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Looking to add some bold, plant-based flavors to your meals? These 28 Chinese vegan recipes are packed with all the deliciousness you love, minus the meat! From classic stir-fries to hearty dumplings, there’s something for every craving. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based eats, these dishes are super easy to whip up and will have you coming back for more. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
28 Chinese Vegan Recipes: Flavorful Plant-Based Dishes You’ll Love
We’re all on the lookout for fresh, exciting recipes to make meal planning a breeze. Adding more wholesome veggies to your diet is always a win, especially when the dishes are so flavorful, that even meat lovers won’t feel like they’re missing out!
Head to your local market for some fresh vegetables, grab a few essentials from the grocery store, and check your pantry—many of these vibrant, plant-based meals are surprisingly easy to whip up. You’ll likely find yourself adding them to your regular rotation in no time.
Below, you’ll discover vegan twists on classic recipes that were traditionally not plant-based. Whether you’re looking to try something new, expand your recipe collection, or find a veggie-packed version of an old favorite, there’s plenty to inspire you!
Key Takeaways
- Plant-Based Versions of Chinese Classics: Discover vegan twists on beloved Chinese dishes that are just as flavorful as the originals.
- Easy and Accessible Ingredients: Many recipes use simple, everyday ingredients, making meal prep convenient without sacrificing taste.
- Healthy and Flavorful: These dishes are packed with vegetables, tofu, and plant-based proteins, offering wholesome, nutrient-rich meals that are both satisfying and delicious.
- Variety of Cooking Techniques: Explore different methods like stir-frying, steaming, and simmering to create a range of textures and flavors in your meals.
28 Vegan Chinese Recipe: A Culinary Journey
Chinese cuisine has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years, shaped by regional diversity, dynastic changes, and evolving culinary techniques. Originating from ancient agricultural practices and traditional medicine, it emphasizes harmony in flavors, colors, and textures.
Key ingredients include soy products like tofu and soy sauce, rice, noodles, fresh vegetables, ginger, garlic, and a variety of spices and sauces, such as hoisin and black bean sauce. Cooking methods like stir-frying, steaming, and braising are central to Chinese cooking.
Chinese cuisine has influenced cultures worldwide, introducing ingredients and techniques that have been adapted into many global dishes. From stir-fries in Southeast Asia to dumplings in Western countries, its impact is seen in many modern food traditions.
Part 1: Beyond Tofu: Vegan Chinese Cuisine Explored
Chinese vegan cuisine is more than just tofu. It’s a mixture of elements, texture, and fusion of flavors in one bite. Below are our 28 Chinese vegan recipes carefully curated for every palate.
Cashew Tofu Vegan Cashew Chicken From Make It Dairy Free
Cashew Tofu is a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic takeout favorite, cashew chicken. In just 30 minutes and using only one dish, you can whip up this quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor. Enjoy the rich, savory sauce and the satisfying crunch of cashews, all while keeping it entirely vegan!
Chinese Almond Cookies From My Cooking Journey
Chinese almond cookies also known as Almond cakes or Almond crisp are a popular cookie that is made around the Chinese New Year. This Almond cookie is one of the simplest cookies to make.
Chinese Jackfruit Stir Fry From Vegan Punks
Chinese jackfruit stir fry takes only 20 minutes and is extremely simple to prepare! It’s also an excellent vegan alternative to beef and broccoli.
Dark soy sauce is used to give the Chinese jackfruit a dark and rich colour that resembles beef. Luckily, jackfruit is also meaty, making it ideal as the main ingredient in a vegan beef and broccoli stir fry.
Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles From Strength and Sunshine
These Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles are quick and easy to prepare, taking only 10 minutes! Gluten-free noodles with a nutty sesame sauce that is vegan and soy-free!
A favorite Chinese takeout dish prepared at home! A gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free recipe for Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles! These noodles are quick, easy, and delicious! They will be gone in a flash!
Easy Spicy Chinese Eggplant Recipe From Greedy Girl Gourmet
This Easy Vegan Spicy Chinese Eggplant Recipe is a flavorful and healthier alternative to the dish you’d find at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Bursting with vibrant spices and rich flavors, this homemade version lets you enjoy the classic taste while keeping it plant-based and nutritious!
Easy Vegan Chop Suey From The Hidden Veggies
Vegetable Chop Suey is a delightful American Chinese dish featuring a colorful mix of vegetables tossed in a savory sauce, served over crispy fried chow mein noodles or fluffy rice. This Vegan Chop Suey is the perfect way to utilize any leftover veggies in your kitchen, transforming them into a satisfying and flavorful meal!
Easy Vegan Wonton Soup for Colds From Greedy Girl Gourmet
A 20-minute easy vegan Asian wonton rice noodle soup (GF), made in one pot: It tastes so authentic that I would never guess it was vegan if I hadn’t made it myself!
Wonton soup is a popular traditional Chinese breakfast dish, particularly in Hong Kong. If you don’t have time to make wontons, you can serve the soup plain as a side dish with fried rice!
Fried Vegan Mushroom Wontons with Sweet Chili Sauce From Oh My Veg!
These fried mushroom wontons are tasty, vegan, and simple to make. They pair perfectly with homemade sweet chili sauce!
One bite of these crispy wontons dipped in sweet chili sauce will make you wonder why you haven’t tried them before. Vegan mushroom wontons feature crisp, golden pastry and an umami-rich filling that must be tasted to be believed.
The filling for these treats is extremely simple. It’s just sweet, delicate, and aromatic shallots sautéed in oil with garlic, ginger, and a variety of umami-rich mushrooms. With a dash of rich soy sauce, a sprinkle of white pepper, and some shredded napa cabbage, you’ll have a delicious filling for the wontons.
Great Homemade Vegan Wonton Soup From The Carrot Underground
A satisfying and delicious Chinese dumpling soup packed with fresh vegetables and plant-based protein. Traditional Chinese wontons are a type of dumpling, made with thin dough wrappers that are often filled with meat, seafood, and vegetables, then cooked by deep-frying.
The Best Vegan Dan Dan Noodles with TVP Mince From Vegan Punks
Vegan Dan Dan Noodles, a popular Chinese street food prepared by street vendors, are well-known worldwide. Beyond its origins, the dish has gone viral on social media, capturing the attention of foodies all over the world.
The dish’s popularity stems from its combination of rich, savory flavors as well as its visually appealing presentation. Tan tan ramen, which uses similar flavors but is served as a soup, is another option you could try.
Vegan Almond Cookies From This Wife Cooks™
Vegan Almond Cookies are soft and chewy treats bursting with rich almond flavor. Perfect for sharing, these delicious cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal snack for any occasion!
Vegan Beef and Broccoli From The Hidden Veggies
This vegan broccoli dish offers all the delicious flavors of takeout but at a fraction of the cost! It’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make.
This Seitan Beef and Broccoli comes together in just about 20 minutes, especially if you have vegan beef seitan or frozen vegan beef strips on hand. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s quick, tasty, and completely plant-based!
Vegan Chinese Curry in 30 minutes and One Pot From Vegan Punks
This Vegan Chinese Curry delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional Chinese takeout but is healthier and more budget-friendly! Ready in just 30 minutes and made in a single pot, it’s the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights.
Vegan Chow Mein Noodles From Keeping the Peas
Enjoy a homemade vegan chow mein that outshines any takeout! This dish features noodles tossed with a colorful array of stir-fried vegetables, all coated in a simple sauce made from hoisin, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and a hint of sugar. The combination of crunchy veggies, silky noodles, and savory sauce creates a delightful noodle paradise you won’t want to miss!
Part 2: Flavorful and Nutritious: Vegan Chinese Recipes
These are just a few examples of the many delightful vegan Chinese dishes you can savor. The options are truly endless, ranging from timeless classics like stir-fries and soups to innovative creations that appeal to contemporary palates.
To round out our collection of 28 recipes, here’s the second half, featuring even more mouthwatering plant-based dishes that are sure to impress!
Vegan Dan Dan Noodles From Hot For Food
Who needs takeout when you can whip up these delicious vegan dan dan noodles at home? Grab your chopsticks (or a fork, if you prefer) and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering feast!
Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl From Earth to Veg
This Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect weeknight dinner—packed with delicious flavors and requiring minimal cleanup. It’s also gluten-free, low-carb, and offers whole food, plant-based options!
While spring rolls have a rich history dating back thousands of years in Chinese culture, egg rolls are a modern Chinese-American creation. The key difference between the two lies in their wrappers, making each dish unique in its own right.
Vegan Egg Roll In A Bowl From Serene Trail
This delicious Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect choice for your next weeknight dinner! This low-carb meal features a medley of healthy sautéed vegetables drizzled with a spicy chili-mayo sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make in just one pan and takes only 20 minutes!
Think of it as an open-faced or inside-out version of a spring roll or egg roll! This veggie-packed dish pairs beautifully with Vegan Sesame Chicken and Vegan Cream Cheese Wontons. When it comes to vegetables, the possibilities are endless with this unstuffed egg roll salad! Feel free to add whatever you have on hand—edamame, sprouts, cauliflower, and more!
Vegan General Tsos Tofu From Make It Dairy Free
This Vegan General Tso’s Tofu is one of the most beloved Chinese American dishes, and it’s packed with incredible flavor! You won’t believe how delicious it is!
Vegan Golden Noodle Soup Recipe From Sunglow Kitchen
This Vegan Noodle Soup is ready in just 35 minutes! It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare—plus, it’s gluten-free! Simply combine the vegetables, soy sauce, miso paste, vegetable broth, and dried mushrooms. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Enjoy a warm, delicious bowl in no time!
Vegan Kung Pao Chicken with Soy Curls From The Vegan Larder
This vegan take on Kung Pao Chicken, featuring soy curls or tofu, is super simple and perfect for dinner. With just a bit of mixing and chopping, this recipe comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknight meals!
Vegan Mapo Tofu From Vegan Everytime
This Vegan Mapo Tofu with Beyond Meat is bursting with flavor and packs a spicy punch, all ready in just 20 minutes. It’s so delicious that you’ll be tempted to lick your bowl clean!
Originating from Sichuan province in China, Mapo Tofu is famous for its bold, spicy profile. The standout flavor comes from chili bean paste (doubanjiang or toban djan), a savory blend of chili peppers and fermented beans that gives this dish its signature kick.
Vegan Mongolian Beef Noodles From Make It Dairy Free
You’ll fall in love with these saucy vegan Mongolian beef noodles! So simple yet full of flavor! Quick and easy vegan dinner!
Vegan Pepper Steak From ZardyPlants
This saucy and delicious Vegan Pepper Steak comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a healthy weeknight meal.
It comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a healthy weeknight meal. It’s made with tender but chewy soy curls (or your favorite vegan meat substitute), crisp and fresh bell peppers, and an umami sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Vegan Sesame Chicken From Serene Trail
Crispy Vegan Sesame Chicken is ready in less than 30 minutes and will satisfy everyone! Chick’n pieces are dipped in a simple batter, fried to perfection, and then coated with a sweet, sticky sesame sauce. So delicious, quick, and easy!
Vegan Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry From Sunglow Kitchen
This Vegan Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry comes together in 30 minutes! It’s a nutritious dinner option packed with vegetables and protein!
This vegan stir fry recipe is full of flavor. Think savory, tangy, and sweet. It’s best served with cooked coconut basmati rice or chili oil noodles and cilantro. This makes for a more complete meal and will keep you satisfied for hours!
Vegan Tofu Noodle Soup From Greenbowl2soul
Vegan Tofu Noodle Soup is a delicious and easy Asian-inspired dish that you can whip up in just 25 minutes!
If you’re new to vegan or vegetarian cooking and find yourself missing traditional chicken noodle soup, this plant-based version will quickly become your favorite. You won’t even miss the original!
Vegetable Chow Mein Noodles Cantonese Style From Oh My Veg!
These Vegetable Chow Mein noodles are quick, delicious, and completely vegan—ready in under 20 minutes and even better than takeout! The sauce is simple yet rich, combining light and dark soy sauces for depth, a vegetarian oyster sauce brimming with umami, and a touch of sugar for a hint of sweetness that enhances the other flavors.
A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a fragrant finish. This Chow Mein is packed with flavor but contains no spices, making it a perfect dish for the whole family to enjoy!
Whole30 Vegan Lo Mein From Organically Addison
Sauté the vegetables until they have softened, and by this time, the noodles should also be starting to soften. Keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the noodles are perfectly tender and the vegetables are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Customizable Chinese Vegan Cuisine
One of the great joys of Chinese vegan cuisine is its flexibility, allowing you to easily adapt recipes to meet your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free or low-carb options, many traditional dishes can be modified without sacrificing flavor. For example, you can swap out regular soy sauce for tamari to make dishes gluten-free, or use spiralized vegetables instead of noodles for a low-carb twist.
The versatility of ingredients also means you can get creative in the kitchen! Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Add your favorite protein source, like chickpeas or seitan, for an extra boost. The beauty of Chinese vegan cuisine lies in its adaptability, so don’t hesitate to experiment and create your own unique variations that suit your taste and dietary preferences!
Nutritional Benefits of Chinese Vegan Cuisine
Chinese vegan cuisine offers a wealth of nutritional benefits thanks to its diverse range of ingredients. Common staples like tofu, tempeh, and legumes provide excellent sources of plant-based protein, making it easier to meet your daily protein needs without meat.
Many traditional dishes are rich in vibrant vegetables, which contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet. For instance, bok choy, broccoli, and bell peppers are not only low in calories but also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as important minerals like calcium and iron.
Additionally, ingredients like ginger and garlic add not just flavor but also health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and immune support. Overall, embracing Chinese vegan cuisine means enjoying a delicious variety of dishes that nourish your body while delighting your taste buds!
Tips for Creating Authentic Chinese Flavors
To achieve authentic Chinese flavors in your vegan dishes, start by mastering the key ingredients that define this cuisine. Use aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions to build a solid flavor base. Incorporating sauces such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce adds depth and umami to your meals.
Don’t forget the importance of balancing flavors! Chinese cooking often combines sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements to create a harmonious dish. Experiment with different spices like five-spice powder or Sichuan peppercorns to enhance the complexity of your recipes.
Additionally, pay attention to cooking techniques such as stir-frying, steaming, and braising, which not only improve texture but also help to meld flavors beautifully. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting dishes that capture the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine—without compromising your vegan lifestyle!
Fun Fact
Did you know that veganism in Chinese culture has ancient roots in Buddhism? Many practitioners adopt a plant-based diet as part of their spiritual journey, reflecting a deep commitment to compassion and non-harming towards all living beings. This tradition not only promotes ethical eating but also aligns with the Buddhist principles of mindfulness and respect for life.
Vegan Chinese Food: A Taste of Tradition
There you have it—28 delicious Chinese vegan recipes that are sure to spice up your meal planning! Whether you’re craving something comforting like Vegan Fried Rice or a flavorful stir-fry, there’s a little something for everyone.
Plus, these dishes prove that eating plant-based doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. So grab your chopsticks, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy all the vibrant tastes that Chinese vegan cuisine has to offer! Happy cooking!
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Dive into our collection of 28 vegan Chinese recipes and discover a world of flavor. Share your favorite recipes and inspire others to try these delicious and healthy dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about these delicious and nutritious dishes? We’ve got you covered!
Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The recipes are versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste.
What types of vegan protein can I use?
Common vegan protein options include tofu, tempeh, seitan, and legumes. These can easily be incorporated into many of the recipes.
Can I meal prep these recipes?
Yes! Many of these dishes store well in the refrigerator for a few days, making them excellent candidates for meal prepping.
Can I freeze any of these dishes?
While some dishes freeze well, others may lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best to check the specific recipe for freezing recommendations.
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