Chinese Veg Curry Recipes for Easy and Flavorful Meals

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Chinese vegetable curry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the best of Chinese cooking techniques with the rich, aromatic spices typical of curry dishes. This fusion results in a deliciously hearty meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, colorful plate of vegetables with a spicy kick.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and adaptable, allowing you to customize the vegetables and spice levels to suit your taste.

In this blog post, we’ll explore multiple Chinese veg curry recipes that bring out the best textures and flavors of fresh vegetables coated in a luscious curry sauce. These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with something unique yet comforting.

Ready to dive into the world of Chinese-inspired vegetable curries? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese veg curry recipes offer a delightful twist on classic curry dishes by incorporating Chinese cooking styles and ingredients. The combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and soy-based seasonings creates a complex, satisfying flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.

These recipes are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for using whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, they come together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

The curry sauce is rich but not overpowering, balancing heat and sweetness beautifully, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.

Lastly, this dish is naturally vegan and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and hearty option for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing taste. If you love experimenting with Asian-inspired flavors, these Chinese veg curry recipes are a must-try!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 green chili, sliced (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced thinly
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
  • 1 medium potato, diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup or tomato puree
  • 1 cup coconut milk or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances flavors)

Equipment

  • Large wok or deep frying pan
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater (for ginger)
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables as described above. Keep them ready for quick cooking.
  2. Heat oil in the wok: Place your wok or large pan on medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
  3. Add cumin seeds: Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
  5. Add spices: Sprinkle in the curry powder and turmeric powder. Stir well to coat the aromatics and release the spices’ fragrance.
  6. Add vegetables: Toss in the chopped cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, potato, and bell pepper. Stir fry for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.
  7. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the coconut milk (or water) and stir in soy sauce and tomato ketchup. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the flavors.
  8. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the wok. Let the curry simmer gently for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch.
  9. Add snap peas: Add the snap peas or snow peas in the last 3 minutes of cooking to retain their crispness.
  10. Final stir and garnish: Give the curry a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
  11. Serve hot: Enjoy your Chinese vegetable curry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra protein punch, try adding tofu cubes or cooked chickpeas to the curry during the simmering stage.”

If you prefer a thicker curry sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the curry in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on seasonality or preference — mushrooms, baby corn, zucchini, or even spinach work wonderfully.

For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.

Try experimenting with the spice levels by adding chili powder or fresh chili flakes if you like things hotter.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx.)
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 6 g
Fat 14 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 5 g
Sodium 480 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese veg curry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

For a more filling meal, serve alongside fried rice or chow mein noodles for an authentic Chinese dining experience at home.

Complement the dish with light sides like cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. Speaking of pickles, you might enjoy this Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a tangy contrast.

For dessert after this curry, indulge in a sweet treat like the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe, an irresistible way to cool your palate.

More Chinese Veg Curry Recipes to Try

Szechuan Style Veg Curry

This version uses Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste to create a spicy, numbing effect. It’s perfect if you love bold, fiery flavors!

Thai-Inspired Chinese Veg Curry

Incorporate Thai red curry paste and fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbaceous twist to your Chinese veg curry.

Chinese Cashew Veg Curry

Add roasted cashews for crunch and richness, along with a splash of hoisin sauce to deepen the flavor profile.

Chinese Coconut Curry with Tofu

This creamy curry combines tofu and coconut milk with Chinese five-spice powder for a comforting and protein-rich dish.

Conclusion

Chinese veg curry recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal that celebrates the fusion of Chinese and Indian culinary traditions. The fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and rich curry sauce come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, yet light enough for everyday meals.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with the variations above, you’ll find that Chinese veg curry is endlessly adaptable and perfect for all seasons. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site, like the comforting Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe to round out your cooking repertoire.

Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!

📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Veg Curry

Description: A flavorful Chinese-style vegetable curry combining fresh veggies with aromatic spices. Quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds until they splutter.
  2. Add onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili; sauté until onions are translucent.
  3. Add curry powder, turmeric, chili powder and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
  5. Add all vegetables and mix well.
  6. Pour water, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  7. Add soy sauce and salt; stir well.
  8. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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