40 Best Asian Vegetarian Recipes (Healthy & Delicious)

Many people think that there are no Asian vegetarian recipes out there because seafood is the primary component.

However, it’s not true because there is a fair share of Asian vegetarian recipes that you can enjoy by mixing and matching the ingredients.

What’s best about these recipes is that they are healthy and vegan friendly, so you don’t have to miss them only because you’re on a diet.

So, if you don’t mind getting yourself in the kitchen, we say wear the apron because you’re going to need it!

Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

This is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the rich, umami flavors of teriyaki sauce with the satisfying texture of tofu and an array of crisp vegetables.

Cubes of tofu are marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce, and then stir fried until golden brown.

Along with the tofu, a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are added to the stir fry.

The combination of sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, tender tofu, and crunchy vegetables creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Thai Green Curry with Vegetables

Thai Green Curry with Vegetables is a vibrant and aromatic dish that showcases the bold flavors of Thai cuisine.

It features a fragrant green curry paste made from herbs and spices such as lemongrass, green chilies, ginger, and Thai basil.

The curry paste is cooked with fresh vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and bamboo shoots, creating a colorful and nutrient packed dish.

The vegetables absorb the flavors of the curry, resulting in a satisfying and aromatic curry that is both spicy and creamy.

Kimchi Fried Rice

This is a popular Korean dish that transforms leftover rice and tangy kimchi into a delicious meal. Kimchi brings a tangy and spicy flavor to the fried rice.

The dish is typically made by stir frying cooked rice with kimchi, along with other ingredients like diced vegetables, tofu, and soy sauce.

The result is a flavorful and comforting fried rice dish with a hint of heat and a delightful tanginess from the kimchi.

Kimchi Fried Rice can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or accompanied by a fried egg on top for added richness and texture.

Vegetable Pad Thai

Vegetable Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food dish that combines stir fried rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce.

Thin rice noodles are soaked, and then stir fried with an assortment of vegetables like bean sprouts, carrots, and scallions.

The noodles are coated in a flavorful sauce made from tamarind paste, soy sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.

The result is a vibrant and aromatic dish with a combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

General Tso’s Cauliflower

General Tso’s Cauliflower is a vegetarian twist on the classic General Tso’s Chicken, which is a popular Chinese American dish.

Instead of chicken, crispy cauliflower florets are coated in a sticky and slightly spicy sauce.

The cauliflower is first battered and fried until crispy, then tossed in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and chili paste.

The result is a delightful combination of crispy cauliflower with a bold and tangy sauce that has a hint of sweetness.

Miso Soup with Tofu and Vegetables

It’s a traditional Japanese soup that is both nourishing and comforting. It is typically made with a base of miso paste that lends a rich umami flavor.

To make Miso Soup with Tofu and Vegetables, the miso paste is dissolved in a broth, usually made from kombu (seaweed) and dried bonito flakes.

Cubes of tofu, mushrooms, and finely chopped vegetables like green onions and seaweed are added to the soup, creating a hearty and nutritious dish.

Miso Soup is often served as a starter or enjoyed as a light meal on its own.

Vegetarian Sushi Rolls

Vegetarian Sushi Rolls, also known as Makizushi or Norimaki, are a popular Japanese dish made with seasoned sushi rice and a variety of fresh vegetables.

The filling for vegetarian sushi rolls can vary but often includes ingredients like cucumber, avocado, carrot, and pickled radish.

These ingredients are carefully wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed) along with the sushi rice.

Vegetarian sushi rolls are served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, providing a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Vegetable Spring Rolls are a refreshing and light appetizer commonly found in many Asian cuisines, such as Vietnamese and Thai.

These spring rolls are made by wrapping a combination of fresh vegetables like lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and herbs in rice paper wrappers.

The result is a crunchy and vibrant roll that is typically served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.

The sauce, made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic, adds a savory and slightly tangy element to the spring rolls.

Veggie Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)

Veggie Bibimbap is a delicious and colorful Korean dish that consists of a bowl of steamed rice topped with an assortment of seasoned vegetables.

The vegetables used in Bibimbap can vary but often include sautéed spinach, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Each vegetable is prepared separately and seasoned with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.

The vegetables are arranged on top of the rice in a visually appealing manner and are garnished with a sunny-side-up egg, sesame seeds, and Gochujang.

Indian Inspired Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant rice dish that originated in India. It combines aromatic basmati rice with a medley of vegetables and a blend of spices.

The vegetables used in Vegetable Biryani can include potatoes, carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions.

The rice and vegetables are cooked together with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, creating a savory and aromatic dish.

Vegetable Biryani is often garnished with fried onions, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are refreshing rolls filled with a combination of rice noodles, fresh herbs, vegetables, and sometimes tofu or tempeh.

The filling ingredients, such as lettuce, mint leaves, cilantro, cucumber, and bean sprouts, are wrapped in a translucent rice paper wrapper.

The rolls are typically served with a dipping sauce, like a peanut hoisin sauce or a nuoc cham sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili.

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls offer a burst of flavors and textures, making them a popular appetizer or light meal option.

Thai Coconut Curry Noodles

Thai Coconut Curry Noodles is a fragrant and comforting dish that originates from Northern Thailand.

The curry paste, made from a blend of spices, chili, and aromatics, is simmered with coconut milk to create a luscious base.

The noodles are cooked & ladled into bowls, topped with the curry broth, and garnished with fried noodles, herbs, lime wedges, and pickled mustard greens.

Thai Coconut Curry Noodles offer a satisfying and flavorful experience with a harmonious balance of spiciness, creaminess, and tanginess.

Mapo Tofu (Spicy Tofu with Szechuan Sauce)

Mapo Tofu is a classic Chinese dish known for its spicy and numbing flavors.

It features cubes of tofu cooked in a savory and spicy sauce made with doubanjiang, Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

The dish often includes minced mushrooms or other vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Mapo Tofu is typically served over steamed rice, and the combo of soft tofu, bold sauce, and spices creates a delicious and satisfying meal with a fiery kick.

Thai Basil Eggplant Stir Fry

Thai Basil Eggplant Stir Fry is a vibrant and aromatic dish that showcases the bold flavors of Thai cuisine.

It combines chunks of eggplant stir fried with garlic, chili peppers, and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Thai basil leaves.

The result is a fragrant and savory stir-fry with a hint of sweetness and heat.

Thai Basil Eggplant Stir Fry is often enjoyed with steamed rice and offers a delightful combination of tender eggplant, aromatic basil, and savory flavors.

Vegetarian Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Pho is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that is typically made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a variety of toppings.

Vegetarian Pho is made by simmering vegetable broth with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, charred onions, ginger, and mushrooms to create a rich base.

Rice noodles are added to bowls along with toppings such as tofu, sliced vegetables, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime wedges, and chili peppers.

Vegetarian Pho offers a comforting and nourishing bowl of soup that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Gobi Manchurian (Crispy Cauliflower in Spicy Sauce)

Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo Chinese dish that features crispy cauliflower florets coated in a tangy and spicy sauce.

The florets are coated in a batter, typically made from a combination of flour, cornstarch, and spices.

They’re deep fried until golden and crispy. The fried cauliflower is then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and chili sauce.

Gobi Manchurian is often garnished with chopped green onions and served as an appetizer or as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles.

Korean Japchae (Stir Fried Glass Noodles)

Japchae is a popular Korean dish made with sweet potato glass noodles, stir-fried with colorful vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.

The glass noodles, made from sweet potato starch, have a delightfully chewy texture.

In Japchae, the noodles are stir-fried with an assortment of thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and onions.

The dish is flavored with a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of sugar for balance.

Sweet and Sour Tofu

Sweet and Sour Tofu is a popular Chinese inspired dish that combines crispy tofu cubes with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce.

The tofu is typically coated in cornstarch and shallow fried until golden and crispy.

The crispy tofu is then tossed in a sauce made from a blend of vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, and other seasonings.

The result is a delightful combination of crispy tofu with a sticky and flavorful sauce that offers a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Vegetarian Thai Red Curry

Vegetarian Thai Red Curry is a spicy and aromatic dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.

It features a rich and creamy red curry sauce made from red curry paste, coconut milk, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, carrots, and Thai eggplant.

The curry is simmered until the flavors meld together, creating a spicy and flavorful sauce that coats the vegetables.

Vegetarian Thai Red Curry is typically served with steamed jasmine rice, providing a perfect balance to the bold and fragrant curry.

Singapore Noodles with Vegetables

Singapore Noodles, despite the name, is a popular dish found in many Chinese restaurants.

It features stir fried rice vermicelli noodles combined with a colorful array of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, onions, and bean sprouts.

The noodles are stir fried with a combination of spices, soy sauce, and curry powder, giving them a fragrant and savory flavor.

Singapore Noodles are a delicious and satisfying option that offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancake)

Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that resembles a savory pancake or omelette.

It consists of a batter made with flour, grated yam or grated cabbage, eggs, chopped vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and tempeh.

The batter is cooked on a griddle or pan, then topped with a savory sauce, mayo, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed.

It’s personalizable and can be made to suit your preferences. It’s a combination of flavors and textures, with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

Vegetable Korma with Fragrant Rice

Vegetable Korma is a delicious Indian dish made with a creamy and aromatic sauce that features a medley of vegetables.

The vegetables are cooked in a gravy made from turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala, combined with onions, garlic, ginger, and tomato puree.

The korma sauce is enriched with ingredients like coconut milk, yogurt, or cashew cream to create a creamy and luscious texture.

Vegetable Korma is typically served with fragrant basmati rice, naan bread, or roti, making it a satisfying and comforting meal option.

Chinese Vegetable Dumplings

Chinese Vegetable Dumplings, also known as Jiaozi or Pot stickers, are a delightful and versatile dish that’s a perfect appetizer or a main course.

The dumplings are filled with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and scallions, seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

The filling is wrapped in dough (you can make it at home). The dumplings are then boiled, steamed, or pan fried until cooked through and golden brown.

Chinese Vegetable Dumplings are often served with a dipping sauce (it has soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil).

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with a tropical twist.

The dish is made by stir frying cooked rice with a blend of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, onions, diced pineapple and cashew nuts.

The combination of the sweet pineapple, savory vegetables, and fragrant spices creates a delightful dish.

What we love about this dish is that it’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Skewers

Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Skewers are a fantastic option for a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian grilling experience.

Firm tofu, along with an assortment of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce.

The skewers are then grilled or baked until the tofu and vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

The teriyaki sauce imparts a sweet and savory glaze, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Malaysian Style Vegetarian Laksa

Vegetarian Laksa is a popular Malaysian dish known for its rich and aromatic curry soup.

It typically consists of rice noodles immersed in a flavorful coconut based curry broth, infused with spices like lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric.

The soup is filled with a variety of vegetables, such as bean sprouts, tofu puffs, and sometimes tempeh or mushrooms.

Vegetarian Laksa is often garnished with fresh herbs, like cilantro or Thai basil, and served with a side of sambal (chili paste) for an extra kick of spiciness.

Bibimbap Inspired Veggie Bowl

Bibimbap inspired Veggie Bowl is a vibrant Korean inspired dish that features a bowl of steamed rice topped with an assortment of seasoned vegetables.

It typically includes vegetables such as spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini, each prepared with its own unique seasoning.

The vegetables are arranged on top of the rice, and the bowl is often garnished with a sunny-side-up egg and a dollop of gochujang (spicy Korean chili paste).

Bibimbap inspired Veggie Bowl offers a colorful and well balanced meal with an array of flavors.

Indonesian Gado Gado (Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce)

This Indonesian dish combines blanched/steamed vegetables, such as cabbage, bean sprouts, green beans, and potatoes, with peanut sauce.

The sauce is made from ground roasted peanuts, tamarind, garlic, and a blend of spices.

Gado Gado is typically served with lontong (rice cakes) or steamed rice, and often garnished with fried tofu or tempeh, boiled eggs, and prawn crackers.

This dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the creamy peanut sauce complementing the crispness of the vegetables.

Vegetarian Massaman Curry

Vegetarian Massaman Curry is a flavorful Thai curry that is known for its rich and aromatic sauce.

It typically features a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, simmered in a creamy and mildly spiced curry sauce.

The sauce is made from a blend of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, along with coconut milk and other seasonings.

Vegetarian Massaman Curry offers a combination of creamy coconut, fragrant spices, and tender vegetables, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal.

Japanese Miso Eggplant

Japanese Miso Eggplant, also known as Nasu Dengaku, is a delicious and savory dish that showcases the natural sweetness of eggplant.

The eggplant is sliced and roasted or grilled until tender and slightly caramelized.

It is then brushed with a glaze made from miso paste, mirin (sweet rice wine), soy sauce, and sometimes a touch of sugar.

The glaze adds a rich umami flavor to the eggplant, creating a delightful contrast of sweet and savory tastes.

Veggie Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)

It’s a popular Korean dish that resembles sushi rolls. It consists of seasoned rice and a variety of vegetables wrapped in sheets of roasted seaweed (nori).

The vegetables used in Veggie Kimbap often include pickled radish, carrots, cucumbers, spinach, and sometimes tofu or omelette strips.

The ingredients are arranged on top of the rice and rolled tightly into a cylinder shape.

It’s served with soy sauce or a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. It is a versatile dish, perfect for a light meal or a snack.

Thai Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

This is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings together the sweetness of sweet potatoes, the creaminess of coconut milk, and the earthiness of chickpeas.

You’ve to simmer sweet potatoes, chickpeas, bell peppers, onions, and spinach in a curry sauce made with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and spices.

The result is a comforting and aromatic curry with a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and creaminess.

Thai Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry is served with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Chinese Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup

Chinese Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup is a popular dish known for its bold flavors and contrasting textures.

It features a savory and tangy broth that is spiced with ingredients such as black vinegar, white pepper, and chili sauce.

The soup is typically loaded with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, and wood ear fungus.

Chinese Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a starter before a larger meal.

Korean Vegetable Pancakes (Pajeon)

Korean Vegetable Pancakes are savory pancakes made with a batter of flour, water, and eggs, mixed with vegetables and sometimes scallions.

The batter is pan fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Korean Vegetable Pancakes are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.

They are a popular appetizer or snack in Korean cuisine and offer a delightful combination of crispy edges and a soft, vegetable filled interior.

Spicy Mapo Tofu Noodles

Spicy Mapo Tofu Noodles is a flavorful and fiery dish that combines the beloved Szechuan dish, Mapo Tofu, with noodles for a satisfying meal.

The dish has noodles, such as udon or ramen, tossed in a spicy sauce made from doubanjiang, Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

Cubes of tofu are added to the dish for a protein boost.

Spicy Mapo Tofu Noodles offer a bold and intense flavor profile, with a balance of spiciness, umami, and aromatic spices.

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup, also known as Tom Kha, is a creamy and aromatic soup that combines the flavors of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and lime.

This soup typically includes a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and baby corn, along with tofu or other plant based proteins.

The soup is often garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chilies for added freshness and heat.

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup offers a delightful balance of creaminess, tanginess, and spiciness, making it a comforting and flavorful dish.

Indonesian Tempeh Satay Skewers

Indonesian Tempeh Satay Skewers are a popular street food dish that features marinated and grilled tempeh skewers.

Tempeh, a traditional Indonesian soy-based product, is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice.

Indonesian Tempeh Satay Skewers are served with a peanut sauce for dipping and are often accompanied by steamed rice or a side of fresh vegetables.

This dish offers a combination of smoky flavors, tender tempeh, and a rich and nutty peanut sauce.

Vietnamese Vegetarian Banh Mi Sandwich

Vietnamese Vegetarian Banh Mi is a popular and delicious sandwich that brings together a variety of vibrant flavors and textures.

The sandwich consists of a crispy French baguette filled with grilled tofu, pickled carrots, daikon radish, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and jalapenos.

The combination of savory, tangy and spicy flavors along with the contrast of crispy bread and tender protein.

This combination makes Vietnamese Vegetarian Banh Mi a satisfying and flavorful meal option.

Indian Chana Masala (Spiced Chickpeas)

Indian Chana Masala is a flavorful and comforting dish made with chickpeas cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce.

The chickpeas are simmered with a blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, along with onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.

It’s garnished with fresh cilantro and served with naan bread or steamed rice.

Indian Chana Masala offers a rich and hearty combination of flavors, with a perfect balance of spices and the natural creaminess of chickpeas.

Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam)

Thai Green Papaya Salad is a refreshing and zesty salad that features shredded unripe green papaya mixed with a flavorful dressing.

The dressing typically includes ingredients like lime juice, fish sauce (or a vegetarian substitute), palm sugar, garlic, and chili peppers.

Along with the papaya, the salad may also include shredded carrots, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and peanuts.

It offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, with a crunchy texture from the vegetables. It is a popular and vibrant dish in Thai cuisine.

Final Thoughts

Asian cuisine is one of the most promising ones out there because they are loaded with flavors, and you don’t have to worry about hours of cooking.

That’s the reason we are mentioning a lot of Asian vegetarian recipes because they are the easiest to work with.

All these Asian vegetarian recipes are a part of popular vegan recipes, which means you don’t have to worry about losing your diet related hard work.

Having said that, if you need some inspiration for healthy vegetarian food, we are sure we gave it to you right here!