Taking a closer look at the diverse world of Asian cuisine, one might assume that it would be difficult to compile a list of Asian vegetarian recipes.
However, I was thrilled to discover that there are countless amazing options available that cater specifically to meat-free diets. It’s worth noting that you may need to visit your local Asian supermarket to source some specialty ingredients. The more you experiment with these recipes, the more impressive your dinner menu will become.
Taiyaki Japanese Fish Shaped Waffle
Taking center stage in this recipe is a Japanese Taiyaki fish-shaped waffle maker, which you’ll need to purchase. While it may seem like an extra expense at first, I assure you that it’s a worthwhile investment for the joy and delight it brings to kids when they see these adorable little fish-shaped waffles take shape on their plates.
The fact is, the Taiyaki maker is essential to creating these treats, but if you’re unable to find or prefer not to use sweet red bean paste, feel free to substitute with Nutella, peanut butter, or chocolate chips instead.
Royal Milk Tea
Observing the traditional British love for milk and tea, it’s clear that these two staples are deeply intertwined. For those who’ve grown up in the UK or have had the pleasure of visiting, you’ll understand that there’s a certain way to enjoy black tea – with a healthy dose of milk, of course! However, this recipe takes a slightly different approach than what one might expect from across the Atlantic, where the traditional amount of milk is merely a dash.
A true connoisseur will tell you that even a small amount of milk can alter the flavor profile of the tea, making it more akin to a tea latte than a classic cuppa. If you’re someone who finds black tea too robust, this recipe is an excellent way to tone down the bitterness and create a more balanced taste experience.
Vegan Congee Recipe (Jook)
Varying from traditional congee recipes that incorporate animal products, this vegan version uses mushrooms to replicate the earthy and meaty flavors often associated with bones and dried fish. The use of rice as a base ensures that this dish remains gluten-free by nature. While this recipe is tailored to accommodate vegan dietary requirements, non-vegan options are also available – consider topping your congeee with sliced boiled egg or runny-yolk fried egg for an added boost of protein.
Japanese Tamagoyaki-Inspired French Toast
Joining forces with French toast aficionados everywhere, I’ve got a recipe that’s sure to become your new obsession. It boasts an unbeatable combination of fluffy texture, ultra-thick consistency, and wickedly creamy flavor that will leave you craving more. When it comes to the bread component, authenticity is key – ideally, you’ll want to start with genuine milk bread for this recipe. If you’re having trouble tracking it down, don’t worry; making your own from scratch is a worthwhile endeavor.
Simply cube the bread and submerge it in the custard mixture, allowing ample time for it to soak up as much moisture and flavor as possible. To get ahead of the game, I recommend preparing this step the night before and letting it chill in the fridge overnight, ready to be cooked come morning.
Asian Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
General Tso’s Cauliflower
Keen foodies will appreciate the delightful combination of textures and flavors found in these cauliflower bites. To maximize crunch, I recommend doubling down on the frying process, as the extra effort yields an even more satisfying coating. While a single fry still produces delicious results, the double-fry approach takes it to the next level. Given its balanced mix of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, this dish pairs beautifully with noodles or rice.
A particularly inspired combination is to serve it alongside pineapple rice, which happens to be featured in the following recipe on our list.
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Generally speaking, using cold, leftover rice is essential for making the best fried rice. If you’re looking to incorporate more Asian-inspired dishes into your diet, I recommend cooking up a batch of rice and storing it in the fridge, ready to be used at a moment’s notice. Once you have your cold rice on hand, this recipe comes together surprisingly quickly. Since you’re not cooking any meat, it’s simply a matter of sautéing the vegetables and warming everything through with the cooked rice.
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, feel free to substitute it with diced mango for added flavor and texture.
Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry
Keen cooks know that a stir-fry can be incredibly versatile when it comes to ingredients, allowing you to throw in an assortment of fresh veggies without needing to add meat. The sauce used here is a straightforward blend of soy sauce, sherry, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, red pepper flakes, and dry mustard, which will thicken nicely once added to the pan with the vegetables. This creates a perfectly balanced coating for all the ingredients involved.
For those seeking an extra boost in texture and protein, it’s recommended to cook some firm tofu separately and incorporate it at the end of the stir-fry process.
Thai Red Curry with Vegetables
Every weeknight dinner deserves a boost, and this creamy, perfectly spiced red curry delivers. To get the best flavor from your Thai curry paste, seek out a local Asian supermarket where you can find high-quality options. If that’s not feasible, consider making your own paste to have complete control over the spice levels. The abundance of vegetables in this recipe means you can easily go back for seconds – and probably thirds – as it’s incredibly satisfying.
Asian Vegetarian Noodle Recipes
Easy Lo Mein
Life is too short to be spending money on takeout when you can whip up this incredible lo mein recipe in just 15 minutes. Not only is it a convenient option for dinner, but it’s also perfect as a quick snack or side dish, such as serving alongside some General Tso’s cauliflower for added flavor. This recipe incorporates the spicy kick of Sriracha, however feel free to substitute with Gochujang if you prefer an even bolder taste experience.
Takeout Sesame Noodles
Zest up your meal with this delicious alternative – a dreamy peanut sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Adding a dash of Sriracha gives it an extra kick, but feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder taste. Either way, the result is still incredibly tasty.
Szechuan Noodles
Understanding the importance of homemade sauces is crucial when exploring these dishes, as they often rely on fundamental ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, which can be purchased in bulk to last for several months. This approach not only saves time but also allows for customization and control over the seasoning, making it a far more appealing alternative to pre-made sauces that are often overly salted.
Vegetable Chow Mein
Fundamentally, the main distinction between lo mein and chow mein lies in their cooking methods. Lo mein is typically cooked in a sauce, which gives it a more pronounced flavor profile. In contrast, chow mein doesn’t rely on a large amount of sauce to coat its ingredients, but rather uses a small amount that’s just enough to add moisture and bring out the flavors of the vegetables, which ultimately provide the necessary hydration to the dish.
Easy Tofu Pad Thai
Elevating street food to new heights, Pad Thai is one of those beloved dishes that has a deceivingly complex appearance, but don’t let its presentation fool you – it’s surprisingly effortless to prepare. Once the sauce is whisked together, the noodles will cook in a matter of minutes, making the entire process a breeze. After that, all you need to do is quickly fry your veggies until they’re warm and tender.
Asian Vegetarian Side Dishes
Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy
Breaking down the nutritional benefits of bok choy reveals that it’s not just a low-calorie food, but also an excellent source of protein, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. Its unique flavor profile is often described as slightly bitter and spinach-like, making it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide range of dishes. Due to its mild taste, bok choy is incredibly adaptable and will complement most culinary creations without overpowering them.
Stir-Fried Choy Sum
Not only does the freshness of Asian side dishes matter, but so does their vibrant color palette. In this case, a flowering cabbage stands out from the rest. While it bears some resemblance to bok choy, its unique flavor profile is slightly sweeter, and an added bonus is that you can even consume the delicate flowers, too.
Korean Pancakes
Welcoming the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine, it’s no surprise that scallions make frequent appearances in many dishes. Their mild taste and effortless preparation make them an ideal addition, not only in terms of flavor but also visually, as they add a stunning pop of color to any plate. With their subtlety, scallions can take center stage without overpowering the other ingredients, making them perfect for a wide range of culinary creations.
Perfect Jasmine Rice
Making meals from scratch can be a challenge for many of us, and cooking rice is often at the top of that list. It’s a delicate process that requires patience and a gentle touch. Getting it to just the right texture isn’t easy, especially if you prefer your rice fluffy. The key to achieving this is to let it cook without over-stirring or interfering with the cooking process.
This may be difficult for some, but it’s essential to allowing the rice to steam properly and develop its signature texture.
Sesame Crispy Tofu
Vastly improving upon traditional tofu dishes is the addition of sesame seeds, which imbue a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the outside of this culinary delight. For those who, like me, consider texture a crucial aspect of food, this is a game-changer. What makes it so remarkable is that tofu itself is notoriously lacking in this department, making the added crunch all the more impactful.
Asian Vegetarian Salads
Spicy Bean Sprout Salad
Lightly textured and subtly flavored, bean sprouts are an excellent addition to various Asian-inspired dishes. This quick and easy salad not only adds a satisfying crunch but also infuses a hint of nutty flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to your meal. With its speedy preparation time of just 5 minutes, this salad is an ideal solution for those looking to add some excitement to their food without sacrificing time.
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Adding a refreshing twist to your summer salads has never been easier with this delightful and crunchy salad recipe. Among its many benefits, one of the key advantages of smashing the cucumber is that it allows for optimal absorption of the tangy pickling juices, resulting in an even more delectable taste experience.
Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing
Kitchens often rely on fresh spinach for optimal results, particularly when it comes to wilting it down into big leaves. Frozen spinach can be too moist and prone to breaking apart in the pan, which defeats the purpose of creating a smooth sauce. When making this dressing, I highly recommend leaving some of the seeds whole to preserve their texture, but do not skip the step of toasting them – it’s essential for bringing out their full flavor.
Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing
Widely enjoyed for its vibrant flavors and colors, this Asian slaw will undoubtedly elevate your next BBQ gathering to new heights. Not only will it add a delightful crunch to each bite, but its bold taste will also leave everyone wanting more. For those in a rush, using pre-sliced veggies can be a huge time-saver. My personal preference is the combination of broccoli and red cabbage for added texture and depth.
Vegan Thai Salad
Many of the Thai-inspired dishes we’ve come across often incorporate peanut butter as a key ingredient. While its creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a great addition to sauces and dressings, these flavors are also balanced by deeper, savory notes and even a touch of heat. For those who don’t share a love for peanut butter (or have an allergy), almond butter is definitely worth exploring as a tasty alternative.
Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
Naturally, the name ‘wood ear’ comes from their distinctive appearance, with dark brown or black caps that resemble human ears. This unique shape is just one reason why they’re so frequently used in vegetarian Chinese cuisine. To prepare them for cooking, it’s essential to clean wood ear mushrooms thoroughly after rehydrating, as they can be quite dusty when dried.
Asian Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Yearning for a snack that’s both healthy and satisfying? You might be familiar with the popular takeout option of deep-fried spring rolls, but these homemade versions offer a fresh twist. Not only can they be made ahead of time, but they’re also free from excess oil and calories, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence.
Vegetable Pakora
Fresh out of new veggie fritter ideas? Look no further! These easy-to-make treats can be crafted with a variety of ingredients, from classic combinations like onions and cabbage to innovative pairings such as potatoes and peas. When it comes to mixing up the batter, achieving the right balance of moisture is crucial – you want just enough to hold everything together without making it too soggy, allowing it to crisp up beautifully in hot oil.
Edamame
Needless to say, edamame has become increasingly popular as a snack in Japan, and for good reason – they can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling or steaming. Not only do they provide an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, but their unique flavor profile is also a major draw. When it comes to preparing edamame, blanching them in saltwater is the preferred method, as this helps to bring out their natural sweetness and tender texture.
It’s worth noting that edamame are best enjoyed immediately after preparation, while they’re still at their peak freshness. Lastly, be sure to snip off the tips before serving – it’s a simple yet important step in enjoying these nutritious and delicious legumes.
Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce
Unlocking the flavors of Southeast Asia has never been easier than with this delectable tofu dish. Its secret lies in a simple blend of soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, basil, and garlic – ingredients you likely have on hand. If you’ve ever tried chicken satay before but are now looking for a vegetarian alternative, then look no further! For this recipe, make sure to use extra firm tofu so it retains its shape.
Remember to press the excess moisture out of the tofu first, or it won’t crisp up as desired.
Vegetable Samosas
Needless to say, my experience with samosas has been largely limited to vegetarian options, although I’m aware that non-veg versions do exist. Nonetheless, when the filling consists of potatoes, peas, onion, and a medley of aromatic spices, it’s hard to imagine adding anything else to elevate their flavor profile.
Asian Vegetarian Dessert Recipes
Black Sesame Cookies
Boasting an unmistakable nutty flavor profile, black sesame cookies have traditionally been relegated to more mundane uses, such as bagels and burger buns. If you’re looking to infuse your holiday celebrations with a new level of sophistication this year, it’s time to explore the world of these underappreciated treats! With their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, black sesame cookies are an excellent choice for those who prefer less cloying confections.
Homemade Fortune Cookies
Undoubtedly, this is a recipe that your children will absolutely adore making. They’ll enjoy brainstorming and creating their own personalized fortunes to include within the treats. The process may be slightly more involved than some other recipes, but the end result – adorable little party favors – will make it well worth the extra effort.
Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream
Generally speaking, red bean paste isn’t inherently sweet on its own, although it develops a mild sweetness when cooked, somewhat reminiscent of sweet potatoes in terms of flavor profile – that is, both mildly sweet and savory. This versatility makes it a great ingredient to incorporate into various recipes, but I must confess that my personal favorite use for it is actually this ice cream recipe.
The vibrant color of the red bean paste is undeniably eye-catching and adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the dish. What’s more, preparing this ice cream is relatively straightforward – you’ll simply need milk, sugar, and, of course, the red bean paste itself.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert
Rice pudding might be a traditional dessert, but in my household, it’s often enjoyed as a breakfast treat. The combination of coconut milk and brown sugar makes for a deliciously sweet base, which is then elevated by topping with chunks of fresh mango. If you’re unable to find ripe mangoes at your local store, don’t worry – canned mango works just as well, and I like to add the sweet syrup from the can right into the rice mixture.
Chinese Steamed Sponge Cake
However, traditional steamed sponge cakes can be quite dense, despite their appealing taste. Fortunately, this recipe offers a refreshing twist by producing an incredibly light and fluffy texture. The key to achieving such a delicate consistency lies in the process of whipping eggs and sugar together until they almost triple in volume. This added air contributes significantly to keeping the cake tender and moist.
Other Fun Asian Vegetarian Recipes
How to Make Vietnamese Coffee
Revisiting traditional Vietnamese coffee culture, we find that it’s known for its robust yet sweet flavor profile, largely due to the addition of condensed milk, which not only enhances the taste but also adds a delightful textural element.
For those interested in experiencing this unique brewing method at home, there are various online resources available, including sets of Vietnamese coffee filters that have become increasingly popular among coffee connoisseurs and dinner party enthusiasts alike. When using these filters, the brewed coffee drips directly into the cup, creating a visually appealing contrast with the milk floating on top.
This beautiful presentation is sure to generate plenty of interest and potentially even earn you some social media recognition.
Dalgona Coffee
Very few trends have caught our attention as much as this latest social media sensation – a unique and intriguing coffee concoction that’s been making waves online. While fads often come and go, I’m optimistic about the staying power of this particular drink. Its frothy, creamy texture makes it an ideal pick-me-up on a hot afternoon, providing just the right amount of refreshment to get you through the day.
What’s more, the recipe relies on instant coffee, making it a much more budget-friendly option compared to those luxurious frappes at Starbucks that often come with hefty price tags.
Chinese Black Sesame Soup
Masterfully crafted to deceive the senses, this dark dish boasts an unexpected sweetness. The key ingredients are ground black sesame seeds blended with both rice flour and glutinous rice flour, which is responsible for its distinctive goopy texture. Anyone familiar with the chewy delight of mochi will undoubtedly fall in love with this sweet treat.
Sweet and Spicy Chinese Five-Spice Roasted Almonds
Taking your snacking game to the next level can be as simple as swapping out that big bag of chips for a healthier alternative. A bowl of sweet and spicy almonds is an excellent choice, with roasted almonds being a tasty snack in their own right (roasting nuts helps bring out the natural oils and flavors). When you combine them with a mix of sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, sea salt, and cayenne pepper, they become ridiculously addictive!
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a perfect balance that will leave you wanting more.
Thai Style Popcorn
Hidden amongst the usual snacks are some incredibly creative alternatives to plain old popcorn. Here, a unique fusion of flavors will be achieved by crafting a faux caramel using brown sugar, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of lime zest. This sweet, sour, zesty, and spicy concoction is then poured over the popcorn before being baked to create a crispy texture reminiscent of caramel corn.
Fried Milk
Hold onto your hats, folks, because there’s a new deep-fried sensation taking over the snack scene: deep fried milk! This sweet and indulgent treat consists of a rich blend of coconut milk, milk, cornstarch, and sugar that’s heated gently until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency. Once set, this creamy delight can be picked up and enjoyed on its own, but wait until you try coating and deep-frying it – the result is truly something special!
Chinese Green Tea
Most notable among the various flavors of green tea are its sweet, floral, earthy, and sometimes bitter profiles. Often revered in China for centuries due to its distinct flavor and numerous health benefits, which include an abundance of antioxidants. To prevent green tea from developing a bitter taste, it’s crucial to prepare it with water that’s hot – but not quite boiling.
By pouring the water into the glass first and then adding the leaves, their risk of burning and turning bitter is minimized.
Vegan Boba Milk Tea
Buying tapioca pearls ready to go is a great way to make boba at home. All you need to do is boil them until tender, and then you can create your own delicious bubble tea. I’m particularly fond of using vegan creamer with these pearls because it adds a thicker, creamier texture that’s simply divine. If you’re having trouble finding tapioca pearls in stores or find they’re too pricey, don’t worry – making your own is easier than you think!
Simply use any type of milk you prefer to cook the pearls, and if you’re not concerned about keeping things vegan, feel free to experiment with flavored creamers for added flavor. Whether you stick to traditional dairy or opt for a plant-based alternative, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making your own boba at home.
Green Tea Ice Cream
Rarely does a dessert trend capture the hearts of so many, but matcha has done just that, and when you get high-quality matcha, it’s truly exceptional in its flavor profile, with an underlying earthiness that’s a delight to experience. As someone who appreciates sweet treats, I’m always excited to find desserts that balance sweetness with depth, and matcha ice cream is no exception – although, of course, as an ice cream, it will still be sweeter than your average cup of matcha tea.
The best part? You don’t need any special equipment, such as an ice cream maker, to make this delicious dessert. Simply whip together heavy cream, vanilla extract, high-quality matcha powder, and condensed milk, pour the mixture into a container, and let it freeze – it’s incredibly easy!
