Chinese Vegetarian Chicken Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Chinese vegetarian chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that offers the nostalgic taste of traditional Chinese chicken recipes without any meat. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption, this recipe uses plant-based chicken alternatives and fresh vegetables to create a satisfying meal.

The dish is bursting with savory umami flavors, balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice, making it an irresistible choice for dinner or a special occasion.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned pro, this Chinese vegetarian chicken recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the familiar textures and tastes we love in Chinese cuisine, all while embracing wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

Keep reading to discover why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the comforting, familiar flavors of Chinese chicken dishes and the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Using soy-based vegetarian chicken strips or seitan, the dish provides a protein-rich alternative that’s both chewy and satisfying.

The sauce is perfectly balanced with savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic and ginger, and just the right amount of sweetness from hoisin sauce. Plus, the stir-fried vegetables add vibrant color, texture, and nutrition.

It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Additionally, this dish is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice levels. It’s also a great introduction to vegetarian Chinese cooking for those who may be hesitant to try meat alternatives.

Ingredients

• 200g vegetarian chicken strips (soy-based or seitan)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 spring onions, chopped for garnish
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the onion, bell pepper, and carrot into thin strips. Chop the spring onions and mince the garlic and ginger. Separate the broccoli into small florets for even cooking.
2. Heat the vegetable oil: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add the onion and vegetables: Toss in the sliced onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Cook the vegetarian chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the vegetarian chicken strips. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, allowing them to brown lightly and heat through.
6. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the vegetarian chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly.
7. Thicken the sauce: Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Season and garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
9. Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, served over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your vegetarian chicken alternative is gluten-free.

You can easily customize this dish by swapping out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini all work wonderfully.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chili flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or cashews on top before serving.

To make this recipe vegan, double-check that the vegetarian chicken substitute and hoisin sauce contain no animal products.

Interested in more flavorful vegetarian recipes? Try our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a comforting side dish or the Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe for a unique vegetable casserole.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese vegetarian chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside egg noodles or rice noodles for a more traditional Chinese experience.

For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of steamed bok choy or with a side of crunchy Asian slaw. Add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle some fresh cilantro to brighten the flavors.

Want to complete your meal with a refreshing drink? Try pairing it with a chilled jasmine tea or a light cucumber-mint infused water.

Conclusion

This Chinese vegetarian chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine without the meat. It’s packed with protein, colorful vegetables, and a mouthwatering sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

The recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.

By incorporating plant-based chicken alternatives, you can enjoy the familiar textures and tastes that everyone loves, while embracing a healthier and more sustainable way of eating. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just trying to eat more plants, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Don’t forget to explore other fantastic recipes like our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or the tangy and spicy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to keep your meals exciting and flavorful!

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