Chinese Vegetarian Lemon Chicken Recipe Made Easy

If you’re craving the tangy, crispy delight of Chinese lemon chicken but want to keep it vegetarian, this Chinese Vegetarian Lemon Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly captures the essence of the classic lemon chicken with a vibrant, zesty sauce and a satisfyingly crunchy coating — all without any meat!

Made with crispy tofu or seitan as the star protein, it’s an excellent choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter, plant-based meal without sacrificing flavor.

The bright lemon sauce balances sweetness and acidity, making every bite refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a flavorful lunch, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

You’ll love how easy it is to bring restaurant-style lemon chicken right into your kitchen. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian take on Chinese lemon chicken offers all the best parts of the traditional dish while being kind to your health and the planet. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• Crispy and flavorful: The tofu/seitan gets a golden, crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the smooth lemon glaze.
• Bright and tangy sauce: The homemade lemon sauce is fresh, zesty, and just sweet enough to please any palate.
• Simple ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry already, making it convenient for a weeknight dinner.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or vegan diets by swapping soy sauce or using different plant proteins.
• Perfect for meal prep: This dish reheats well, making it an excellent option for leftovers or packed lunches.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu or seitan, pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
• Juice of 2 lemons (about ⅓ cup)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Frying pan or deep skillet
• Paper towels (for draining oil)
• Small bowl (for sauce slurry)
• Spatula or tongs
• Zester or microplane
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu or seitan: Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into 1- to 1.5-inch cubes. If using seitan, simply cut into similar-sized pieces.
2. Make the batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter. It should coat the back of a spoon but not be too runny.
3. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan until it’s about 2 inches deep and heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a tiny bit of batter in — it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
4. Coat and fry the tofu/seitan: Dip each piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the lemon sauce: In a separate pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
6. Add the liquids: Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Thicken the sauce: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8. Toss the tofu/seitan in sauce: Add the fried tofu or seitan to the pan, coating each piece evenly with the lemon sauce. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty finish.

Tips & Variations

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for the batter.

If you prefer a lighter version, try baking the battered tofu at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying.

You can also experiment with other plant-based proteins like tempeh or even cauliflower florets for a different texture.

For extra flavor complexity, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sesame oil to the lemon sauce. This will bring a subtle heat and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian lemon chicken shines when served with simple sides that let its flavors stand out. Some great ideas include:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice: A classic base that soaks up the luscious lemon sauce beautifully.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Try broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers tossed with garlic for added crunch and nutrition.
• Vegetable fried rice: For a more filling meal, serve alongside a batch of homemade fried rice.
• Asian slaw: A crisp, tangy salad with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing works well as a refreshing side.

For a fun twist, pair this dish with other vegetarian Asian-inspired recipes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or explore more hearty options such as the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe to complement your meal.

Conclusion

This Chinese Vegetarian Lemon Chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy all the vibrant flavors and textures of classic lemon chicken without any meat. It’s crispy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

The easy-to-make lemon sauce ties everything together with a bright and refreshing zing, while the battered tofu or seitan offers a hearty bite to keep you full and happy.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike. Don’t forget to try it with some steamed rice or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw for a meal that’s both balanced and bursting with flavor.

For more creative recipes, be sure to check out our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe and Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for delightful sides and desserts.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chinese Vegetarian Lemon Chicken”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful vegetarian twist on classic lemon chicken using crispy tofu. Perfectly tangy and sweet with a crunchy texture.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“400g firm tofu, pressed and sliced”, “1/2 cup cornstarch”, “1/4 cup vegetable oil”, “1/3 cup lemon juice”, “1/4 cup water”, “3 tbsp soy sauce”, “2 tbsp sugar”, “1 tbsp rice vinegar”, “1 tsp grated ginger”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)”, “2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Press tofu to remove excess water and slice into thin pieces.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Coat tofu slices evenly with cornstarch.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry tofu until golden and crispy on both sides, then drain on paper towels.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix lemon juice, water, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return tofu to the pan and toss to coat with the lemon sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and sauce is glossy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “14 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}