Chinese Food Recipes With Pictures Veg Made Easy

Chinese vegetarian cuisine offers a vibrant and flavorful way to enjoy the rich traditions of Chinese cooking without meat. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these recipes capture the essence of authentic Chinese flavors with fresh vegetables, bold spices, and umami-packed sauces.

From stir-fries to noodle dishes, the variety is vast and exciting, making it easy to enjoy healthy, colorful, and satisfying meals any day of the week. In this post, we’ll explore several delicious Chinese vegetarian recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions and pictures to guide you through each dish.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these recipes will bring a little taste of China right into your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese vegetarian recipes are bursting with flavors and textures, combining fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and savory sauces that create a perfect balance. These dishes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and easy to prepare.

Using common pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip up a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. Plus, they’re highly customizable—swap ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

These recipes allow you to enjoy authentic Chinese tastes while keeping meals light and healthy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these dishes will impress with their simplicity and depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu – 400g, cubed
• Broccoli florets – 2 cups
• Carrots – 2 medium, thinly sliced
• Bell peppers – 1 red and 1 yellow, sliced
• Snow peas – 1 cup
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced
• Green onions – 3, chopped
• Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
• Oyster sauce (vegetarian) – 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
• Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Cooked jasmine rice or noodles – to serve
• Chili flakes (optional) – 1 teaspoon

Equipment

• Wok or large non-stick skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Serving plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu and press out excess water using paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. Cook the tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add remaining vegetable oil to the wok. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add vegetables: Add the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
6. Combine everything: Return the tofu to the wok. Pour the sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly.
7. Thicken the sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the wok. Stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and chili flakes (if using) on top. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add water chestnuts or bamboo shoots. Substitute tofu with tempeh for a nuttier flavor.

Use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce for a sweeter taste. Adjust vegetable selection based on seasonal availability or personal preference.

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your vegetarian oyster sauce is gluten-free. For a spicier kick, add fresh sliced chilies or a dash of Szechuan peppercorn powder.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This colorful stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. For a more filling meal, serve alongside Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or a side of Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe.

A light soup or crisp cucumber salad would also complement the meal well.

Additional Chinese Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Vegetable Fried Rice

A classic dish that’s quick and easy to customize with your favorite veggies and tofu or egg substitute.

• Ingredients: Cooked rice, peas, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, scrambled tofu.
• Instructions: Stir-fry vegetables and tofu, add rice and sauces, then toss until heated through.

Mapo Tofu (Vegetarian Version)

This spicy Sichuan favorite can be made vegetarian by using mushrooms instead of meat and adding chili bean paste for heat.

• Ingredients: Silken tofu, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, chili bean paste, soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns.
• Instructions: Sauté mushrooms and aromatics, add tofu and sauce, simmer until flavors meld.

Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai)

A traditional Buddhist vegetarian stew featuring a medley of vegetables, tofu, and sometimes gluten-based “meats.”

• Ingredients: Napa cabbage, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots, tofu, soy sauce, vegetable broth.
• Instructions: Simmer all ingredients together until tender and flavorful.

Why These Recipes Are Perfect for You

Each recipe brings out the best of Chinese vegetable cooking—simple to prepare, nutritious, and delicious. Whether craving something quick like fried rice or a comforting stew like Buddha’s Delight, these dishes offer variety and satisfaction.

Plus, they’re great for meal prep and can be adjusted to fit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Conclusion

Embracing Chinese vegetarian cooking opens up a world of delicious and healthy meals that are as beautiful as they are tasty. These recipes showcase the versatility of vegetables and tofu in classic Chinese styles, allowing you to enjoy bold flavors without meat.

With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, you can confidently prepare meals that nourish your body and delight your palate. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or spices to make these dishes your own.

For more inspiring recipes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese. Happy cooking and enjoy your culinary journey into vegetarian Chinese cuisine!

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