I Made These 13 Vegan Asian Meals When I Had Zero Energy

Dragging through the day with no energy doesn’t mean meals have to be boring or sad. These 13 vegan Asian meals proved that quick decisions and a tired brain can still turn out decent results. They came together without a lot of fuss and somehow hit the mark every time. No fancy steps, just meals that helped get through the day without adding to the list of problems.

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

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Thai Red Curry Paste

When you’re running low on energy, Thai Red Curry Paste can still bring something delicious to the table. It’s perfect for a quick, flavorful dish that won’t leave you feeling drained. You don’t have to be a master chef to make it work, just mix it with whatever you have on hand. It’s a great way to bring a little extra excitement to your meal without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

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.

Tofu Fried Rice is a great go-to when you’re feeling drained. You can throw it together with minimal effort, and it always hits the spot with its crispy texture and savory taste. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice and doesn’t require much prep or cooking time. A full meal without much fuss, and you can make it your own depending on what you’ve got available.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Yellow Lentil Dal

If you’re looking for something easy but still hearty, Yellow Lentil Dal is a solid choice. It’s simple to make, packed with protein, and has a great texture that sticks with you. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with something else to create a balanced meal. It’s comfort in a bowl, especially when you don’t want to put much work into cooking.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

Need a protein-packed meal that’s low effort? Baked Tofu can be thrown together in no time and still delivers fulfilling results. It’s a flexible dish, great for adding to salads, bowls, or just eating on its own as a snack. Perfect for when you want something filling but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Creamy Peanut Sauce

Creamy Peanut Sauce is ideal when you need something that goes with anything, no need to overthink it. This sauce works wonders on noodles, rice, or veggies, bringing a creamy richness to the table. It’s quick and easy to make, and a little goes a long way to making your meal feel indulgent. You won’t believe how easy it is to throw this together for such a big payoff.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Egg Rolls

These rolls are a fun, crispy bite that doesn’t take much time at all. Egg Rolls pack in a lot of texture and are easy to make when you’re low on energy but still want something fulfilling. Perfect as a snack or part of a meal, they’re versatile and sure to please everyone. With minimal prep, you can enjoy this crispy treat without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

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

If you want something with a little kick, Spicy Thai Peanut Curry is just the thing. It’s rich and full of flavor, with little prep required, making it perfect for a no-fuss meal. You can enjoy it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that packs a punch. This dish brings fulfilling heat without requiring hours of cooking or complex steps.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

Indian Onion Salad

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

When you need something light but still flavorful, Indian Onion Salad is a quick fix. It’s crisp, refreshing, and pairs well with just about anything you’re making. Perfect for when you want to feel full but not overly stuffed, it’s a great addition to any meal. With minimal ingredients, it’s simple yet delivers a fresh, tangy bite.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is a simple base that you can use to pair with almost any dish. This rice cooks up soft and fragrant, making it an easy side that completes your meal. It complements almost anything, from stir-fries to curries, and adds a nice texture to your plate. You’ll find yourself reaching for this one again and again for its versatility and ease.
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.

This dish is perfect when you need a quick meal that feels fulfilling without the heavy effort. The noodles are light but still filling, with the sesame bringing a smooth depth that ties it all together. You can toss them with whatever veggies you have lying around or enjoy them as is. Sesame Soba Noodles is a no-fuss dish that still delivers every time, making it a reliable go-to.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

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.

When you’re low on energy but want something fresh, Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls are an easy solution. These rolls are simple to make and are full of vibrant, fresh veggies, making them a healthy snack or meal. Whether you’re packing them up for lunch or having them for dinner, they’re versatile and light. You’ll love how quick and healthy these are, plus they’re fun to make.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

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.

Spicy Cucumber Salad is perfect when you want something light with a little heat. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and can be made in minutes without much effort. Whether you’re having it on the side or as a snack, it’s the perfect balance of spice and coolness. The simplicity of this salad makes it easy to throw together on days when you need something quick but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a one-pan meal that’s easy and quick, Tofu Vegan Stir Fry is your answer. It’s loaded with protein and veggies, making it a healthy choice without all the work. You can customize it with whatever’s on hand, turning it into a meal that’s both filling and adaptable. It’s perfect for those nights when energy is low but hunger is high.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry