by Alena Schowalter
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Skip the weekly takeout from your local restaurant and enjoy these flavorful homemade vegan Chinese recipes instead!
Indulge in mouthwatering dishes, including chow mein, smashed cucumber salad, and orange seitan — all made at home.
Chinese cuisine is so diverse and offers a delicious option for any palette. From spicy Szechuan peppers to mellow vegetable noodles, it’s a dinner theme the whole family will agree on!
Browse these delicious recipes and get inspired for your next great meal! Check out our Asian, Korean, and Vietnamese recipes next.
free 7-day vegan meal plan
Your next week of eating is planned out with these quick and delicious vegan bowls, meal prepping steps & full grocery list.
Better-Than-Takeout Chinese Recipes
1
Chow Mein Noodles
Enjoy this versatile meal for a quick weeknight dinner. Freshly chopped vegetables are tossed with chewy chow mein noodles and coated in a thick, tasty stir-fry sauce! Customize it with your favorite mix of veggies.
2
General Tso’s Tofu
Photo Credit:minimalistbaker.com
A family-favorite recipe dating back to the 1950's! This plant-based general Tso’s is packed with protein and covered in the iconic sweet and sour sauce! A lip-smacking meal that kids and adults adore.
3
Chinese Aubergine
Photo Credit:www.lazycatkitchen.com
Fire up the wok for this chili and ginger-infused eggplant stir-fry. A viscous soy-based sauce thickly coats the braised eggplant making it umami rich and craveworthy. Enjoy each savory mouthful with a side of fluffy white rice.
4
Chinese Congee
Photo Credit:healthynibblesandbits.com
Searching for a warm hug and a filling meal? Look no further than this delicious Chinese congee recipe. A comforting bowl of cracked rice soup, garnished with savory toppings, it’s easily customizable and a great meal for a family dinner or a winter dinner party.
5
Pan Fried Dumplings
Photo Credit:theplantbasedwok.com
A plant-based spin on a traditional recipe, this fried then steamed bun is crispy on the outside and flowing with hot soup on the inside! A fun and unique meal to enjoy that's truly original and so delicious.
6
Tanghulu
Photo Credit:aubreyskitchen.com
Simple yet tasty! These candy-coated fresh fruit pops are a fun Chinese dessert. A popular treat in Northern China, Tanghulu has a crunchy sugar shell and juicy fresh fruit center – easily customizable!
7
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Photo Credit:iheartumami.com
In less than 20 minutes, create a fresh and tangy cucumber salad that's perfect for snacking or enjoying alongside your favorite Chinese meal. Skip the optional honey and replace it with sweet agave for this easy salad that will transport your taste buds!
8
Crispy Orange Seitan And Broccoli
Photo Credit:www.thecuriouschickpea.com
Get your taste buds singing with this American-Chinese crispy orange seitan and broccoli recipe. Fresh orange juice and a touch of zest bring the citrus flavor to life in this sweet and sticky meal – enjoy with fluffy white rice!
9
Nian Goa Cake
Photo Credit:thewoksoflife.com
Ring in Chinese New Year with this traditional nian goa cake. Made from rice flour and enriched with warm molasse and allspice, this holiday treat makes for a perfect festive gift or an afternoon sweet!
Shiitake Wonton Soup
Photo Credit:www.connoisseurusveg.com
A classic Chinese comfort food, this wonton soup is dotted with parcels of wrapped dumplings. Each doughy purse is stuffed with an aromatic filling of minced sh*take mushroom, ginger, and scallions – so good!
11
Beijing Tempeh
Photo Credit:www.rabbitandwolves.com
It might not be an authentic Chinese recipe, but this Panda Express copycat Beijing tempeh will have you snapping your chopsticks apart at record speed! Crispy marinated tempeh strips are bathed in a crave-worthy sauce that’s both sweet and tangy!
12
Egg Rolls
Photo Credit:pickyeaterblog.com
Skip the takeout order and pan-fry a platter of homemade egg rolls with this plant-based appetizer recipe! Gorgeous wonton wrappers are filled with shredded vegetables and cooked until golden brown and crispy. Dunk into your favorite dipping sauce and relish your fine cooking!
13
Moo Shu Vegetable
Photo Credit:plantbasedonabudget.com
Enjoy pancakes for dinner with this savory moo shu vegetable. Uniform julienned vegetables are stir-fried with a rich Hoisin seasoned sauce, then swaddled into a flat, crispy pancake. An easy finger-friendly meal that's kid-approved!
14
Shanghai Noodles
Photo Credit:www.streetsmartkitchen.com
Creatively transform six humble ingredients into a mouth-watering bowl of Chinese-style noodles! A simple combination of bok choy, mushrooms, and thick noodles that are coated in a soy-based sauce. This comfort meal is one you will make time and time again.
15
Cashew “Chicken” Tofu
Photo Credit:frommybowl.com
Get your chopsticks ready for this cashew chicken tofu! A delicious combination of crispy tofu tossed in a sticky cashew sauce and thick-cut spring onions. A plant-based dish that tastes just as good as your favorite takeout.
16
Szechuan Tofu and Veggies
Photo Credit:www.feastingathome.com
Harness the flavor of Szechuan chilies with this tofu and veggie stir fry. Aromatic peppers take center stage and give the whole dish a fiery tanginess that's so unique! The rainbow color bowl is a dish you will enjoy both with your eyes and your belly.
17
Eight Treasure Rice
Photo Credit:omnivorescookbook.com
A modern twist on an ancient recipe, this eight treasure rice is perfect for after dinner and special occasions. Sweet sticky rice is stuffed with bean paste, topped with dried fruits, and drizzled in a chrysanthemum syrup. A fragrant and unique dessert that is truly a treasure!
18
Crispy Sesame Balls
Photo Credit:woonheng.com
Crispy sesame balls are scrumptious for a sweet afternoon treat. A few staple ingredients are all you need to create these gluten-free peanut buttery rice balls – enjoy warm or chilled!
Related Recipes
- Vegan Rice Recipes
- Easy Vegan Dinners
- Vegan Gourmet Recipes
- Tempeh Recipes
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18 Better-Than-Takeout Vegan Chinese Recipes
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Skip the weekly takeout from your local restaurant and enjoy these flavorful homemade vegan Chinese recipes instead! Find veggie dishes, noodles, mock meat, rolls, and more.
Ingredients
Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
- 1 pound (450 g) fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the green beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and still crisp.
- Transfer the blanched beans to a bowl of ice water, then drain well.
- Place a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds so that the garlic turns slightly brown.
- Increase the heat and add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 minutes or until the beans start to brown in spots and develop a nice texture.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil (if using), then stir to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for a minute so that the flavors meld.
- Serve as a warm side with rice and plant-based protein. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t use the red pepper flakes if you don’t like spicy food!
- Find a lot more tasty vegan Chinese recipes in the article above.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Serving Size: ¼ recipe
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 88Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 220mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated automatically, their accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Alena Schowalter is a Certified Vegan Nutritionist who has been a vegetarian since childhood and vegan since 2012. Together with her husband, she founded nutriciously in 2015 and has been guiding thousands of people through different transition stages towards a healthy plant-based diet. She’s received training in the fields of nutrition, music therapy and social work. Alena enjoys discussions around vegan ethics, walks through nature and creating new recipes.
