Broccoli Main Dish Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

Broccoli is often celebrated as a nutritious side vegetable, but its versatility makes it a fantastic main dish star, especially in vegan cooking. Whether you’re seeking a hearty dinner or a light yet satisfying lunch, broccoli-based vegan main dishes offer a wonderful blend of flavors, textures, and health benefits.

Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, broccoli pairs beautifully with a variety of plant-based ingredients to create meals that are both nourishing and delicious. From creamy casseroles to vibrant stir-fries and comforting bowls, these recipes highlight broccoli’s ability to shine front and center in your culinary creations.

In this post, you’ll discover three delightful vegan broccoli main dish recipes that are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, you’ll find tips, nutritional insights, and serving suggestions to elevate your broccoli dishes to the next level.

Ready to turn this humble vegetable into your next favorite meal? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Broccoli main dishes in vegan form are not only packed with nutrition but also incredibly versatile and satisfying. These recipes are designed to accommodate busy lifestyles with quick preparation times and simple ingredients.

Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these dishes deliver on both taste and health. They balance the natural earthiness of broccoli with bold spices, creamy sauces, and crunchy textures, making each bite exciting.

Plus, these recipes are budget-friendly, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy wholesome vegan meals all week long.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, about 4 cups for each recipe
• Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• Firm tofu: 1 block (14 oz), pressed and cubed
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves: 3, minced
• Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper: 1 large, sliced
• Coconut milk: 1 cup, full fat for creaminess
• Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
• Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons
• Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
• Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Cashews: 1/2 cup, soaked (for creamy sauce)
• Cooked quinoa or brown rice: 2 cups (optional, for serving)
• Fresh herbs: cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Medium mixing bowl
• Blender or food processor
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or strainer
• Large pot for steaming or boiling broccoli (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you prefer a softer texture, steam or boil the broccoli for 3-5 minutes until just tender, then drain well.
2. Make the creamy cashew sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, coconut milk, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add tofu and chickpeas: Gently stir in cubed tofu and rinsed chickpeas. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing tofu to brown slightly and chickpeas to warm through.
5. Combine broccoli and sauce: Add the prepared broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour the cashew-coconut sauce over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
6. Simmer and season: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add soy sauce or tamari, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

“To enhance the umami flavor, try adding a teaspoon of nutritional yeast to the cashew sauce. It adds a cheesy depth without dairy!”

• Swap the tofu: Use tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add fresh chopped chili or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Ensure your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free or substitute with coconut aminos.
• Make it a casserole: Layer broccoli, chickpeas, tofu, and sauce in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan broccoli main dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a fresh, tangy complement. Alternatively, serve it alongside warm crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal.

For those who love hearty bowls, try serving over a bed of steamed brown rice or quinoa, topped with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This adds texture and richness to your plate.

Looking for a snack or appetizer to go with your meal? Check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for some delightful options that suit any occasion.

Conclusion

Broccoli is much more than a simple side dish when it comes to vegan cooking. These main dish recipes showcase its versatility and ability to absorb vibrant flavors, making it a star on your dinner table.

With creamy sauces, hearty proteins like tofu and chickpeas, and fresh aromatics, these dishes are perfect for anyone wanting to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these recipes provide nourishing, satisfying meals that highlight the best of plant-based eating. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables, spices, and grains to make the dishes your own.

For more inspiring recipes, you might also enjoy our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food, which is equally packed with wholesome veggies and flavor.

Enjoy your culinary journey with broccoli as a vibrant, delicious, and nutritious centerpiece in your vegan meals!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry with Tofu”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and nutritious vegan main dish featuring crisp broccoli and protein-rich tofu. Quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets”, “14 oz firm tofu, drained and cubed”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 tablespoon cornstarch”, “2 tablespoons water”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Press tofu to remove excess moisture and cut into cubes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix soy sauce, maple syrup, and cornstarch with water; set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and saut\u00e9 tofu until golden, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove tofu and set aside; add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to pan and cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add broccoli and bell pepper, stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return tofu to pan and pour sauce over; cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “18g”, “fatContent”: “15g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}