30 Asian Vegetarian Recipes To Love
Updated on March 13, 2023
Are you looking for a new dish to spruce up your weekday dinners? We’ve got the perfect mix of delicious and nutritious – with an Asian vegetarian recipe flair – in the list of favorites below. For those that love a good vegetarian dish, there’s something for nearly every kind of palate to enjoy. And that includes bites with a lot of fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Check out these 30 Asian vegetarian recipes to love!
1. Spicy Orange Tofu and Peppers
If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy flavor combinations, then catch the recipe for this classic dish. It’s the best way to indulge in a bit of orange chick…we mean…tofu!
“This Spicy Vegan Orange Tofu and Peppers is a great fix for weeknight dinner. Sweet and sour and zesty glaze on crispy Tofu.” –Vegan Richa
2. Vegan Fried Rice
Here’s a simple recipe that you should have in your bag of tricks. It’s great when you want a quick and satisfying dinner – but it’s also a great one to trick the kids into eating their veggies with.
“A simple recipe with just a few ingredients. So tasty and you can use your favorite veggies, it’s always delicious!” – Simply Vegan
3. Gingered Brussels sprouts and Shittake Pot Stickers
There’s a bit of sweet and savory happening in this dish and we’re in love. These potstickers can easily act as a quick snack, small meal, or start the dinner party off with a bang!
“These crispy pot stickers are filled with a gingery mixture of Brussels sprouts and shiitake mushrooms, and served up with a sweet soy dipping sauce.” – Oh My Veggies
4. Kung Pao Lentils
Pack a punch with this dish filled with kung pao-inspired lentils. This is a really versatile recipe to trade out ingredients for based on everyone’s dietary needs as well.
“Spicy Kung Pao Lentils with a delicious kung pao sauce, veggies and cooked lentils. Easy 30 minute weeknight dinner. Gluten-free Vegan Recipe. Note: If you find lentils too earthy, double the sauce, or use other legumes like chickpeas.” – Vegan Richa
5. Pineapple Cashew Stir Fry
It’s the most perfect summertime plate! With seasonal veggies and a bright spot of pineapple, this cashew stir fry is absolutely satisfying (truly filling) and still guilt-free when it comes to your lifestyle plan.
“I always feel great when I choose the ‘right’ option instead of giving in to temptation, so that’s what I’ll do. Especially if the end result is something as healthy and tasty as this stir fry.” – Easy Cheesy
6. Tofu Chow Mein
Chow mein is another classic, Asian dish that’s a winner among the masses. But, how can you make it vegan? Well, You can just add tofu that’s how!
“This is an easy recipe for a “tofu beginner,” as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls!” – Taste of Home
7. General Tso’s Cauliflower
It truly is amazing how many ways cauliflower can be utilized to make magnificent meals for our vegan and vegetarian friends. From pizza crusts to General Tso’s – it’s a winner!
“Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. This is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin” – Taste of Home
8. Vegetarian Pad Thai
Pad thai is great fresh out of the pan or even as leftovers for a workday lunch that you can actually look forward too. This one is filled with fresh ingredients and you can even add an egg for some added protein enhancements.
“This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. ” – Taste of Home
9. Rice Paper Rolls with Mango & Mint
Everyone should have a solid rice roll hidden in their recipe books that they love. They’re wonderful additions to pot lucks and make a great started for celebratory meals. And these have the added benefit of mango and mint flavors!
“These rice paper rolls with mango and mint are the perfect light dinner for hot summer days. They’re healthy, fresh, low in calories, and super delicious! I love serving them with an easy peanut dipping sauce.” – Vegan Heaven
10. Thai Green Curry Soup
Asian soups are so underrated but they are also so, so loved by those that know about them – because they are so darn flavorful and satisfying. Don’t let the color steer you off, this one is magical and so full of good-for-you ingredients including garlic, mushrooms, and broccoli.
“Green Curry Soup is an Asian style vegan soup packed with fresh flavors, rice noodles, and coconut milk. It is a healthy, hearty, bowl of comfort soup done in one-pot. I think I have given you more than one reason to bookmark this vegan Thai green curry soup recipe. ” –Food Fun Frolic
11. More Pineapple Fried Rice
How incredible does this work of art look? Level up your homemade fried rice by adding a pineapple into the mix. It’s flavorful, it makes the bowl more enticing for the kiddos, and makes your summertime meals so much more fun all the way around.
“This Thai pineapple fried rice is one of my favorite recipes for busy days! It’s super easy to make, healthy, and so yummy. Plus, it’s SO colorful! Eating this pineapple rice will be like taking a trip to Thailand!” – Vegan Heaven
12. Sesame Tofu Dumplings
Dumplings are comfort food no matter who you are. Everyone has a style they love. And are vegans and vegetarians will love these tofu, sesame creations.
“Dumplings filled with delicious sesame tofu and green onions. Quick, easy, and can be steamed or fried.” – Rabbit and Wolves
13. Bun Chai Vietnamese Noodle Salad
Here’s a salad that may win over your heart. It’s filled with so many delicious and fresh ingredients including: tofu, rice noodles, peanuts, bell peppers, cucumbers, and more.
“In need of a healthy 30-minute meal? Look no further than this Vegan Bún Chay noodle salad!” –The Wanderlust Kitchen
14. Bibimbap
To know bibimbap is to love bibimbap. There’s so many fresh ingredients, there’s so much flavor, and there’s absolute no guilt when indulging. Usually, it’s served with an egg – but for those who are vegan, you can just leave it off the top.
“Making bibimbap at home is super easy! This vegan bibimbap comes together pretty quickly and you can prepare most of the ingredients in advance. It’s a Korean classic that is packed with flavor and color – all in one bowl!” – Vegan Heaven
15. Spicy Tenderstem Peanut Noodle Stir Fry
A good stir fry is also quite the satisfying meal, don’t you think? And this one will definitely have even the kiddos asking for seconds – and tricking them into a good amount of veg – because of all the good flavor!
“A quick, easy and super delicious dish that can be served hot for supper or cold for tomorrow’s packed lunch.” – Wallflower Kitchen
16. More Pad Thai
Here’s another pad Thai recipe you may want to take a quick look at. It’s infused with a lot of different flavors that come together nicely with a helping of tofu.
“Most restaurants serve pad thai with an oil-based fish sauce. My version is oil-free and plant-based but still boasts that delicious combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.” – Go Dairy Free
17. Chickpea Curry with Potatoes
Curry and potatoes? We’re sold! Learn how to make an incredible chickpea curry and serve it up with a hearty helping of everyone’s favorite side dish. You can nix the rice if you’re feeling too unbalanced.
“This easy vegan chickpea curry with potatoes, peas, and carrots is perfect for quick weeknight dinners! It’s delicious, comforting, and packed with protein and nutrients. And it’s ready in only 30 minutes!” – Vegan Heaven
18. Tofu Teriyaki Skewers
When everyone else is chomping down on chicken and beef – you can whip up some easy teriyaki tofu skewers instead. Serve up with any side you’d like and go for seconds – it won’t hurt you!
“These Teriyaki Tofu Skewers are super versatile and make a great finger food on their own or a as a tasty protein in your vegetable dish.” – The Nut Free Vegan
19. Asian Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
It’s time to show off another great salad. You can prep these ahead of time if you’re using them as lunch options. They’re also quite easy to personalize by nixing or adding some other fresh ingredients.
“This vegetarian and vegan Chinese inspired salad is hearty enough for lunch or dinner and filled with healthy ingredients like cabbage, veggies, and cashews. The sesame ginger dressing adds sweet and savory flavor.” –Yummy Mummy Kitchen
20. General Tso’s Chickpeas
We found another way to cook up some General Tso’s and this time they’re using chickpeas instead of cauliflower. Serve it over a bed of rice and enjoy all the easy flavors.
“General Tso’s Chick Peas (Vegan, Gluten-Free)is a delicious and healthy alternative to general tso chicken or even tofu for those who are avoiding soy.” – Healthier Steps
21. More Genereal Tsos Cauliflower
We couldn’t stop there though. Nope, we had to add just one more vegan General Tso’s into the mix. And this time they’re frying up the cauliflower!
“This general tso’s cauliflower is so crispy, delicious, and spicy-sweet! And it’s just as good as the fried version, while being so much healthier! Welcome to cauliflower heaven! ” –Vegan Heaven
22. Sweet Sour Tofu
Let’s be honest, tofu is a really great protein replacement for a lot of Asian dishes. And this sweet and sour selection is absolutely no different.
“Skip the takeout and make this Sweet and Sour Tofu at home. It cooks up faster than you can drive to the local Chinese restaurant and back!” – Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen
23. Thai Peanut Veggie Sandwiches
Here’s a fun spin on a classic veggie sandwich. For those that already go for the green subs, try this new flavor on for size. It will help to jazz up those lunched without too much fuss involved.
“These veggie sandwiches are perfect for a Meatless Monday meal, and are quite light, with the peanut butter providing most of the protein and fat. But if you want to “beef” them up, add your favorite baked tofu or tempeh. Either will go deliciously with this fresh combination.” – Go Dairy Free
24. Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
Don’t let the looks of her fool you, this salad is mighty. It may look like a side dish, but it’s powerful enough to stand on its own. We promise.
“This cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce is a filling Vegan entree that is perfect for an on-the-go lunch or light dinner.” –Frommy Bowl
25. Congee Rice Porridge
Have you ever had rice porridge – or congee? It’s a favorite among Asian food lovers and we’re so here for this recipe which includes edamame.
“If you like savory breakfast dishes, you will love this congee with tempeh, edamame, and pak choi. Congee is a savory Asian rice porridge that is very popular all over Asia.Don’t miss out on this healthy Asian comfort food!” – Vegan Heaven
26. Spicy Szechuan Eggplant
Eggplant is the star of this dish – and the fact that it’s a stir fry excited us even more. Let’s be real though, it’s the sauce that makes it such a soul-stopping (and it’s got a kick!).
“Soul warming, restaurant style Szechuan eggplant stir fried and coated in a finger licking spicy sauce.” – Quite Good Food
27. Sesame Ginger Teriyaki Sauce
Other times the only recipe you truly need is one that will top off a variety of others. This teriyaki sauce is completely vegan – and soy free. And it can be used over so many proteins, tofus, veggies, rice, and more!
“Learn how to make the most delicious Best Vegan Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce totally oil-free and soy-free! Loaded with flavor and made with coconut aminos, fresh ginger and chives, it will become your go-to teriyaki sauce.” –The Vegan 8
28. Papaya Salad Rolls
Here are some more rolls that would make quite the delicious splash at your next dinner party or pot luck. They’re unique and bring a whole lot of delicious and nutritious flavor to everyone’s bites of the night.
“This Thai Style Papaya Salad Rolls recipe wraps up green beans, carrots, tomatoes, green papaya and peanuts with a peanut sauce for a delicious appetizer when you can’t decide between fresh rolls and papaya salad!” –The Wanderlust Kitchen
29. Vegan Butter Chicken with Chickpeas and Cauliflower
Butter chicken may be a big Asian favorite – it’s definitely one of ours – but how do you transfer that into something a vegan can indulge in? Well, you add chickpeas and cauliflower instead – duh!
“This vegan butter chicken is one of my favorite comfort food recipes! It’s super creamy and incredibly rich without using butter! Instead of chicken this vegan butter chicken calls for chickpeas and cauliflower. It’s sooo delicious and pretty easy to make!” – The Vegan Heaven
30. Garlic Sesame Noodles
Kids love these. Adults crave these. It’s time you learn how to make them. Garlic sesame noodles are as comforting as the classic butter noodle. Bookmark the recipe!
“Easy garlic sesame noodles that happen to be vegan, gluten-free, and protein-packed thanks to Explore Cuisine chickpea spaghetti! Ready in just 10 minutes of cooking and seasoned with a sweet and savory, super garlicky sesame sauce.” – Yup, It’s Vegan