There’s something magical about a stir fry. Quick, colorful, and endlessly versatile, it’s the kind of meal that saves you on busy nights while still delivering big flavors. Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorites: broccoli turmeric tahini stir fry.
This isn’t just another veggie dish—it’s a bowl packed with roasted broccoli, creamy tahini sauce, golden turmeric rice, and a medley of toppings like pickled onions and crispy tempeh. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you actually want to eat your veggies instead of pushing them to the side of your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Turmeric Tahini Stir Fry
- Fast and Flexible – Works for weeknights but looks fancy enough for company.
- Nutrient-rich – Turmeric, broccoli, and tahini all bring anti-inflammatory and protein-rich benefits.
- Customizable – Swap in tofu, tempeh, or leftover rice. You can even turn it into a bowl with kimchi fried rice.
- Big on flavor – Tangy pickled onions, nutty tahini, earthy turmeric, and crispy edges on broccoli.
It’s hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the stir fry base:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 block firm tofu (or 1 package tempeh), cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
For the turmeric rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the tahini sauce:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp warm water (more if needed for thinning)
- Pinch of salt
For toppings (optional but recommended):
- Pickled onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
- Kimchi for an extra kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the turmeric rice
In a small pot, combine rice, water (or broth), turmeric, and salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until fluffy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the broccoli and tofu/tempeh
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Toss in the garlic and ginger, then add broccoli. Stir fry for about 5–6 minutes until it turns vibrant green with slightly charred edges. Add tofu or tempeh cubes, then splash in soy sauce. Cook until golden and crisp.
3. Make the tahini sauce
Whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust with more water if too thick. The goal is a creamy but pourable sauce.
4. Assemble your stir fry bowl
Scoop turmeric rice into bowls. Top with broccoli and tofu mix. Drizzle with tahini sauce. Add pickled onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for color and crunch.
That’s it—your broccoli turmeric tahini stir fry is ready to devour.
Variations to Try
This dish is a canvas—you can remix it depending on what’s in your fridge.
- Broccoli with Tahini Sauce – Skip the rice and serve roasted broccoli drizzled with tahini. Great as a side dish.
- Broccoli Fried Rice – Use leftover rice, toss with broccoli, eggs (optional), and soy sauce. A quick spin on homemade fried rice.
- Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl – Layer kimchi fried rice at the bottom, then add turmeric broccoli and tahini sauce on top. Spicy, tangy, and comforting.
- Crispy Tempeh Bowls with Spicy Turmeric Rice – Roast tempeh until it’s crunchy on the outside, then pair with turmeric rice and broccoli.
- Tofu Stir Fry Bowl – Same base recipe, but use tofu instead of tempeh. The tahini ties it all together.
See what I mean? You’re never stuck with just one version.
Why Broccoli + Tahini Work So Well Together
Broccoli on its own can feel… let’s be honest, a little plain. But drizzle it with nutty tahini sauce and suddenly it’s the star of the show. Tahini’s earthy, creamy flavor balances broccoli’s slight bitterness. Add a hit of lemon juice, and you’ve got brightness that makes the whole dish pop.
Throw turmeric into the mix, and now you’ve got color, flavor, and an anti-inflammatory boost. It’s like dressing up a simple veggie in a party outfit.
Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
This isn’t just a tasty bowl—it’s also packed with nutrients.
- Broccoli – High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It’s one of the easiest ways to sneak in more veggies without feeling like you’re “eating healthy” on autopilot.
- Turmeric – Famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric adds warmth and a golden hue. Pairing it with fat (like tahini or olive oil) helps your body absorb curcumin, the active compound.
- Tahini – A sesame seed paste rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats. It’s a powerhouse ingredient that turns a simple stir fry into a satisfying, hearty meal.
- Tofu or Tempeh – Great plant-based proteins that make the dish filling. Tempeh adds nuttiness while tofu soaks up flavors beautifully.
- Pickled onions & kimchi – Probiotics for gut health plus a zing that keeps the dish lively.
It’s like building a nutritional safety net into your dinner—without sacrificing flavor.
Cooking Tips to Make It Even Better
- Char the broccoli – Don’t crowd the pan. Let broccoli get those slightly crispy edges for max flavor.
- Balance the sauce – If tahini feels bitter, add a touch of maple syrup or honey to smooth it out.
- Use day-old rice – If making broccoli fried rice or kimchi fried rice, leftover rice works best for that signature “fried” texture.
- Make-ahead friendly – Cook the turmeric rice and pickled onions in advance. Then all you need is a quick stir fry.
- Switch up the base – Not into rice? Try quinoa, soba noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it in bowls with toppings lined up like a rainbow—makes eating veggies way more fun.
- Pair with miso soup or a light salad for a full meal.
- Meal prep hack: Make double the turmeric rice, and use leftovers for broccoli fried rice the next day.
Final Thoughts
This broccoli turmeric tahini stir fry is more than a dinner recipe—it’s a colorful way to make veggies exciting. Between the golden turmeric rice, creamy tahini drizzle, and crunchy toppings, it turns simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal.
So next time you’re tempted to skip the broccoli, remember: add tahini, add turmeric, and suddenly you’ve got a dish that feels restaurant-worthy—without leaving your kitchen.
Broccoli Turmeric Tahini Stir Fry
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the rice – In a pot, add rice, water (or broth), turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook 15 minutes until rice is fluffy.
- Prepare the stir fry – Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds. Toss in broccoli and stir fry for 5–6 minutes until bright green and slightly charred.
- Cook the tofu/tempeh – Add tofu or tempeh cubes into the pan. Splash in soy sauce and cook until golden and crisp.
- Make the tahini sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt. Adjust water for a creamy but pourable texture.
- Assemble the bowls – Divide turmeric rice into serving bowls. Add broccoli and tofu mix. Drizzle tahini sauce on top. Finish with pickled onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or kimchi.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best if you want to turn this into broccoli fried rice.
- Tahini can sometimes taste bitter. Add ½ tsp maple syrup or honey if you prefer a smoother flavor.
- Swap tofu for tempeh if you like a chewier, nutty protein. Both work well.
FAQs About Broccoli Turmeric Tahini Stir Fry
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat it dry before stir frying so it doesn’t steam and turn mushy.
Q: What if I don’t have tahini?
Try almond butter or cashew butter. The flavor changes, but the creamy texture still works.
Q: Is this dish vegan?
Absolutely. It’s 100% plant-based.
Q: Can I make it oil-free?
Yes. Use a splash of veggie broth to stir fry instead of oil, and it still turns out great.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep stir fry and rice in separate containers in the fridge. Drizzle tahini sauce just before serving. Stays good for 3–4 days.
Q: What protein works best—tempeh or tofu?
It depends! Tempeh is chewier with a nutty bite, while tofu is softer and absorbs more sauce. Try both and see which one you prefer.
