Chinese Food Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients. While meat often takes center stage in many traditional dishes, vegetarian Chinese recipes are equally delightful and packed with nutrition.

Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, Chinese vegetarian dishes offer an exciting array of tastes and textures. From stir-fried vegetables to savory tofu creations, these recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a delicious vegetarian Chinese recipe that captures the essence of authentic flavors without any meat. This dish is not only wholesome but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.

Plus, we’ll share tips, ingredient details, and serving suggestions to help you master this recipe and impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Chinese dish brings together a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and umami-rich sauces that create a mouthwatering experience. The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to swap in your favorite veggies or add extra protein like tofu or tempeh.

It’s perfect for those seeking a healthy, low-fat meal without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the quick stir-fry method means you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

If you love bold, satisfying meals with vibrant textures, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals that complement this dish beautifully.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Firm tofu 14 oz (400 g) Pressed and cubed
Broccoli florets 2 cups Fresh or frozen
Carrot 1 medium Thinly sliced
Red bell pepper 1 medium Sliced into strips
Sliced mushrooms 1 cup Button or shiitake
Garlic 3 cloves Minced
Fresh ginger 1 tbsp Grated
Green onions 3 stalks Chopped
Soy sauce 3 tbsp Use tamari for gluten-free
Sesame oil 1 tbsp For flavor
Vegetable oil 2 tbsp For stir-frying
Cornstarch 1 tsp Optional, for sauce thickening
Water 1/4 cup For sauce
Salt To taste Optional, adjust as needed
Black pepper To taste Freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large wok or non-stick skillet
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Grater (for ginger)
  • Plate lined with paper towels (for pressing tofu)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water by wrapping it in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for 15 minutes. Then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Stir well until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Set aside.
  3. Heat the wok: Add the vegetable oil to your wok or skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Cook the tofu: Add the cubed tofu to the wok and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside on a plate.
  5. Stir-fry the aromatics: In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add vegetables: Add the broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  7. Combine tofu and sauce: Return the golden tofu to the wok. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Finish and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.
  9. Serve hot: Enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice or noodles for a filling meal.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra protein boost, try adding cooked edamame or tempeh along with the tofu.”

To keep this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy for added variety.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or freshly chopped chili peppers during the aromatics stage. For a nutty twist, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish.

To explore other vegetarian recipes with rich flavors, you might like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for convenient meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 280 kcal 14%
Protein 18 g 36%
Carbohydrates 20 g 7%
Dietary Fiber 5 g 20%
Fat 14 g 22%
Sodium 750 mg 31%
Vitamin A 80% of RDA
Vitamin C 90% of RDA

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Chinese stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside simple fried rice or noodle dishes to add more variety to your table.

To complete your meal, consider a fresh cucumber salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup. For a fun twist, wrap the stir-fry in lettuce leaves for a refreshing Chinese-style taco alternative.

For more delicious vegetarian side ideas, visit our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or check out some healthy Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Chinese food recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant, diverse flavors of this beloved cuisine while keeping meals nutritious and meat-free. This simple yet delicious stir-fry recipe showcases how easy it is to create satisfying plant-based dishes without compromising on taste.

With fresh vegetables, protein-packed tofu, and a savory sauce, this dish is ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks who want a quick, healthy dinner. Don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

We hope this recipe inspires you to explore more vegetarian cooking adventures. For more creative and tasty plant-based recipes, check out our collection of Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and other delightful ideas.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Chinese Stir-Fry

Description: A quick and delicious vegetarian Chinese stir-fry packed with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add bell pepper, broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, and carrot; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
  5. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir well.
  6. Add cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

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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