Chinese Jai Vegetarian Recipe for Delicious Healthy Meals

Chinese Jai, also known as Buddhist Vegetarian Stir-Fry, is a traditional dish that holds a special place in Chinese cuisine, especially during festive occasions like Chinese New Year. This hearty, wholesome dish is packed with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients, offering a delightful medley of textures and flavors.

It’s not only a celebration of vegetarian cooking but also a nourishing and satisfying meal that even meat-eaters will appreciate. The beauty of Chinese Jai lies in its versatility and the ability to adapt ingredients based on what is available, making it an excellent recipe for those exploring plant-based diets or wanting to add more vegetarian meals to their repertoire.

In this blog post, you will find a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe for Chinese Jai that brings together the perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and aromatic spices. Whether you are new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to be a flavorful and nutritious addition to your kitchen.

Plus, we’ll share some tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you personalize this classic dish to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Jai recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional dish that is both nutrient-dense and satisfying. It combines a variety of textures from crunchy water chestnuts to tender shiitake mushrooms and silky tofu.

The sauce is rich yet light, flavored with soy, garlic, and a touch of sweetness that complements the vegetables perfectly.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap or add ingredients depending on your pantry or preferences, making it ideal for a wide range of diets—including vegan, gluten-free (with tamari), and low-fat options.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your weekly routine without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or check out the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a spicy sidekick.

Ingredients

• 100g dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
• 150g firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced
• 1/2 cup dried lily buds, soaked until soft
• 1/2 cup black moss (fat choy), soaked and rinsed
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster mushroom sauce (vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl (for soaking dried ingredients)
• Wok or large frying pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dried ingredients: Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms, lily buds, and black moss separately in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they soften. Drain and slice the mushrooms and lily buds, rinse the black moss thoroughly, and set aside.
2. Press and cube the tofu: Gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
3. Heat the wok: Add the vegetable oil to your wok or large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add tofu and vegetables: Toss in the tofu cubes and stir-fry gently for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
6. Incorporate soaked ingredients: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, lily buds, black moss, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, carrot, and snow peas. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Season the dish: Pour in the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster mushroom sauce, sugar, and vegetable broth. Stir well to coat everything with the sauce.
8. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly.
9. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the wok slowly, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
10. Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish, season with salt and white pepper to taste, and give everything a final gentle stir.
11. Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy this comforting vegetarian classic!

Tips & Variations

“Chinese Jai is known for its adaptability — feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables or mushrooms!”

If you prefer a spicier version, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili oil during the stir-fry step. For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Black moss (fat choy) can be hard to find outside Asian markets. You can substitute it with thinly sliced seaweed or omit it altogether without losing much flavor.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the vegetarian oyster mushroom sauce is gluten-free.

For added protein, toss in some cooked chickpeas or edamame beans during the final minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chinese Jai is best enjoyed hot, served over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. It also pairs wonderfully with simple sides like stir-fried greens or steamed buns.

For a festive occasion or a more elaborate meal, serve it alongside other vegetarian dishes like Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness.

This dish also works well as part of a buffet or potluck, as it holds up well at room temperature and offers a colorful, attractive presentation.

Conclusion

Chinese Jai is a perfect example of how vegetarian cuisine can be both delicious and deeply satisfying. This recipe brings together a variety of textures and tastes that create a harmonious dish full of umami and subtle sweetness.

Whether you are observing a vegetarian lifestyle, celebrating a cultural tradition, or simply exploring new flavors, this Chinese Jai recipe is a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire.

The ease of preparation and the flexibility in ingredients make it approachable for cooks of all levels. Plus, it provides a nourishing meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.

We hope this recipe inspires you to try more plant-based dishes and enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Chinese vegetarian cooking. For more recipes to complement your meals, check out our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or the delightful Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for dessert!

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