13 Vegan Asian Recipes Turned Out Way Better Than I Expected

Thought it would be a bland week, but those 13 meat-free Asian meals ended up stealing the whole dinner lineup. Somehow, every single one brought more punch than expected and didn’t even try too hard. Nobody at the table asked where the meat was, which says enough. It’s like the recipes showed up just to prove a point, and they did.

A bowl of Thai peanut curry with carrots, beans and kale.
Spicy Thai Peanut Curry. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.
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Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Colorful vegetable spring rolls with carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers, served with peanut sauce.
Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These rolls are a fun way to enjoy vegetables in a portable format. Packed into Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls are bright and colorful veggies wrapped snugly in rice paper. They’re easy to eat and make a great snack or appetizer. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo whenever you’re ready for something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Thai Red Curry Paste

A spoon lifting a serving of chunky Thai red curry paste from a jar.
Thai Red Curry Paste. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice lovers will appreciate how bold this paste can be. Thai Red Curry Paste transforms basic dishes into something that packs a lot of flavor. With its rich and strong profile, it’s an essential addition to soups and stir-fries. If you enjoy heat and intensity, this should suit you perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

Baked Tofu

Crispy tofu cubes piled on a plate with a dish of green dipping sauce in the background.
Baked Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cooking with tofu sometimes surprises people with how versatile it can be. In Baked Tofu, it becomes firm and hearty with a nice texture that’s enjoyable in any meal. Pairing it with sauces or adding to dishes makes this a solid vegan option. It’s easy to incorporate into just about anything you’re making.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Creamy Peanut Sauce

A jar of creamy peanut sauce with a spoon on the side, flanked by fresh peppers and peanuts.
Creamy Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Peanut sauces are often used to add depth to dishes. Creamy Peanut Sauce stands out because of its smoothness and ability to complement different meals. It works well with noodles, salads, or even as a dipping sauce. Once you try it, it’s clear how versatile it can be.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cucumber dishes can be refreshing, but this takes it up a notch. Spicy Cucumber Salad adds a kick to the crisp crunch, making it far from ordinary. It’s a great pick when you want something light with a bit of heat. Having this on the side can balance out heavier meals nicely.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth.
Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rice dishes are always a crowd favorite because they’re so adaptable. In Tofu Fried Rice, tofu is added to make it hearty and filling while keeping it vegan-friendly. It’s quick to make, perfect for when time is short but you need something substantial. This dish proves that simple additions can go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Egg Rolls

Vegan egg rolls in a wooden tray.
Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Few snacks are as fun to eat as rolls, especially when they’re packed with tasty fillings. For vegan Egg Rolls, replacing the usual ingredients makes them approachable for everyone. They’re crispy and can be dipped into your favorite dipping sauces. Whether as a party appetizer or a snack at home, they shine.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When done right, rice doesn’t need much to impress. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is all about texture and aroma, making it a blank canvas for your favorite dishes. You can pair it with hearty curries or stir-fries, but it also holds its own as a standalone side. Cooking it well can really make all the difference here.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Tofu Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry. Photo Credits: Two City Vegans
Tofu Vegan Stir Fry. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Stir fry meals are quick and flexible, making them perfect for busy days. Tofu Vegan Stir Fry combines tofu with lots of veggies, turning out healthy and filling. It’s perfect for mixing up your dinner options without complicating your cooking. You can stick with simple seasonings or spice it up as you like.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Indian Onion Salad

A bowl of red onion and cilantro salad on a table.
Indian Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some salads are meant to be bold, and this one delivers. Indian Onion Salad brings sharpness and crunch that pairs well with grilled dishes or curries. It’s meant to cut through richer flavors and make meals more balanced. It’s a simple side with lots of character added in.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Yellow Lentil Dal

A bowl of yellow lentil dal with sour cream and a spoon.
Yellow Lentil Dal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Lentils always shine in meals because they’re so hearty and comforting. Yellow Lentil Dal is no exception, offering a warm, earthy feel that works great for lunch or dinner. Pair it with rice or bread, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal. It’s a staple that stays great across cuisines and preferences.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them.
Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Noodles are a crowd-pleaser, especially when they’re served cold like this dish. In Sesame Soba Noodles, the nutty sesame tones make them stand out. It’s a refreshing and simple dish that’s perfect for serving up on hot days. You can enjoy them alone or mix them with veggies for more texture.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

A bowl of Thai peanut curry with carrots, beans and kale.
Spicy Thai Peanut Curry. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Curries get a kick when paired with peanut flavors, like in this option. Spicy Thai Peanut Curry is packed with bold tones from spice and creaminess combined. It works great served with rice or noodles for something heartier. If you love rich meals with heat, this will be one to return to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

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