Our Dinner Was Already Late—These 13 Vegan Asian Recipes Still Worked

Dinner was already late, and the kitchen felt quiet and rushed. These 13 easy dishes came to the rescue without much time needed. Each one was quick to make but still full of flavor and comfort. The table filled up fast, and the night felt saved. No one noticed the time because the food felt just right. Even with the clock ticking, everything came together with ease.

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

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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.

Running late for dinner, these rolls pack vibrant veggies wrapped in soft rice paper, making a light yet filling dish. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls are fresh and tasty even on a rushed evening. Perfect when you want something quick but still refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated, and sometimes all you need is fragrant steamed rice with a subtle hint of sweetness. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is easy to make and pairs well with just about anything. It’s soft, light, and ideal for any last-minute meal. Serve it alongside a quick stir-fry or curry for a complete plate. Simple, comforting, and just what you need for a late evening.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

When it feels like a long day, a hearty bowl of dal comes together effortlessly. Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal is creamy, wholesome, and spiced just right. It’s a comforting option when you’re short on time but craving warmth. Serve it with rice or flatbread to make it feel more substantial. A no-fuss way to wrap up your evening.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

Some nights, you just need a quick bowl of noodles, and this one comes together in no time. Sesame Soba Noodles have the perfect chewy texture with a light nutty flavor. Tossed with a simple dressing, they’re a great choice when dinner is running late. Throw in some veggies or tofu to bulk it up. Fast, delicious, and easy.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Yellow Lentil Dal

A bowl of warm lentils is perfect for those nights when you need something simple. Yellow Lentil Dal is filling and comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients. Pair it with rice or bread to round out the meal. It feels cozy without requiring much effort or planning. A great choice for winding down after a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

For something light that still has a kick, this salad comes together in minutes. Spicy Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and balanced with just enough heat. Tossed quickly, it’s ideal as a side or light dinner when you’re in a rush. It pairs beautifully with other dishes if you need more on the table. A flavorful option to keep things simple.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Thai Red Curry Paste

Having this paste ready means a faster dinner for those busy evenings. Thai Red Curry Paste brings bold flavors and can quickly turn into a base for curries, stir-fries, or soups. Mix in some veggies, tofu, or whatever’s on hand for a quick dinner fix. It’s versatile and comes together faster than you’d expect. A great shortcut to full-flavored meals.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

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.

Tofu is a great option when you want something versatile and quick. Baked Tofu is crispy on the outside and tender inside, adding texture and protein to your meal. It’s simple enough to prep in a hurry and goes well with rice, noodles, or salads. Use a quick seasoning to make it flavorful without a fuss. Perfect for those busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Egg Rolls

When there’s no time to make something fancy, these rolls come in handy. Egg Rolls are crispy on the outside and have a flavorful veggie-packed filling. Pair them with a dipping sauce, and it’s an easy, delicious dinner option. Whether as a snack or a side, they fit into any rushed evening without much hassle. Crunchy and comforting in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

Quick stir-fried dish makes dinner feel less stressful. Tofu Fried Rice is packed with flavor, tossing together tofu, rice, and a mix of veggies. It’s ready in minutes and makes a complete dish for those late nights. Swap in whatever extras you have in the fridge and make it your own. A simple yet perfect way to end the day.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Creamy Peanut Sauce

A versatile sauce is a lifesaver on busy nights when time is short. Creamy Peanut Sauce adds richness and flavor to noodles, veggies, or tofu in minutes. Stir it up and drizzle it over any dish for an instant upgrade. Pair it with rice, a salad, or even rolls for a quick meal idea. Practical and flavorful with minimal effort.
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.

When you’re unsure what to cook, a stir-fry always works as a fast dinner option. Tofu Vegan Stir Fry comes together in one pan, making cleanup simple too. Packed with tofu and veggies, it’s both nutritious and quick for a late dinner. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. A quick and flavorful fix for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

A warm bowl of curry feels like the perfect meal for a busy night. Spicy Thai Peanut Curry is bold, rich, and full of flavors. Add some veggies and rice on the side, and it doesn’t require much effort to pull together. A comforting dish that feels like it takes more effort than it does. Perfect for a night when time isn’t on your side.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Curry