Chinese Vegetarian Recipes Singapore: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Singapore’s vibrant food scene is a melting pot of cultures, and Chinese vegetarian recipes hold a special place in this culinary tapestry. Whether you’re a devoted vegetarian or simply looking to explore wholesome, plant-based dishes, Chinese vegetarian cuisine in Singapore offers a delicious variety of flavors, textures, and aromas.

These recipes emphasize fresh vegetables, tofu, and traditional seasonings that deliver satisfying meals without compromising on taste. In this post, we’ll explore some beloved Chinese vegetarian recipes popular in Singapore, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

From hearty stir-fries to delicate dim sum alternatives, these dishes are simple to prepare and bursting with authentic flavor.

Get ready to dive into a world of savory, colorful, and nutritious meals that celebrate the art of vegetarian cooking in a Chinese style – all with a modern Singaporean twist!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These Chinese vegetarian recipes from Singapore are perfect for anyone craving vibrant, healthy meals without meat. They are:

• Rich in flavor: Using traditional Chinese seasonings and fresh ingredients, these dishes are packed with umami and aromatic spices.
• Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms, they provide essential vitamins and plant-based proteins.
• Easy to prepare: With accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, these recipes suit both beginners and experienced cooks.
• Versatile: Ideal for family meals, festive occasions, or even a quick weekday dinner.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu – 400g, cut into cubes
• Shiitake mushrooms – 150g, sliced
• Bok choy – 2 stalks, chopped
• Carrots – 1 medium, julienned
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1 tbsp, minced
• Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
• Oyster mushroom sauce (vegetarian) – 2 tbsp
• Sesame oil – 1 tbsp
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
• Spring onions – 2, chopped
• Water chestnuts – 100g, sliced (optional for crunch)
• Cornstarch – 1 tsp (for thickening)
• Water – 50ml
• White pepper – a pinch
• Salt – to taste

Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Plate for draining tofu
• Chopping board

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu well and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 2 cm cubes and lightly pan-fry in 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics: In the same wok, add the remaining vegetable oil. Stir-fry the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add mushrooms and vegetables: Toss in the shiitake mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, and water chestnuts (if using). Stir-fry on high heat for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
4. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and water. Stir well.
5. Combine tofu and sauce: Return the tofu to the wok and pour the sauce mixture over. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Thicken the sauce: Dissolve the cornstarch in 50 ml water and pour into the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Final touches: Adjust salt to taste and sprinkle with chopped spring onions. Give a final gentle toss and remove from heat.
8. Serve hot: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, try adding bamboo shoots or baby corn into the stir-fry.

To make this dish even more authentic, marinate the tofu in a mix of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for 15 minutes before frying. This adds depth of flavor.

If you prefer a spicier version, add a few slices of fresh chili or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce when stir-frying the aromatics.

For a heartier meal, include fried vermicelli or serve alongside Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a wholesome vegetable side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese vegetarian stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. For a noodle alternative, serve alongside garlic fried noodles or a simple bowl of hot congee to complement the flavors.

Consider serving with light sides such as steamed dumplings or vegetarian spring rolls to create a diverse, satisfying spread. For dessert, you might want to try a refreshing Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for a unique end to your meal.

More Chinese Vegetarian Recipes From Singapore

Vegetarian Sweet and Sour “Fish”

This creative dish uses tofu and konjac to mimic the texture of fish, coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.

• Firm tofu – 300g, pressed and sliced
• Konjac cubes – 100g (optional)
• Bell peppers – 1 red, sliced
• Pineapple chunks – 100g
• Sweet and sour sauce – made from ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce

Instructions: Shallow fry tofu slices until crisp, stir-fry peppers, add pineapple and sauce, then combine all. Serve with steamed rice.

Mock Meat “Char Siu” with Stir-Fried Greens

A vegetarian take on the famous Cantonese BBQ pork, using seitan or soy-based mock meat.

• Mock meat strips – 250g
• Char siu marinade (hoisin, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder)
• Baby bok choy or kai lan – 200g

Instructions: Marinate mock meat for 1 hour, pan-fry until caramelized. Stir-fry greens with garlic and a splash of soy sauce.

Serve together.

Vegetarian Lotus Leaf Rice (Lo Mai Gai)

This steamed sticky rice dish is packed with mushrooms, chestnuts, and vegetarian “meat” wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves.

• Glutinous rice – 200g, soaked
• Dried shiitake mushrooms – 5, soaked and chopped
• Chestnuts – 50g, cooked and chopped
• Vegetarian chicken pieces or tofu
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and five spice
• Lotus leaves – soaked and cleaned

Instructions: Mix all ingredients with seasonings, wrap in lotus leaves, and steam for 45 minutes.

For more inspiration on vegetarian meals, check out our Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a sweet ending or explore the creative Personalized Recipe Book Stand to organize all your favorite recipes.

Conclusion

Chinese vegetarian recipes in Singapore beautifully blend tradition with modern dietary preferences, offering dishes that are both nutritious and deeply flavorful. By using fresh vegetables, tofu, and authentic sauces, these meals provide satisfying alternatives to meat-based dishes without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these recipes bring the warm, comforting essence of Chinese cuisine right to your table.

Experiment with these dishes and adapt them to your personal taste, adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Don’t forget to pair them with delicious sides and enjoy the vibrant culinary culture Singapore has to offer.

Happy cooking!

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