I Cooked These 13 Asian Vegan Recipes In Total Survival Mode

No planning, no pep talk, just the need to eat something that didn’t make things worse. These 13 asian were solid, fast, and didn’t ask anything more than “can we get through today?” Somehow, they pulled off full plates and clear wins without demanding a spreadsheet or a second trip to the store. In a week of chaos, that was more than enough.

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

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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.

Crisp on the outside yet soft in the middle, Baked Tofu delivers a solid and chewy texture. It’s a go-to for when you need something protein-packed and simple to pull together. The oven does most of the work, and you can focus on whipping up other dishes. Works perfectly as a side or added to a main.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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.

Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls are all about fresh, crunchy fillings wrapped up in see-through sheets. Perfect for dipping into something rich and making quick meals feel special. They’re portable and great for snacking or putting together in a rush. Every bite has a mix of textures and clean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper 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.

When you’ve got a craving for something spicy and creamy, Spicy Thai Peanut Curry hits the mark. It’s bold and just warm enough without being too much. Thick and hearty, it pairs well with rice and makes for a full meal. This is survival comfort food at its best.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

Yellow Lentil Dal

Feeling like something warm and hearty? Yellow Lentil Dal is a staple, with its thick texture and comfort in every spoonful. It’s filling enough to stand on its own or great with a side of rice or bread. This dish always feels grounding when you want something reliable.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Thai Red Curry Paste

It is a building block for endless dishes and adds instant flavor to anything. Thai Red Curry Paste is a simple kitchen shortcut for bringing complex vibes to your food. You can store it easily and use it in soups, stir-fries, or anything needing an extra kick. Makes boring meals exciting instantly.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

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

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry is straightforward, quick to pull together, and perfect for using up random odds and ends from your fridge. The tofu gives it that chewy bite you want, while the mix of everything else adds variety. This is a one-pan lifesaver for busy days. It’s flexible and forgiving to improvisation.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Creamy Peanut Sauce

Thick and rich, Creamy Peanut Sauce is the perfect buddy for dipping or drizzling over anything. It brings in that blend of savory and slightly sweet notes. It works for salads, rolls, or even as a quick sauce for noodles when you’re pressed for time. You’ll find yourself going back for more of it.
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.

No rice does it better when you need that soft, fragrant base than Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. It’s what you lean on to bring all your other dishes together. It cooks up in a way where every grain stays tender. Simple, but it changes the whole meal when your rice is just right.
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.

Tossed together in minutes, Sesame Soba Noodles make mealtime a no-stress event. The nutty flavors and chewy noodles turn something simple into something you actually want to eat. It’s good hot or cold, whatever works for you at the moment. Perfect to prep ahead or just sort out on the spot.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Egg Rolls

Egg Rolls are your crunchy snack option when you need something simple but satisfying. They’re filled with a mix that balances out the outside crunch. You can pair them with dipping sauces to add variety without much trouble. Great as an appetizer or even a quick meal on their own.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Indian Onion Salad

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

Quick, punchy, and sharp, Indian Onion Salad adds that x-factor to your plate of food. It’s all about contrast with its bright and fresh kick. Nothing fancy here, just something easy to liven up heavy mains. Plus, it’s something you can throw together when you don’t feel like cooking much.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion 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.

A staple for when you’ve got leftover rice, Tofu Fried Rice is the definition of fast and efficient cooking. The tofu bulks it up, so it’s enough for a full meal. It’s a throw-it-all-in-the-pan approach that’s hard to mess up. Bonus: it’s endlessly customizable based on whatever you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Refreshing with a kick, Spicy Cucumber Salad adds crunch and a hint of heat when your meal needs some balance. It’s super quick to finish and doesn’t take much effort at all. Works well as a refreshing side next to rich food. All you need is a handful of basics, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad