Vegan Vietnamese Food Recipes: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy balance. Incorporating vegan elements into these traditional dishes not only makes them accessible to plant-based eaters but also highlights the versatility and richness of Vietnamese food.

From fragrant herbs and crisp vegetables to tangy dipping sauces and hearty noodles, vegan Vietnamese recipes offer a delightful culinary adventure that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore new flavors, this collection of vegan Vietnamese recipes will inspire your kitchen creativity. These dishes are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any occasion.

Plus, they showcase the art of balancing sweet, sour, salty, and umami tastes—a hallmark of Vietnamese cooking. Ready to embark on a flavorful journey?

Let’s dive into the heart of vegan Vietnamese cuisine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan Vietnamese recipes are a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined in ways that create bold, exciting flavors. These dishes are naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to the abundance of herbs, vegetables, and plant-based proteins.

One of the best things about these recipes is their versatility. Whether you want a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or impressive party dishes, vegan Vietnamese cuisine has you covered.

They are also fantastic for meal prepping and can be adjusted to suit your heat tolerance or ingredient availability.

Plus, by choosing vegan recipes, you’re supporting sustainable eating habits that are better for the planet. Dive in and discover how easy and delicious plant-based Vietnamese cooking can be!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Rice noodles (Bánh phở or vermicelli) 200g (7 oz) Gluten-free and staple for many dishes
Firm tofu 300g (10.5 oz) Pressed and cubed
Fresh herbs 1 cup mixed (mint, cilantro, Thai basil) For authentic flavor
Bean sprouts 1 cup Fresh and crunchy
Shallots 2 medium Thinly sliced
Garlic cloves 3 cloves Minced for sauces and stir-fries
Carrots 2 medium Julienned
Cucumber 1 medium Sliced thinly
Vegetable broth 4 cups (1 liter) For pho and soups
Soy sauce or tamari 3 tbsp Use tamari for gluten-free option
Rice vinegar 2 tbsp For pickling and sauces
Brown sugar 1 tbsp Balances acidity in sauces
Lime 1 large Juiced for dipping sauces
Sriracha or chili paste To taste For heat
Peanuts 1/4 cup, roasted & chopped Optional garnish
Hoisin sauce (vegan) 3 tbsp For dipping and flavor

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling noodles and broth
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet or non-stick frying pan
  • Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing noodles)
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Chopping utensils (grater or mandoline for veggies)
  • Serving bowls and plates

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove from heat and soak the rice noodles according to package instructions (usually about 5-7 minutes) until soft but still slightly chewy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Cook the tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the tofu and fry until golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the vegetable broth: In a large pot, combine vegetable broth with sliced shallots, minced garlic, a few slices of ginger, and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors. Strain out solids before serving.
  4. Prepare the fresh vegetables and herbs: Julienne the carrots, thinly slice cucumber, rinse and drain bean sprouts, and roughly chop the fresh herbs.
  5. Make the dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham): In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and chili paste until sugar dissolves. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
  6. Assemble the dish: In serving bowls, place a portion of rice noodles. Top with golden tofu cubes, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, carrots, and cucumber slices.
  7. Serve with broth and sauces: Pour hot vegetable broth over the assembled bowls or serve on the side for dipping. Provide hoisin sauce and the prepared Nuoc Cham for added flavor. Garnish with chopped peanuts if desired.
  8. Enjoy immediately: Vietnamese dishes are best enjoyed fresh. Mix the ingredients well to combine flavors before eating.

Tips & Variations

“For extra depth in your broth, add star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves while simmering—it creates an authentic pho experience.”

If you prefer a heartier meal, add sautéed mushrooms or tempeh for extra protein. Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs like sawtooth coriander or perilla leaves to vary the flavor profile.

For a quick weeknight dinner, use pre-made rice noodle packs and store-bought vegan hoisin sauce. You can also prepare the broth in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

If you want to explore other vegan Asian-inspired recipes, check out our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fat 8g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 5g
Sodium 680mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Vietnamese dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing side dishes. Consider serving it alongside fresh spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing.

For a complete meal, complement it with a warm bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or enjoy some crispy Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking.

Finish your meal with a delightful dessert like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet, vegan treat.

Conclusion

Vegan Vietnamese food recipes bring the perfect harmony of fresh flavors, vibrant textures, and nourishing ingredients to your table. These dishes are a testament to how plant-based cooking can be both satisfying and exciting, offering a wonderful way to explore new tastes while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

By incorporating simple ingredients like rice noodles, tofu, and fresh herbs, you can recreate authentic Vietnamese meals that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the flexibility of these recipes allows you to customize them to your liking, making them ideal for any occasion or skill level in the kitchen.

We hope this guide inspires you to try more vegan Vietnamese dishes and embrace the delicious world of plant-based Asian cuisine. For more creative and tasty vegan recipes, explore our collection of vegan recipes and start cooking today!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Description: Fresh and flavorful Vietnamese spring rolls packed with crisp vegetables and herbs. Served with a tangy peanut dipping sauce, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 rice paper wrappers
  • 1 cup cooked vermicelli noodles
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup sliced avocado
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare all vegetables by washing and slicing thinly.
  2. Dip one rice paper wrapper in warm water for 5 seconds until soft.
  3. Lay the wrapper flat and layer vermicelli, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, avocado, mint, and cilantro in the center.
  4. Fold the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling.
  5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
  6. Mix hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and lime juice to make dipping sauce.
  7. Serve spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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