20 Vegetarian Chinese Food Favorites to Try Tonight

Exploring the Richness of Plant-Based Chinese Cuisine

Chinese cuisine offers a splendid array of mouthwatering vegetarian dishes brimming with flavor and nutrition. As more people adopt plant-based diets for health, ethical and environmental reasons, interest in vegetarian Chinese recipes continues to grow.

20 Tantalizing Vegetarian Chinese Dishes

From hearty main courses to light appetizers and snacks, the possibilities seem endless. Here are 20 vegetarian Chinese food favorites you can easily make at home tonight:

Main Dishes

Buddha’s Delight – A medley of vegetables braised in a savory sauce
Mapo Tofu – Silky tofu and mushrooms in a bold, spicy sauce
Vegetable Chow Mein – Crispy noodles tossed with cabbage, beansprouts, mushrooms and more
Vegetable Fried Rice – Fluffy rice stirred with eggs, peas, carrots and other vegetables

Appetizers

Vegetable Egg Rolls – Crispy wrappers encasing flavorful cabbage and mushroom filling
Vegetable Potstickers – Pan-fried or steamed dumplings filled with healthy ingredients

Soups and Broths

Hot and Sour Soup – A savory, warming soup with tofu and mushrooms
Wonton Soup – Delicate veggie wontons in a light broth

Sides

Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Baby bok choy flash stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce
Sesame Noodles – Chewy noodles tossed in a rich tahini-based sauce

Tips for Preparing Meatless Chinese Fare

When cooking these recipes…

The Joy of Exploring New Cuisines

Expanding our palates to savor flavorful plant-based dishes from various cultures nourishes our bodies and spirits, as well as bringing more compassion into our world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some beginner-friendly vegetarian Chinese dishes?

Beginner-friendly dishes include vegetable fried rice, vegetable egg rolls and wonton soup. These familiar flavors are a great starting point.

Where can I find authentic Chinese vegetarian recipes?

Check out vegetarian blogs/websites run by native Chinese families and chefs. These offer many authentic meatless recipes passed down over generations.

What ingredients are common in Chinese vegetarian cooking?

Common ingredients include tofu, broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage bok choy, rice, noodles, vegetables, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and soy sauce.

Is Chinese vegetarian food usually vegan?

Many classic Buddhist vegetarian dishes from China are traditionally vegan, though some may use non-vegan ingredients like eggs. There are plenty of vegan adaptations of Chinese favorites available.