What Helped Me Most? These 13 Vegan Asian Recipes

The to-do list was long, the energy was low, and dinner needed to be one less thing to think about. With 13 simple vegan Asian favorites lined up, meals felt less like a production and more like a quiet win. They handled the hunger without causing new stress and even earned a few unexpected compliments. There was no backup plan, and luckily, there didn’t need to be.

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

Making Thai cuisine easier, this paste works wonders for creating bold, spicy flavors without much effort. Thai Red Curry Paste is versatile and perfect for adding a rich, aromatic kick to any dish. It brings a balance of spice and depth that transforms simple meals into something memorable. Whether in soups or rice bowls, it’s a convenient way to pack flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Paste

Yellow Lentil Dal

If you’re looking for something hearty and warm, Yellow Lentil Dal is your answer. It’s smooth, filling, and makes you feel like you’ve eaten something homemade and comforting. Lentils combined with mild spices create a meal that’s both simple yet a bit different than basic dishes. Perfect when you want something easy that also feels nourishing.
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.

These give you a fresh and light option when heavier meals aren’t what you want. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls let you enjoy fresh ingredients in a neatly tucked package that’s easy to grab and eat. Their transparent wrap showcases what’s inside, visually making them fun to prepare and serve. You’ll enjoy this when you crave something handheld and quick.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Creamy Peanut Sauce

Great for dipping, drizzling, or mixing into dishes. Creamy Peanut Sauce is one of those versatile add-ons you didn’t realize you needed. It’s smooth, slightly nutty, and goes well with so many different foods. The texture alone makes everything a little more interesting, especially stir-fried meals or rolls.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Indian Onion Salad

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

This option brings crunch and a refreshing twist to your meal. Indian Onion Salad doesn’t feel heavy, but it’s a great side dish to make something feel complete without adding too much. The sharpness of the onion complements other meals perfectly by giving contrast in flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make when you need something fast to fill the space on your plate.
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.

When you’re ready for an upgrade from plain rice dishes, Tofu Fried Rice gives you just that. It’s a hearty choice that mixes tofu and rice together in a way that feels both filling and balanced. The tofu provides protein while staying light, making it ideal for meals without meat. Perfect for busy days when you need something easy but still feels put together.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Egg Rolls

These are perfect for sharing or eating when you need something easy to grab. Egg Rolls offer a mix of crunch on the outside with soft, flavorful filling inside. Whether as a starter or side item, they’re great additions to round out your meal. They don’t have a lot going on, but that’s what keeps them a reliable option when you want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

A lighter way to enjoy noodles without feeling weighed down afterward. Sesame Soba Noodles have a mild nuttiness and chewy texture that really separates them from other noodle dishes. They’re great as a main or side option that holds well if made in advance. If you like lighter dishes that are still filling enough for meals, this checks both boxes.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

A must-have for pairing with bold dishes, Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice creates a great foundation for meals without overpowering anything. The rice is light yet substantial enough to complement curries or stir-fried dishes. Its texture makes it enjoyable by itself or mixed with bolder flavors. If you prefer simple staples that hold up for different meals, this one fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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 want something crisp with just a hint of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad checks those boxes. It’s refreshing on its own and gives a good mix of crunch and spice to go alongside heavier mains. Perfect for those times you need a fresh option that doesn’t overshadow your base dish. You won’t have to wait long to make it, as it’s also quick and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

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.

An appealing option if you need something versatile to include in meals. Baked Tofu is firm enough to mix into salads, stir-fries, or enjoy on its own. The texture makes it easy to pair with a variety of dishes without it falling apart. This is a great choice for anyone looking for ease and consistency while preparing vegan meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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 bold flavors are what you want, Spicy Thai Peanut Curry delivers on that with its rich and balanced feel. While it’s hearty enough to stand alone, it’s also an excellent companion for rice or noodles. You’ll appreciate its distinct flavor you don’t find with regular curry options. Whether for dinner guests or simple meals, it’s a solid go-to when you want something that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Curry

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Perfect for a quick meal that’s easy to make and flexible to change depending on what you want. Tofu Vegan Stir Fry is packed with variety, ensuring each bite gives you something new. The balance of tofu and vegetable makes it a steady option without seeming too overdone. Ideal for the days you want something lighter but also filling.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry