Chinese Vegetarian Fish Recipes for Delicious Meatless Meals

Chinese vegetarian fish recipes offer a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and plant-based innovation. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to reduce your seafood intake, these recipes provide a tasty alternative that mimics the texture and taste of fish using wholesome ingredients like tofu, konjac, or seitan.

Balancing the umami richness of soy sauce, the fragrant aroma of ginger and garlic, and the subtle sweetness of hoisin or plum sauce, these dishes are perfect for anyone craving the essence of Chinese seafood without compromising dietary choices.

In this post, we’ll explore several popular Chinese vegetarian fish recipes, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to enhance your cooking experience. From crispy fried “fish” fillets to savory steamed versions, these recipes are guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Let’s dive into the world of Chinese vegetarian fish and discover how to bring this unique cuisine to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese vegetarian fish recipes combine the best of both worlds: authentic Chinese flavors and plant-based nutrition. These dishes are:

• Deliciously versatile – perfect for dinners or special occasions
• Healthy and low in fat – thanks to plant-based ingredients and minimal oil use
• Easy to prepare even if you’re new to vegetarian cooking
• Impressively authentic – capturing the texture and umami flavor reminiscent of real fish
• Great for sharing – a wonderful meatless option for gatherings and potlucks

Plus, these recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine while supporting sustainable and ethical eating habits.

Ingredients

Vegetarian Fish Fillets

• 200g firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water)
• 100g konjac (yam cake) or seitan, sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Sauce

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Non-stick frying pan or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or slotted spoon
• Small saucepan for sauce
• Paper towels (for draining oil)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Once dry, slice it into thin fillet-like pieces.
2. Marinate the “fish”: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and white pepper. Add tofu and konjac slices and gently toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
3. Coat the pieces: Lightly dust the marinated tofu and konjac slices with cornstarch. This will help create a crispy outer layer when fried.
4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a pan to about 1/4 inch depth and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
5. Fry the “fish”: Carefully place the coated slices into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, heat a teaspoon of oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
8. Plate and serve: Arrange the fried “fish” fillets on a serving dish and drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with chopped spring onions for freshness and color.

Tips & Variations

“For an even more authentic texture, try freezing and thawing the tofu before marinating, as this creates a meatier, chewier consistency.”

• Steamed version: Skip frying and steam tofu and konjac slices after marinating. Drizzle sauce over and garnish for a lighter dish.
• Use seaweed: Add finely chopped nori or kelp flakes to the marinade for a subtle ocean flavor.
• Extra crunch: After coating with cornstarch, dip the fillets in plant-based milk and then in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
• Spicy kick: Add chili oil or fresh sliced chilies to the sauce for heat.
• Try alternative “fish” bases: Use hearts of palm or young jackfruit for a different texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese vegetarian fish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), or sautéed snow peas for added crunch and nutrition.

For a festive family dinner, try serving it with hot and sour soup or a light egg drop soup starter. If you enjoy experimenting, check out other delicious recipes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or add a tangy side with Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

More Chinese Vegetarian Fish Recipes to Explore

Crispy Tofu “Fish” with Sweet and Sour Sauce

This recipe features tofu cut into fish-shaped pieces, battered, and fried to golden perfection. The sweet and sour sauce adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the crispy tofu beautifully.

Ingredients

• 250g firm tofu
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the sauce: 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Cut tofu into fish fillet shapes and pat dry.
2. Mix flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water to make a light batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dip tofu pieces in batter and fry until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a saucepan, combine sauce ingredients and simmer until thickened.
6. Pour sauce over fried tofu and serve immediately.

Steamed Vegetarian Fish with Ginger and Scallions

This light, healthy version uses marinated tofu steamed to tender perfection and topped with a fragrant ginger and scallion sauce. It’s a classic Chinese preparation adapted for vegetarians.

Ingredients

• 300g firm tofu
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 3 spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Slice tofu into fillet shapes and marinate with soy sauce and sesame oil for 20 minutes.
2. Place tofu on a steaming plate and steam for 10-12 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a small pan, add ginger and half the spring onions, sauté briefly.
4. Pour the hot oil mixture over the steamed tofu, garnish with remaining spring onions, and serve.

Vegetarian Fish Balls in Spicy Sichuan Sauce

Using mashed tofu and konjac, these fish balls are pan-fried and served in a spicy, numbing Sichuan chili sauce for a bold flavor experience.

Ingredients

• 200g firm tofu, mashed
• 100g konjac, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• For the sauce: 2 tbsp chili oil, 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorn, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 garlic clove minced

Instructions

1. Mix mashed tofu, konjac, cornstarch, and soy sauce into a dough.
2. Form into small balls and pan-fry until golden.
3. In a separate pan, heat chili oil and add garlic, Sichuan peppercorn, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add fish balls to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve hot.

For more inspiration on meatless meals, you might enjoy our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or cool down with a sweet treat like the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

Conclusion

Chinese vegetarian fish recipes perfectly blend traditional Chinese flavors with innovative plant-based ingredients, making them a delicious and sustainable choice for every cook. Whether you prefer crispy fried fillets, delicate steamed tofu, or spicy Sichuan-style fish balls, these recipes offer something for everyone.

They’re not only flavorful and satisfying but also easy to prepare with common ingredients found in most supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.

Beyond the taste, these dishes open doors to exploring vegetarian Chinese cuisine in creative ways. So, gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and enjoy the wonderful experience of making vegetarian fish dishes at home.

For more exciting recipes, don’t forget to check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. Happy cooking!

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