Chinese Curry Sauce Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Chinese curry sauce is a delightful fusion of rich spices and savory flavors that complements a variety of dishes perfectly. Whether drizzled over stir-fried vegetables, tofu, or rice, this vegan Chinese curry sauce offers a comforting and aromatic experience that’s both easy to make and incredibly versatile.

Unlike traditional Indian curries, Chinese curry tends to be milder and subtly sweet, making it ideal for those who enjoy gentle warmth without overwhelming heat.

This vegan recipe is crafted with wholesome ingredients, free from any animal products, ensuring it’s suitable for anyone following a plant-based lifestyle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a flavorful homemade sauce.

Plus, with a few simple pantry staples, you can whip this sauce up in no time and customize it to your liking. Ready to add a new favorite to your cooking repertoire?

Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Chinese curry sauce stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and fast to prepare, requiring just basic ingredients you likely have on hand.

Its rich, smooth texture and balanced flavor profile—a mix of savory, mildly sweet, and mildly spicy—make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also highly versatile, pairing well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or tofu.

Another reason to love it is how nutritious and allergy-friendly it is. Completely vegan and free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, this sauce suits a wide range of dietary needs.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal without compromising on taste or ethics.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons mild curry powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or wok
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
  • Grater for ginger

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in your saucepan or wok over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Sprinkle in the curry powder and stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and bring out their flavor.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste and sugar, stirring thoroughly to blend everything into a rich base.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  6. Stir in the coconut milk and continue simmering gently for another 3-4 minutes. This will add creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
  7. In a small bowl, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth. Slowly pour this into the simmering curry sauce while stirring continuously.
  8. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in toasted sesame oil if using, for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
  10. Serve hot over your favorite vegan stir-fry, rice, or noodles.

Tips & Variations

“Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chili if you prefer a spicier curry sauce.”

For a heartier sauce, try adding diced potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers while simmering with the broth. You can also blend the sauce with an immersion blender for a smoother texture, perfect for drizzling over steamed vegetables.

Switch up the coconut milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind this may affect the creaminess slightly. For gluten-free options, always choose tamari instead of soy sauce.

If you want a smoky undertone, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. For more umami, a teaspoon of mushroom powder or nutritional yeast can be stirred in just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories 120 kcal
Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 6g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 3g
Protein 1g
Sodium 400mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Chinese curry sauce pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. Drizzle it over stir-fried tofu and vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers for a colorful plate.

It also works wonders as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or crispy vegetable fritters.

For a quick weeknight dinner, toss cooked noodles in this curry sauce and top with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. You can even use it as a flavorful base for a vegetable curry stew, adding chickpeas or your favorite legumes for extra protein.

Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your plant-based dishes? Try the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vibrant side, or indulge in the sweet treat of our Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe to finish your meal on a high note.

Conclusion

This vegan Chinese curry sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your cooking arsenal. Its rich aroma, creamy texture, and balanced spices make it a perfect companion for a wide array of vegan dishes.

By using everyday pantry ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality sauce that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or planning a more elaborate feast, this sauce will elevate your meals with its comforting warmth and delightful taste. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Chinese curry in a vegan, wholesome form.

For more savory recipes, don’t miss our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add a tangy kick to your dishes.

📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Curry Sauce Recipe Vegan

Description: A flavorful and easy-to-make vegan Chinese curry sauce perfect for stir-fries and rice. This sauce combines aromatic spices with a creamy texture for a delicious meal enhancer.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add soy sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
  5. Mix in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in coconut milk and heat through.
  7. Adjust salt to taste and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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