13 Vegan Asian Recipes You’ll Crave During the First Cold Weeks of January

The first cold stretch of the year has a way of changing what sounds good. With 13 vegan Asian recipes in one place, this collection is about leaning into cozy flavors while keeping things plant-based and practical. I turn to ideas like these when the weather calls for warmth, but I still want variety and balance. It’s the kind of lineup that works when you’re easing back into routines and craving food that feels steady and comforting.

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

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Crispy Baked Tofu

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

You know that feeling when you need something crispy to bite into after a long, chilly day? This Crispy Baked Tofu is the answer. It’s as enjoyable as snack food but has just the right balance to feel wholesome. Perfect for cozying up with after a day of braving freezing temps.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Tofu

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

On cold January evenings, nothing beats the warmth you get from this Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal. It’s hearty without being heavy, and the creamy texture works wonders to make you feel at home during those frosty nights. You’ll love how inviting it is, a dish that truly feels like a winter staple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

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

Ever have that moment when you need a quick meal that still feels like you put in some effort? This Tofu Vegan Stir Fry brings just the right energy to cold nights, offering bold flavors and a lighter bite. It’s a recipe that keeps things fresh but still comforts you when the chill sets in.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Thai Peanut Curry

I can’t get enough of the cozy vibe you get from this Thai Peanut Curry, especially when the weather refuses to warm up. It’s that kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and your plate with flavor that feels indulgent without going over the top. Perfect for those days when you want something rich, yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Curry

Fresh Vegan Sushi

Close-up of three sushi rolls filled with rice, avocado, and vegetables, served on a brown rectangular plate with a small dish of soy sauce nearby. — Fresh Vegan Sushi. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When January feels heavy, it’s refreshing to have something light that still feels fun, like this Fresh Vegan Sushi. Rolling sushi is more than just cooking; it’s hands-on and creative, the perfect winter escape from hearty meals. You’ll love how it brightens up even a gray day with vibrant and fresh textures.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Vegan Sushi

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Claiming a spot as the hero of any January meal, this Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is that staple that keeps everything grounded. It’s soft, comforting, and ready to complement all your bold and flavorful recipes. Serve it alongside something hearty, and you’ll see why this rice deserves to shine on your winter table.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Nutty 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. — Nutty Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A big bowl of these Nutty Sesame Soba Noodles brings major comfort during chilly nights without weighing you down. The slight nuttiness pairs so well with the delicate noodles, it’s hard not to see this recipe as the perfect winter pick-me-up. It’s a meal you can curl up with while the cold stays outside.
Get the Recipe: Nutty Sesame Soba Noodles

Spicy Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice. — Spicy Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes winter dishes can feel a little too predictable, but these Spicy Gochujang Cabbage Steaks shake it up with a fiery kick. There’s something deeply satisfying about the bold and smoky flavors in this recipe; they’ll warm you right up. If you’re looking for a fresh take on hearty winter options, this recipe is your answer.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

This dish hits just right when you need a balance between cozy and exciting. This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower has a playful sweetness that feels perfect for those winter days when you want something comforting but still a little fun. Be prepared to dig in, because this recipe always manages to leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Thai Red Curry Paste

Core recipes like this Thai Red Curry Paste are what bring so much life to cold-weather meals. Just knowing you have this staple ready gives endless opportunities to create flavorful dishes that not only warm the body but excite the senses. Winter cooking feels made for bursts of spice and heat, and this curry paste delivers every single time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

Creamy Peanut Sauce

There’s something about winter meals that makes me crave sauces that feel indulgent without losing their balance, and this Creamy Peanut Sauce checks all the boxes. It’s versatile and brings such a deep flavor to any dish it complements; exactly what you need to keep things interesting during the colder weeks of the year.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Creamy Vegan Tikka Masala

A skillet filled with chickpea and tofu curry in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. — Creamy Vegan Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Some dinners just feel like a warm hug, and this Creamy Vegan Tikka Masala is up there. Its rich texture and bold flavors make it ideal when you’re looking to brighten up the darker, colder evenings with something that feels extra special on your plate. It’s the kind of recipe that sticks in your memory long after the meal is done.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Tikka Masala

Crispy Egg Rolls

These crispy treats are the kind of snack that can turn any day around. This Crispy Egg Rolls recipe packs just the right amount of crunch and flavor to feel satisfying, whether it’s a quick bite between meals or part of something bigger. Pair them with your favorite sauce, and you’ve instantly got a winter win that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Egg Rolls