Chinese Vegan Chicken Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Craving the bold flavors of Chinese takeout but want to keep it entirely plant-based? This Chinese vegan chicken recipe is your new go-to dish!

Crafted to mimic the texture and taste of traditional chicken using hearty, plant-based ingredients, it’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to cut down on meat without sacrificing flavor.

The crispy, golden-brown exterior paired with a savory, slightly sweet sauce will have you hooked from the first bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to customize the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste buds.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing friends with your culinary skills. Whether served over steamed rice or tossed with stir-fried veggies, this vegan chicken dish delivers a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese vegan chicken recipe is a fantastic alternative to traditional chicken dishes, offering all the delicious flavors without any animal products. Made primarily with soy protein or seitan, it replicates the texture of chicken beautifully, making it a hit even among meat-eaters.

The sauce is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami, packed with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

It’s also incredibly versatile—you can adjust the spice level or swap in your favorite vegetables for a customized stir-fry. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, and free of any animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs.

Finally, it’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal prep and cooking time, so you can enjoy restaurant-style food at home without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 200g firm tofu (pressed and drained)
• 100g vital wheat gluten (for seitan, optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Non-stick skillet or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Grater (for ginger)
• Paper towels (for pressing tofu)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Wrap the firm tofu in paper towels and press it under a heavy object for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized strips or cubes.
2. Make the vegan chicken base: In a large bowl, combine the tofu with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat the tofu evenly. If using vital wheat gluten to make seitan, mix it with water and a bit of soy sauce separately, then shape it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Heat the oil: In a non-stick skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Cook the tofu: Add the tofu pieces to the hot oil, spacing them out so they fry evenly. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable broth, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Sauté aromatics: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a teaspoon of sesame oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Combine tofu and sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes so the tofu absorbs the flavors.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

“For an even crispier texture, try double-frying the tofu or seitan pieces. This adds a delightful crunch that mimics traditional fried chicken perfectly!”

Want to switch things up? Try this recipe with store-bought vegan chicken strips for convenience.

You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet for a colorful and nutritious stir-fry.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce. For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce and substitute the vital wheat gluten with extra firm tofu or chickpea flour-based vegan chicken alternatives.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chicken pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms for a well-rounded meal.

For a lighter option, toss the vegan chicken into a fresh Asian-style salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing. Another favorite is wrapping the vegan chicken in lettuce leaves with some sliced cucumbers and a drizzle of extra sauce for a fun, handheld meal.

Looking for more plant-forward inspiration? Check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a delicious vegetable side or the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for comforting eats.

Don’t forget to try the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add a zing to your meals!

Conclusion

This Chinese vegan chicken recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of Chinese cuisine while sticking to a plant-based diet. Its crispy texture and rich, savory sauce make it an excellent choice for anyone craving a comforting yet healthy meal.

The recipe is versatile, easy to make, and packed with ingredients that nourish your body without compromising on taste.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Plus, it encourages you to experiment with vegan cooking, proving that plant-based meals can be just as exciting and flavorful as their traditional counterparts.

Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious journey to the heart of Chinese flavors right in your own kitchen!

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