I Made These 13 Vegan Asian Recipes After a Hard Day

Nothing shuts down the noise of a long day like quiet time and one of those 13 plant-based Asian dishes that somehow do all the heavy lifting. It’s the kind of lineup that doesn’t ask for a second opinion, just a plate. After enough evenings spent hunched and cranky, these became the regular fix. Honestly, no one’s counting how many times they’ve been reheated, just that peace shows up after the first bite.

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

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Egg Rolls

There’s something fun about biting into crispy shells layered with flavorful fillings. Egg Rolls are perfect for when you want finger food that’s hearty yet light. They create a balance that makes them great for sharing on occasions or keeping them all to yourself. These rolls pair well with sauces and leave you feeling energized without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Thai Red Curry Paste

Versatility in cooking can really shine when using Thai Red Curry Paste, which brings an incredible depth of flavor to any dish. Add it to soups, stir-fries, or sauces for quick flavor enhancement, especially when you’re short on time. This paste transforms basic ingredients into something far more exciting, almost instantly. It’s the kind of thing you can build into your weekly meals without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

Indian Onion Salad

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

Side dishes can often get overlooked, but Indian Onion Salad has a way of standing out. The way it complements heavier dishes like curries or bread-based meals makes it feel like a necessary addition to the table. A mix of textures and freshness makes it an easy win when you’re looking for balance. It seems simple, yet it does so much to uplift any meal it’s paired with.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Yellow Lentil Dal

Comfort food doesn’t have to be complex, and Yellow Lentil Dal proves that with its earthy and hearty taste. This dish works perfectly whether you want it alone or as part of a bigger table spread. It fits into so many different meals and fills you up in a way that feels complete without overwhelming you. You’ll quickly find yourself coming back to it because of how reliable it is.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

Bringing a visually vibrant snack to the table can often energize your mood, which is one of the biggest strengths of Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls. Easy to grab but packed with fresh layers, they’re perfect for those looking to mix lighter bites with nutritious twists. Pairing them with dipping sauces only raises their appeal for anyone who loves variety.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

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

Weeknight meals don’t have to be challenging, and Tofu Vegan Stir Fry fills the gap when you need something fast yet adaptable. It brings a variety of textures together, making it a practical choice when you can’t decide what you’re in the mood for. Tofu really shines here, adding an extra layer that satisfies hungry stomachs in no time. Put this together once, and you’ll remember how easy it is.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

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.

When you’re looking for something quick that’s refreshing but packs a punch, Spicy Cucumber Salad is ready to deliver. This salad is light but bold enough to hold its own as part of a full meal or a snack. It’s a good choice for anyone who needs something simple but doesn’t want it to be boring. Feeling hungry late at night or after work? This might just be what you’re after.
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.

Fried rice gets a fun upgrade when you toss in tofu, and Tofu Fried Rice makes every spoonful something worth repeating. This dish becomes a go-to for when leftovers need a makeover or you’re starting fresh. The textures blend smoothly for a meal that’s never boring. Perfect on its own or as a companion to other plates, it adds value to any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Creamy Peanut Sauce

Sauces can easily change how meals feel, and Creamy Peanut Sauce is perfect for doing just that. This versatile sauce works for dipping, topping, or mixing into noodles. It brings richness and makes dishes go from basic to bold. Keeping it on hand can upgrade lots of meals without putting in too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Picking the right base can change everything about your meal, and Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice does that without overcomplicating things. It’s light, yet it holds together perfectly to accompany so many Asian-inspired dishes. Whether paired with soups, stir-fries, or curries, the rice works as a subtle foundation that ties all the flavors together. You can count on it to be a staple for many meals.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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.

Creating a quick yet effective meal is effortless with Sesame Soba Noodles. Their unique texture and sesame flavor make them perfect for serving warm or chilled. Great for when you’re in the mood for something versatile that can pair with vegetables, proteins, or stand alone. They’re easy to throw together yet don’t disappoint if served at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

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.

Adding some texture and heartiness to your plate is easy with Baked Tofu, which feels like a solid upgrade compared to its raw counterpart. It’s crispy without being greasy and works perfectly as a main protein option or even a snack. You can use it across countless combinations, whether salads, bowls, or stir-fries. This can quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy tofu at its best.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

Bringing bold flavors to something creamy is what makes Spicy Thai Peanut Curry a smart choice for dinner or lunch. The rich sauce works seamlessly with other elements, giving you a meal that’s fulfilling but not too heavy. It’s the kind of dish you’d want to serve up when looking to enjoy something easy yet layered with taste. Perfect option when you want something unique but still accessible and quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Curry