I Needed One Less Decision—These 13 Vegan Asian Recipes Helped

Between morning alarms, missed socks, and inbox chaos, choosing what to eat felt like one decision too many. These 13 easy recipes worked like a playlist you can hit “shuffle” on and still end up with something decent every time. Not one of them involved negotiations with picky eaters or mysterious leftovers. For once, dinnertime came with fewer sighs and a lot less eye-rolling, mostly from the adults.

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

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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.

A quick dish perfect for adding some heat to your plate, this is all about combining crispness with a fiery vibe to wake up your palate. Spicy Cucumber Salad strikes a balance between crunchy textures and bold flavors, making it a great side option or refreshing snack. The mix of spiciness and coolness gives it a unique touch without being overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Light and simple, this dish brings a perfect base to your meal. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice pairs well with almost anything, soaking up bold flavors while standing on its own as a reliable staple. The gentle aroma from this rice just adds to its versatility and comfort factor. Whether as a side or a foundation for bigger dishes, it always fits perfectly into your plate.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Indian Onion Salad

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

Quick and fresh, this dish doesn’t need much to stand out. Indian Onion Salad is minimal but adds an extra pop of flavor to mains that need something crisp alongside them. The simplicity of combining textures and tanginess makes this an easy go-to option. It’s one of those additions that make meals feel balanced without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

This dish is warm and hearty—ideal if you want something filling without all the complexity. Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal is all about bringing that rich flavor while staying clean and straightforward. It fits well as a standalone or as part of a larger spread, especially if you want some balance in your meal. Great for meals where you’re looking for something comforting yet low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

A solid option when you’re aiming for a quick, all-in-one meal. Tofu Fried Rice puts protein and carbs into one bowl, making it an efficient choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Simple and adaptable, it’s good for throwing together when you need something quick and filling. The tofu gives a nice texture kick without taking over the dish.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Thai Red Curry Paste

Bold and versatile, this paste lets you control the flavor level of your dishes. Thai Red Curry Paste can be used as a base for various meals or just as a flavor enhancer when you want something extra. It’s dependable for making flavorful dishes without going overboard. The depth of this paste makes it great for creating meals that feel like a step up from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

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.

If you need a quick, slurpable option, this dish brings together simplicity with texture. Sesame Soba Noodles work great as a standalone meal or as part of a combination with something more robust. It’s something you can whip up fast, with a nice chewiness that doesn’t feel too heavy. Perfect if you want a no-nonsense noodle option that still tastes good.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Creamy Peanut Sauce

A great sauce to have on the side when you need something rich but easy to make. Creamy Peanut Sauce is adaptable, working with a variety of dishes or even as a quick snack dip. The consistency makes it smooth without being over-the-top. It’s a nice way to tie together different flavors in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

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

For a simple stir-fry option, this dish throws together veggies and protein in one go. Tofu Vegan Stir Fry is all about balancing textures while keeping it light and easy to prep. It’s ideal for meals when you want everything on one plate but don’t want to compromise on variety. The tofu mixes with everything seamlessly without trying to overshadow.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

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

Warm and rich with layers of bold flavor, this dish doesn’t shy away from standing out. Spicy Thai Peanut Curry combines heat with creaminess, making it a dependable option for a one-bowl meal. It’s filling and comforting without demanding much effort to put together. Perfect for when you want a bit of spice and richness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

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.

Straightforward and focused, this is all about getting tofu crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Baked Tofu is great for snacking, adding to salads, or using in bowls. The texture makes it stand out without being complicated to make. It’s perfect for prepping ahead when you need something versatile to add to different dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Egg Rolls

Crunchy on the outside and packed inside, this is for anyone who likes bite-sized snacks or appetizers. Egg Rolls work well as a quick option when you want more textures in your meal. They’re adaptable and easy to pair with a dip or sauce for added flavor. Simple but effective, these roll-ups are hard to put down once you start eating them.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Light and packed with color, these rolls make for a fresh option when you need something quick and portable. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls focus on bringing together simple ingredients without making it heavy. They’re easy to hold and even easier to eat on the go. Perfect for needing a fresh burst of texture without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls