Chinese New Year Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Ideas

Chinese New Year is a vibrant celebration filled with joy, family gatherings, and most importantly, delicious food that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and health. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to explore plant-based dishes during this festive season, there are plenty of traditional recipes that can be made completely vegan without sacrificing flavor or authenticity.

From crispy spring rolls to savory dumplings and flavorful stir-fries, these Chinese New Year vegan recipes are sure to impress your guests and bring good fortune to your table.

In this blog post, we’ll share some of the best vegan-friendly Chinese New Year recipes that combine tradition with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to try something new this lunar new year, these recipes are easy to follow and packed with vibrant flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chinese New Year vegan recipes are bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients that are both nourishing and satisfying. Using vegetables, tofu, and aromatic spices, each dish is designed to bring a harmonious balance of taste and texture to your festive table.

Health-conscious and family-friendly, these recipes avoid any animal products without compromising on the rich flavors characteristic of Chinese cuisine. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be adapted to your personal taste or dietary needs.

By preparing these dishes, you also honor the spirit of the Chinese New Year — bringing abundance, good luck, and happiness to your home through mindful and delicious food.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu – 400 grams, pressed and cubed
• Napa cabbage – 2 cups shredded
• Shiitake mushrooms – 1 cup sliced
• Carrots – 2 medium, julienned
• Green onions – 4 stalks, chopped
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1 tablespoon, finely grated
• Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons (use tamari for gluten-free)
• Sesame oil – 2 teaspoons
• Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
• Vegan spring roll wrappers – 12 sheets
• Water chestnuts – 1/2 cup, chopped (optional, for crunch)
• Cooked vermicelli noodles – 1 cup, soaked and drained (optional)
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Chili garlic sauce – for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Wok or large skillet
• Spring roll rolling surface (clean countertop or cutting board)
• Small bowl with water (for sealing spring rolls)
• Paper towels or clean kitchen towels
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add mushrooms and vegetables: Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms, shredded napa cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften but still retain some crunch.
3. Incorporate tofu and noodles: Crumble the pressed tofu into the wok and add the soaked vermicelli noodles if using. Stir everything together gently to combine.
4. Season the mixture: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
5. Assemble the spring rolls: Place a spring roll wrapper on your rolling surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near one corner of the wrapper. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal. Use water to moisten the final edge and seal the roll. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook the spring rolls: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the spring rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot: Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve with chili garlic sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a healthier twist, you can bake the spring rolls instead of frying. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden.

You can substitute tofu with tempeh or even cooked lentils for a different texture and protein boost. Feel free to add other veggies such as bell peppers, bean sprouts, or bamboo shoots depending on your preference.

Don’t forget to experiment with dipping sauces! A simple mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup or hoisin sauce makes a delicious complement.

For extra zest, add chopped fresh chili or garlic.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan spring rolls are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them alongside a vibrant vegetable stir-fry or a comforting bowl of hot and sour soup for a complete Chinese New Year feast.

Pair with jasmine rice or fried rice made with tofu and plenty of fresh greens for a filling main course. For dessert, explore other plant-based delights like vegan mango pudding or fresh fruit platters.

Want to expand your festive menu? Check out other creative recipes such as Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, or dive into sweet treats like the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe to finish your meal on a high note.

Conclusion

Celebrating Chinese New Year with vegan recipes is a wonderful way to embrace health, sustainability, and tradition all at once. These plant-based dishes honor the symbolic meanings of the holiday while offering vibrant, delicious flavors that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these recipes provide an accessible and festive way to welcome the new year with positivity and taste. From crispy spring rolls to warm, savory stir-fries, you can create a memorable feast that brings family and friends together around the table.

Don’t forget to explore more recipes on the blog to complement your celebration, like the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for non-vegan friends or the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for an exciting side.

Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year filled with good food and great company!

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