Chinese Vegetarian Mock Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Chinese vegetarian mock chicken recipes offer a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional poultry dishes, perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine without meat. These recipes often use plant-based ingredients such as soy protein, seitan, or tofu, skillfully mimicking the texture and taste of chicken while keeping the dish wholesome and light.

With the right combination of sauces, spices, and cooking techniques, vegetarian mock chicken dishes can be just as satisfying and flavorful as their meat counterparts.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply exploring meatless meals, these recipes bring vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and mouthwatering textures to your table. Plus, they’re great for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate creative, health-conscious cooking.

Let’s dive into some fantastic Chinese vegetarian mock chicken recipes that will surely become favorites in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese vegetarian mock chicken recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy comforting and familiar flavors without compromising your dietary preferences. These dishes are packed with protein from plant-based sources, making them both nutritious and filling.

With the versatility of ingredients like soy curls, wheat gluten, or tofu, you can replicate the chewy, tender texture of chicken. The bold and fragrant seasonings such as ginger, garlic, and soy sauce create an authentic Chinese taste experience that everyone will love.

Additionally, these recipes are easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spice levels, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, they come together quickly, which means you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried soy curls (or 300g seitan/wheat gluten)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Slotted spoon or strainer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Rehydrate the soy curls: Place the dried soy curls in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes until they soften. Drain and gently squeeze out excess water.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and vegetable broth. Set aside.
  3. Heat the wok: Add the vegetable oil and warm over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and broccoli florets to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
  5. Add the soy curls: Toss the rehydrated soy curls into the wok and stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and get slightly golden.
  6. Pour the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the soy curls and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  7. Thicken the sauce: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and add it to the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients nicely, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish, give it a final toss, and remove from heat.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For even more authentic texture, try steaming the soy curls or seitan for a few minutes before frying to firm them up.

Variation: Swap out broccoli and bell peppers for snow peas, baby corn, or shiitake mushrooms to add different textures and flavors to your mock chicken stir-fry.

You can also experiment with the sauce by adding chili paste or fresh chilies if you like a bit of heat. For a sweeter touch, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to balance the savory notes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 15g
Fat 9g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 550mg

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese vegetarian mock chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a classic meal. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

To round out the meal, consider serving with a light Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup. If you’re looking for more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for exciting sides and condiments.

Conclusion

Chinese vegetarian mock chicken recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine while keeping your meals plant-based and nutritious. These dishes offer the perfect blend of texture, aroma, and taste, making them satisfying for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a delicious mock chicken stir-fry in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Plus, the flexibility to customize with your favorite vegetables and sauces makes this recipe adaptable to any palate.

If you’re eager to explore more hearty and flavorful dishes, don’t miss our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, a savory option for those who enjoy unique comfort food. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every bite of these delightful vegetarian creations!

📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Vegetarian Mock Chicken

Description: A flavorful and healthy vegetarian alternative to traditional Chinese chicken dishes using soy-based mock chicken. Perfectly stir-fried with vegetables and savory sauces for a satisfying meal.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g soy-based mock chicken strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add mock chicken strips and cook until lightly browned.
  4. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  5. Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, then pour into the wok.
  6. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
  7. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce is glossy and vegetables are tender-crisp.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Marta K

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