21 Vegan Chinese Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Chinese cuisine is beloved worldwide for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse textures. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, enjoying authentic Chinese dishes can sometimes feel challenging due to the traditional use of animal-based ingredients.

But fear not! This collection of 21 vegan Chinese recipes showcases delicious, plant-based twists on classic favorites that anyone can enjoy.

From savory stir-fries to comforting dumplings, these recipes are packed with fresh vegetables, tofu, and flavorful sauces that bring the true spirit of Chinese cooking right into your kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or simply seeking healthier meal options, these recipes promise to satisfy your cravings and introduce you to new culinary delights. Plus, they are perfect for family meals, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week.

Dive in and discover how easy and rewarding vegan Chinese cooking can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan Chinese recipes combine tradition with innovation, offering the rich taste and satisfying textures of Chinese cuisine without any animal products. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to balance flavors such as sweet, sour, spicy, and umami, ensuring a well-rounded taste experience.

Beyond flavor, these recipes are nutritious and budget-friendly, using accessible ingredients like tofu, seitan, and fresh vegetables. They’re also versatile, allowing you to customize spice levels and ingredient combinations to suit your preferences.

Plus, by choosing vegan options, you’re supporting a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable planet, all while enjoying mouthwatering meals!

Ingredients

• Firm tofu – 3 blocks (14 oz each), pressed and cubed
• Seitan – 1 pound, sliced thinly
• Baby bok choy – 4 heads, halved
• Napa cabbage – 1 medium head, chopped
• Shiitake mushrooms – 1 cup, sliced
• Carrots – 3 medium, julienned
• Green onions – 6 stalks, sliced
• Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger – 2 inches, grated
• Soy sauce – 1/2 cup (use tamari for gluten-free)
• Rice vinegar – 1/4 cup
• Sesame oil – 3 tablespoons
• Maple syrup – 2 tablespoons
• Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
• Chili paste – 1 tablespoon (optional, for heat)
• Chinese five-spice powder – 1 teaspoon
• Cooked jasmine rice – for serving
• Rice noodles – 8 oz (for some recipes)
• Water chestnuts – 1 can, drained and chopped
• Snow peas – 1 cup
• Peanuts or cashews – 1/2 cup, roasted (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large wok or deep skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Steamer basket (for dumplings or buns)
• Large pot for boiling noodles or steaming
• Blender or food processor (for sauces)

Instructions

1. Prepare tofu and seitan: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes. Slice seitan into bite-sized strips.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili paste, and Chinese five-spice powder. Set aside.
3. Cook vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in the wok over medium-high heat. Add carrots, shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Add tofu and seitan: Push vegetables to the side and add tofu cubes and seitan strips. Stir-fry gently to avoid breaking tofu, allowing them to brown slightly.
5. Combine with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu, seitan, and vegetables. Mix well so everything is coated evenly.
6. Thicken the sauce: Dissolve cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of cold water, then add to the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Finish with greens: Toss in baby bok choy and napa cabbage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens are wilted but still vibrant.
8. Serve: Spoon the stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or cooked rice noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and roasted nuts for extra crunch.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke or use smoked tofu.

Variation: Swap seitan for tempeh or extra firm tofu for a different texture.

Tip: Use gluten-free tamari soy sauce and rice noodles for a gluten-free meal.

Variation: Turn this stir-fry into a soup by adding vegetable broth and simmering with noodles.

Tip: Make dumplings or bao buns using the same filling mixture for a delicious appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan Chinese dishes pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fragrant rice noodles. To complete your meal, consider serving classic Chinese appetizers such as spring rolls or hot and sour soup.

For dessert, try a refreshing fruit salad or explore vegan-friendly Asian sweets to maintain the theme. If you want more vegan recipe inspiration, check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes or the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for more noodle ideas.

21 Delicious Vegan Chinese Recipes

Vegan Mapo Tofu

• Silken tofu simmered in a spicy, savory chili bean sauce with fermented black beans and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Serve with steamed rice and sautéed greens.

Vegetable Fried Rice

• Classic fried rice loaded with diced carrots, peas, corn, green onions, and scrambled tofu replacing eggs.
• Seasoned with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil.

Vegan Dumplings

• Filled with finely chopped mushrooms, cabbage, tofu, and garlic chives.
• Steamed or pan-fried for a crispy finish.

Kung Pao Tofu

• Tofu cubes stir-fried with peanuts, bell peppers, and dried chili peppers in a tangy, spicy sauce.

Hot and Sour Soup

• A warming broth with tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and vinegar-spiked heat.

Vegan Chow Mein

• Stir-fried noodles with mixed vegetables and a slightly sweet soy sauce glaze.
• Try our Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for noodle inspiration.

Scallion Pancakes

• Flaky, savory pancakes loaded with fresh scallions and a crispy exterior.

Steamed Vegetable Buns (Bao)

• Soft, fluffy buns stuffed with seasoned mushrooms and napa cabbage.

Ma Po Eggplant

• Eggplant cooked in a spicy bean sauce with garlic and green onions.

Sweet and Sour Tofu

• Crispy tofu bites tossed in a tangy pineapple and bell pepper sauce.

Vegan Spring Rolls

• Crunchy rolls filled with shredded veggies and glass noodles, served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Szechuan Green Beans

• Green beans stir-fried with garlic, chili, and soy sauce for a spicy side dish.

Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai)

• A medley of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms braised in a savory sauce.

Wonton Soup with Vegan Filling

• Light broth with wontons filled with tofu and vegetables.

Vegan Peking Duck Wraps

• Seitan or marinated tofu strips wrapped in pancakes with hoisin sauce and scallions.

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

• Tender eggplant cooked in a spicy, tangy garlic sauce.

Stir-fried Bok Choy with Garlic

• Simple and fresh bok choy sautéed with garlic and a splash of soy sauce.

Vegan Lo Mein

• Noodles tossed with a savory sauce, tofu, and mixed vegetables.

Crispy Tofu with Black Bean Sauce

• Golden tofu cubes coated in a flavorful fermented black bean sauce.

Vegan Char Siu

• Marinated seitan or tofu in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce.

Chinese Cucumber Salad

• Refreshing cucumber slices tossed in a tangy garlic and chili dressing.

Explore more vegan-friendly Asian recipes to complement your meals. For a hearty breakfast, try our Breakfast Wellington Recipe.

If you’re looking for savory comfort foods beyond vegan dishes, the Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe offers a rich flavor experience. For unique poultry dishes, check out our Bluebill Duck Recipes.

Conclusion

These 21 vegan Chinese recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. From hearty mains to light sides and appetizers, each dish is crafted to maximize flavor and nutrition using wholesome ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these recipes will impress with their vibrant tastes and satisfying textures.

Cooking vegan Chinese food at home is not only healthy but also a wonderful way to explore one of the world’s most beloved culinary traditions in a compassionate and sustainable way. So get your wok ready, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delicious culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

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