23 Traditional Vegan Chinese Food Ideas for 2024
If you’re thinking about what to have for dinner tonight, you might want to consider some vegan Chinese food. Whether you follow a vegan diet or simply want to reduce your meat consumption, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to Chinese cuisine.
Plus, vegan food has come a long way in the last few years. The global vegan food market is expected to be $24 billion in 2026, according to Viva. Though just a small percentage of the population call themselves vegan, more and more people are choosing to eat vegan food.
Delicious vegan Chinese food is proof that you don’t have to give up your favorite cuisines as a vegan. Chinese food is a great cuisine to enjoy as someone who doesn’t enjoy animal byproducts. That’s because many Chinese dishes are naturally vegan.
So, what Chinese dish is vegan? Vegetable-based dishes or dishes with tofu as a replacement for meat tend to be vegan. And as long as recipes don’t include fish or oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or eggs, among others, there’s a good chance the dish is vegan. So, if you’re looking for some vegan Chinese food to indulge in, here are a few options.
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Easy Vegan Chinese Recipes
1. Chinese Pickled Smashed Cucumbers
Picked smashed cucumbers are a great way to start a meal. This vegan Chinese food is simple because you only need a few ingredients and a little bit of time before enjoying this dish. Picked smashed cucumbers can also be a snack or a palate cleanser in the middle of the meal.
Learn how to make these and other plant-based Chinese dishes during cooking classes in Boulder, cooking classes in Houston, cooking classes in Santa Fe and cooking classes near you. Or check out online cooking classes to bring world-class chefs into your kitchen to whip up something delicious.
2. Scallion Shanghai Noodles
Classic Shanghai noodles can easily be made as a vegan Chinese food recipe. Stir-fry these noodles with scallions, onions, bok choy and your other favorite vegetables. The sauce is made with sesame and soy sauce. It’s one of the best vegan breakfast foods.
3. Tiger Skin Peppers
This dish shares some ingredients in common with vegan soul food: namely peppers and spices. And this dish is incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Marinate hot peppers in Chinese black vinegar, then cook them in an extra hot wok until the skin is blistered. These peppers are the perfect vegan Chinese food to have as a snack or side dish.
4. Man Lan Tou
This vegan Chinese food hails from Shanghai. It’s made from chopped ma lan tou leaves and spiced tofu. Man lan tou has a refreshing and herby taste and is a great option for a summer dish. Man lan tou is typically served cold.
5. Sesame Noodles
Made in 15 minutes and served either hot or cold, sesame noodles are the superior vegan Chinese food. The sauce is simply made with vinegar, sou sauce, sesame oil and chili sauce and served with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. An absolutely delicious dish for lunch or dinner.
6. Garlic Tofu
Garlic tofu is an easy vegan Chinese recipe you can make in your own home. Cook tofu in a pan with soy sauce and garlic. You can enjoy this vegan Chinese food on top of rice or in a stir fry.
7. Garlic Broccoli
Similar to the above tofu, this vegan Chinese food recipe uses broccoli instead. Broccoli florets cooked with chopped garlic make for a flavorful side dish. Or, like the tofu, you can serve it with rice or other stir-fried vegetables.
8. Eggplant, Potatoes and Peppers Stir-Fry
If you’re looking for easy vegan Chinese recipes, this stir fry might be your new favorite. Chop up an eggplant, a few potatoes and green peppers, coat them in cornstarch, then stir-fry them with garlic, onion and soy sauce. It’s a dish packed with flavor and nutrients.
9. Tofu and Broccoli
Cook up chunks of tofu in a savory sauce with ginger, soy sauce and scallions. Then, finish this vegan food idea by making a simple stir fry with the seasoned tofu and broccoli. It’s great if you’re craving Chinese takeout.
10. Steamed Vegetables with Soy Sauce
Check out any vegan restaurants in NYC and they’ll definitely have steamed vegetables. You can choose your favorite veggie combination and steam them to perfection. Make a seasoned soy sauce with garlic and scallions for a simple yet delicious vegan Chinese food.
11. Sticky Rice Mushroom Shumai
Make homemade vegan shumai wrappers with a few simple ingredients. Then, fill them with shiitake mushrooms, sticky rice and scallions. This vegan Chinese food recipe is a great appetizer or snack.
12. Sichuan Napa Cabbage
Cook this vegan Chinese food with Napa cabbage and other green vegetables alongside oil, salt and garlic. Add heat and flavor with dried chilies and black vinegar. Cook this on low heat for a convenient food hack. Then, serve it over seasoned sticky rice.
Delicious Vegan Chinese Food Recipes
13. Vegetable Spring Rolls
When you’re out at a restaurant or want to make vegan Chinese food, vegetable spring rolls are a good option. Spring roll wrappers are made with rice paper or rice flour. Then, filled with a variety of vegetables. Served with a sweet and sour sauce, this can make a great snack or vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe as an appetizer.
14. Kao Fu with Mushrooms
If you want to recreate a vegan Chinese takeaway dish, make braised kao fu with mushrooms. This recipe uses seitan and wood ear mushrooms braised in a sweet soy sauce. It has plenty of flavor and protein that makes it a delicious vegan dish.
15. Hunan Steamed Eggplant
This steamed eggplant dish is proof vegan food can be full of flavor and simple to make. All you have to do is cut the eggplant into sticks and whip up a glaze with minced garlic, sesame oil, sweet soy sauce and red chili. Then, top with chopped peanuts and scallions.
16. Lo Han Jai
Also known as Buddha’s Delight, this is a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike. This dish has bamboo shoots, fat choy, water chestnuts and lotus seeds. It may also have tofu or bean curds in it. Plus, it has a rich broth made with soy sauce, pickled cabbage and cooking wine.
17. Braised Bamboo Shoots
If you’re looking for authentic vegan Chinese food, you’ll want to search for bamboo shoots. These are a favorite meal for many during the spring. Braise with herbs, spices and mushrooms, then serve them alongside jasmine rice and chopped chili on top for a bit of heat.
18. Mongolian Tofu
Inspired by Mongolian beef, this is a delicious dish to recreate vegan Chinese takeaway at home. Cook diced tofu until firm and crispy before using it in a stir fry with broccoli and peppers. Soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic make the iconic sauce to serve over the stir fry.
19. Sweet and Sour Vegetable Soup
Sweet and sour soup is a favorite for many at Chinese restaurants. However, you can also make it at home and add crisp vegetables like shiitake mushrooms and peppers to make it even more hearty. Top it off with chili pepper flakes if you like it a little more spicy.
20. Steamed Rice
Steamed rice is an easy vegan breakfast food, dinner or side. There are a few techniques you can use to make the perfect steamed rice and you can add some seasoning for a little more flavor. You can use different spices, such as cumin, to turn this classic Chinese dish into a vegan Indian food. Then use this as the base for vegan Indian food or vegan Chinese food.
21. Vegetable Dumplings
Vegetable dumplings are a favorite vegan Chinese food when going out to eat. They’re also relatively simple to make at home. You can find vegan dumpling wrappers or make them from scratch. Fill them with celery, rice noodles, carrots, cabbage and other vegetables. Serve with a seasoned soy sauce for dipping. A dumpling maker would be one of the best gifts for foodies who love Chinese food.
22. Stir-Fried Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are a common ingredient in vegan soul food, but they also make a great Chinese stir fry. Using dried chili and garlic adds tons of flavor to the dish. You can make it into a refreshing, warm salad.
23. Vegetable Chow Mein
No need to search for vegan food ideas, make vegetable chow mein tonight. You’ll need cabbage, carrots, celery, mushrooms, green onions and red peppers. Seasoned with ginger and garlic, this dish is a little spicy, very flavorful and easily made at home.
Vegan Chinese Food FAQs
Can Vegans Eat Chinese Takeaway?
Yes, vegans can certainly eat Chinese takeaway dishes. Chinese cuisine has many dishes that are naturally vegan and regularly served at Chinese restaurants. Some restaurants may even have the option to make a dish vegan or vegetarian. And, of course, there are restaurants that serve exclusively vegan Chinese food.
It’s a good idea to understand the common non-vegan ingredients in Chinese food, so you’re able to ask about them before ordering. Of course, meat, seafood, eggs and dairy are not vegan and may be used in Chinese food. Common ingredients in Chinese cuisine that are not vegan include fish, oyster and hoisin sauce. However, ingredients like soy sauce, garlic sauce and sesame paste are vegan.
What Is the Vegan Protein in Chinese Food?
Instead of meat, vegan Chinese food often uses tofu or seitan as the protein. Tofu is made from soybeans and can be cooked similarly to meat. Seitan is made from gluten and does well to mimic a meat texture.
Both of these can be used as a replacement for meats in many Chinese dishes. Vegetables are also a common ingredient to replace meat and get protein.
There’s so much flavor in vegan Chinese food, that you might want to have it for every meal. You get all the savory flavors and hearty dishes while sticking to a plant-based diet. Many dishes are naturally vegan and others can be made vegan with a simple swap.
Check out a new vegan Chinese restaurant or make your own vegan Chinese food at home. Explore everything a plant-based version of this cuisine has to offer.
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