every bite, while the inside stays soft and nutty. Set aside briefly, then it's the broccoli's turn: the florets dance through the wok briefly, just long enough to turn bright green but still firm to bite. Red bell pepper strips bring a subtle sweetness that balances beautifully against the earthy tempeh. Garlic and ginger go in last — thirty seconds is enough, after that they risk burning. The tempeh returns to the wok, a splash of tamari ties everything together, and toasted sesame seeds and scallions as finishing give that nutty, inviting look.
- 15
- min prep
- 20
- min cook
- 35
- min total
Nutritional Synergies
This recipe combines ingredients that enhance each other:
Broccoli 
Garlic Double sulfur compounds for Nrf2 activation and phase-II enzymes
Technical: Broccoli contains sulforaphane (isothiocyanate) activating the Nrf2 pathway and inducing phase-II enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, quinone reductase). Garlic contains allicin and diallyl sulfide — also sulfur compounds activating the same Nrf2 pathway via thiol reaction. Both are sulfur-containing compounds working synergistically.
What does this mean for you? Briefly sauté garlic and add broccoli — a classic stir-fry base. Two sulfur-rich ingredients each activating the same Nrf2 pathway through their own route. Cut garlic 10 minutes before heating for maximum allicin.
AntioxidantsImmune SystemAnti-inflammatory
Ginger 
Tamari Asian umami base with bioactive action
Technical: Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols that modulate COX-2. Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) provides umami flavor plus fermented compounds supporting gut flora. Together they form the base of many Asian dishes and offer both flavor and bioactive action.
What does this mean for you? Ginger + tamari is the base of stir-fries, marinades and dressings. Two ingredients that enhance each other's flavor and combine bioactive compounds.
DigestionAnti-inflammatory
Garlic Ginger Allicin + gingerols: complementary bioactive action
Technical: Garlic's allicin works via thiol enzyme inhibition — effective against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus). Ginger's gingerols and shogaols influence viral replication and stimulate interferon production. Together they cover both bacterial and viral pathways.
What does this mean for you? Garlic-ginger tea is a classic combination. Garlic works via thiol enzymes, ginger via interferon pathways. Cut both fresh for maximum active compounds — allicin only forms after 10 minutes of air exposure.
Immune System
Spring Onion 
Rice Allyl sulfides slow glycemic response of rice
Technical: Green onion's allyl sulfides and quercetin inhibit α-glucosidase and slow carbohydrate breakdown. This reduces the postprandial glycemic peak after rice consumption by 15-20%. Green onion also contains chromium (1.1μg/100g) involved in GLUT4 translocation.
What does this mean for you? Always garnish rice dishes with green onion — this slows the glycemic response. Classic in Asian cuisine, especially for those mindful of carbohydrate processing.
Blood SugarGeneral Wellness
Spring Onion 
Tempeh Allicin improves iron absorption from plant sources
Technical: Tofu contains 5.4mg non-heme iron per 100g, but also phytate (inositol hexaphosphate) that binds iron. Green onion's sulfur compounds (allyl sulfides) reduce phytate binding through pH lowering in the gut. Vitamin C in green onion (18.8mg/100g) reduces Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ for better absorption via DMT-1 transport proteins.
What does this mean for you? Always garnish tofu with green onion — the sulfur compounds free iron that would otherwise remain bound to phytate. Essential for vegetarians and vegans relying on plant-based iron.
EnergyGeneral Wellness
Rice Ginger Ginger lowers glycemic response of rice by 10-15%
Technical: Rice has a moderate to high GI (56-89 depending on variety). Ginger contains gingerols that modulate amylase activity and influence gastric emptying, reducing the glycemic peak by 10-15%. This has been demonstrated for jasmine rice but applies to all rice varieties.
What does this mean for you? Cook ginger slices in your rice or serve rice with ginger dishes. A simple addition with measurable effect on your blood sugar.
Blood SugarDigestionEnergy
Sesame Oil Ginger Asian cooking base: lignans + gingerols via complementary pathways
Technical: Sesame oil contains sesamin and sesamolin (lignans) with antioxidant action. Ginger contains gingerols that modulate COX-2. Both compounds influence NF-κB via complementary mechanisms. The fat in sesame oil also improves absorption of fat-soluble gingerols.
What does this mean for you? Start Asian dishes with sesame oil + ginger as flavor base. This is the fundamental start of wok dishes and combines two bioactive compounds via complementary pathways.
Anti-inflammatoryDigestion
Sesame Oil 
Sesame Seeds Sesame oil fats enhance absorption of sesame seed lignans
Technical: Sesame seeds contain lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) that are fat-soluble. Sesame oil provides the ideal fat matrix for absorption. Additionally, the oil contains different bioactive forms (sesamol) that work complementarily to lignans in whole seeds.
What does this mean for you? Top dishes with both sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil — you get the fiber and minerals from the seeds plus optimal lignan absorption.
HeartAnti-inflammatoryHormonal Balance
Tamari Sesame Oil Fermented soy isoflavones + sesamol for antioxidant protection
Technical: Tamari contains fermentation-released isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) that work synergistically with sesame oil's sesamol and sesaminol. Together they provide broader antioxidant protection via different radical scavenging mechanisms.
What does this mean for you? A splash of tamari with sesame oil as dressing or stir-fry sauce gives not only umami flavor but also a double antioxidant effect.
Anti-inflammatoryHeartSkin & Hair
Tamari Sesame Seeds Umami amino acids enhance mineral absorption from sesame seeds
Technical: Tamari's free glutamic acid and amino acids from fermentation promote absorption of zinc and iron from sesame seeds. The organic acids in fermented soy lower intestinal pH, making minerals more soluble.
What does this mean for you? Sprinkle dishes with tamari and sesame seeds together — a classic Asian combination that's not only delicious but also optimizes your mineral absorption.
EnergyImmune SystemGeneral Wellness
Tempeh Ginger Protein digestion + bioactive gingerols
Technical: Tempeh's Rhizopus oligosporus mycelium has already started protein breakdown during fermentation — proteins are partially hydrolyzed and more digestible. Ginger's gingerols speed up gastric emptying by ~25%. Together they optimize protein digestion: tempeh makes protein 'pre-digested', ginger accelerates further breakdown.
What does this mean for you? Fry tempeh with fresh ginger and tamari — a classic Indonesian preparation. The ginger not only helps flavor-wise but also ensures you maximize protein utilization from tempeh. Ideal after exercise.
DigestionAnti-inflammatory
Instructions
- 1 Cook the rice according to package instructions. Keep warm under a lid.
- 2 Marinate the tempeh for 10 minutes in 2 tablespoons of tamari.
Nutrition per serving
Indicative values per serving.
Timing & Suitability
Shelf life: 3 days in fridge
Tags & Diet
Allergens: Soy, Sesame