15 Quick and Easy Vegan Asian Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Craving flavorful vegan meals but short on time? These quick and easy Asian-inspired dishes will save your weeknights! Packed with fresh ingredients and delicious seasonings, these plant-based recipes are perfect for busy schedules. Whether you love stir-fries, soups, or noodle bowls, you’ll find something here that’s healthy, satisfying, and simple to make.

Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables

To make this simple stir-fried tofu, start by pressing and cubing one block of firm tofu. Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan, then stir-fry the tofu cubes until golden brown. Add one sliced bell pepper, a cup of broccoli florets, and half a cup of shredded carrots. Stir in two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender, then serve over steamed jasmine rice for a quick, balanced vegan meal.

Vegan Pad Thai

For a quick vegan Pad Thai, start by cooking 8 ounces of rice noodles according to package instructions. While the noodles cook, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan and sauté one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves until fragrant. Add in a cup of shredded cabbage, a handful of bean sprouts, and a cubed block of firm tofu. Mix in three tablespoons of tamarind paste, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and a tablespoon of maple syrup. Toss the noodles in with the sauce and veggies, then garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Coconut Curry Soup

This coconut curry soup is warming and easy to make. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of coconut oil and sauté a diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic. Stir in a tablespoon of red curry paste and let it cook for a minute. Add one can of coconut milk, three cups of vegetable broth, and a chopped sweet potato. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook until the sweet potato is tender, about 15 minutes. Add a cup of spinach and a tablespoon of soy sauce before serving with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a quick and hearty dinner.

Vegan Sushi Rolls

To make vegan sushi at home, start by cooking one cup of sushi rice and letting it cool slightly. Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, then spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving an inch at the top. Add thin slices of cucumber, avocado, and carrot in the middle. Carefully roll up the sushi, using the mat to help shape it tightly. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for dipping. This is a fun and easy dinner option that’s great for busy nights!

Spicy Peanut Noodles

For spicy peanut noodles, cook 8 ounces of soba or rice noodles according to package directions. While the noodles cook, whisk together three tablespoons of peanut butter, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a teaspoon of sriracha in a small bowl. Drain the noodles and toss them in the sauce along with one cup of shredded carrots, half a sliced cucumber, and a handful of chopped green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges for a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Teriyaki Tofu Bowl

For this Teriyaki Tofu Bowl, start by pressing and cubing one block of firm tofu. In a bowl, mix together three tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of maple syrup, and a teaspoon of rice vinegar to create the teriyaki sauce. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan and fry the tofu until crispy. Add one cup of chopped bok choy and half a cup of sliced bell peppers to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir until the veggies are tender. Serve the tofu and veggies over brown rice for a quick and tasty meal.

Miso Soup with Veggies

This easy Miso Soup is a comforting and nutritious option. In a pot, bring four cups of vegetable broth to a simmer. Stir in two tablespoons of white miso paste until dissolved. Add a block of cubed tofu, half a cup of sliced mushrooms, and a handful of spinach. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with a side of steamed edamame for a simple and healthy dinner.

Vegan Ramen Noodle Bowl

For a flavorful Vegan Ramen Noodle Bowl, start by boiling 8 ounces of ramen noodles according to package instructions. In a separate pot, sauté one chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of grated ginger in sesame oil. Add four cups of vegetable broth, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and a tablespoon of miso paste. Bring the broth to a simmer and add one cup of sliced mushrooms, half a cup of shredded carrots, and a handful of spinach. Divide the noodles into bowls, pour the broth over them, and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Thai Basil Fried Rice

For Thai Basil Fried Rice, cook two cups of jasmine rice and let it cool slightly. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok, and sauté one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves until soft. Add one cup of mixed veggies like bell peppers and peas, and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Stir in the rice, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and a teaspoon of sriracha. Add a handful of fresh Thai basil leaves and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lime for a quick, flavorful meal.

Vegan Dumplings

To make Vegan Dumplings, start by mixing together one cup of finely shredded cabbage, half a cup of shredded carrots, one chopped green onion, and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Spoon the filling into store-bought dumpling wrappers, then fold and seal the edges. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan and fry the dumplings until golden brown on one side. Add a splash of water, cover the pan, and let the dumplings steam for 5 minutes. Serve with soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.

Sweet and Sour Tofu

For Sweet and Sour Tofu, press and cube one block of firm tofu. In a bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of ketchup, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a tablespoon of maple syrup to make the sweet and sour sauce. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry the tofu until golden and crispy. Add one chopped bell pepper and a cup of pineapple chunks. Pour the sauce over the tofu and veggies, and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve over steamed rice for a tasty, quick meal.

Vegan Spring Rolls

For fresh Vegan Spring Rolls, start by soaking rice paper wrappers in warm water until soft. Lay the wrappers flat and fill with thin slices of cucumber, avocado, carrots, and lettuce. Add a few fresh mint leaves and cilantro for extra flavor. Roll the wrappers tightly and serve with a dipping sauce made from two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a teaspoon of sesame oil. These rolls are light, fresh, and ready in minutes!

Vegan Japchae

Japchae is a Korean dish made with sweet potato noodles. Start by boiling 8 ounces of sweet potato noodles until soft, then drain. In a large pan, sauté one chopped onion, two cloves of garlic, and a cup of sliced bell peppers in sesame oil. Add the noodles to the pan along with two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of sugar, and a tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir in a handful of spinach and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the spinach wilts. Garnish with sesame seeds for a quick, delicious meal.

Szechuan Tofu

For a quick and spicy Szechuan Tofu, press and cube one block of firm tofu. In a bowl, mix together two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a teaspoon of Szechuan peppercorns. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan and fry the tofu until crispy. Add one chopped onion and a sliced bell pepper, and cook until tender. Pour the sauce over the tofu and veggies, stirring well to coat, and serve over steamed jasmine rice for a bold, flavorful dinner.

Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

For Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan and sauté one chopped onion and a diced carrot. Add in two cups of cooked jasmine rice, half a cup of cubed pineapple, and one tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder and a handful of chopped cashews for crunch. Cook for 5 minutes, tossing everything together, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This sweet and savory dish is ready in no time for an easy, tropical-inspired dinner.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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