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17 Vegetarian Chinese Recipes Better Than Takeout

By: Shivani Choudhary
Updated On: February 19, 2025

Are you tired of the same old takeout routine? Look no further! You're about to discover 17 amazing vegetarian Chinese recipes that are easy to make and super delicious, including Vegetable Lo Mein and Tofu Stir Fry.

These authentic dishes are packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will make your taste buds dance. From savory stir-fries to tasty noodle dishes, you'll find a new favorite recipe to try. Get ready to take your Chinese food game to the next level and cook like a pro!

17 Vegetarian Chinese Recipes

1. Vegetable Lo Mein Recipes

Stir-fried lo mein noodles with mixed vegetables and savory sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lo mein noodles
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the skillet or wok.
  6. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve the vegetable lo mein hot.

2. Tofu Stir Fry Dishes

Quick and easy tofu stir fry with mixed vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of broccoli florets
  • 1 cup of carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the tofu into small cubes and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  6. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  8. Add the broccoli and carrots, and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  9. Add the cooked tofu back into the skillet, along with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
  10. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  11. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

3. Chinese Vegetable Spring Rolls

Crunchy Chinese Vegetable Spring Rolls filled with shredded vegetables and served with sweet chili sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 package spring roll wrappers
  • 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Fill a large bowl with warm water to soak the spring roll wrappers.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, zucchini, scallions, and garlic.
  3. Lay a spring roll wrapper in the bowl of warm water for 30 seconds to soften.
  4. Place the softened wrapper on a flat surface and arrange about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable mixture in the center.
  5. Brush the edges with a little water and fold the bottom half over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
  6. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  7. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
  8. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
  9. Remove the spring rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  10. Serve the spring rolls hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

4. Vegetarian Wonton Soup

Vegetarian Wonton Soup is a comforting and flavorful Chinese dish filled with wontons and vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 package round wonton wrappers
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Scallions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic.
  2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface and place a tablespoon of the vegetable mixture in the center.
  3. Dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wonton wrapper.
  4. Fold the wonton wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
  5. Press the edges together to seal the wonton.
  6. Repeat the process until all the wonton wrappers and filling are used up.
  7. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
  8. Add the wontons to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
  9. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the wontons are cooked through.
  11. Season the soup with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
  12. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions.

5. Easy Veggie Fried Rice

Easy Veggie Fried Rice is a simple and flavorful Chinese dish made with mixed vegetables and rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, then add a little more oil if necessary.
  5. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side of the pan and scramble them until cooked through.
  6. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
  7. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
  8. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables and eggs for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Add the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the Easy Veggie Fried Rice hot.

6. Buddha's Delight Recipes

Buddha's Delight is a traditional Chinese vegetarian dish made with various ingredients and seasonings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed mushrooms
  • 1 cup fried tofu
  • 1 cup lotus seeds
  • 1 cup bamboo shoots
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add the mixed mushrooms, fried tofu, lotus seeds, and bamboo shoots, and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and five-spice powder, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

7. Chinese Mushroom Recipes

Savory Chinese mushroom recipes are a staple of vegetarian cuisine.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of mixed mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add the mixed mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and cornstarch.
  6. Pour the sauce over the mushrooms and stir to combine.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

8. Vegetable Chow Mein

Vegetable Chow Mein is a Chinese stir-fry dish made with noodles and various vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of noodles
  • 2 cups of mixed vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
  4. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy.

9. Steamed Dumplings

Delicate steamed dumplings filled with vegetables and tofu.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced tofu
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Gradually add the warm water to the bowl and knead the dough for 10 minutes.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll out each ball into a thin circle.
  4. Place a tablespoon of the vegetable and tofu filling in the center of each dough circle.
  5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
  6. Place the dumplings in a steamer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling.
  7. Steam the dumplings over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
  8. Serve the dumplings hot with soy sauce and sesame oil.

10. Kung Pao Tofu

Spicy Kung Pao Tofu is a vegetarian Chinese dish made with crispy tofu and peanuts.

Ingredients

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 cup of peanuts
  • 1 cup of scallions
  • 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the tofu into small cubes and coat with cornstarch.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove the tofu from the wok and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
  6. Add the garlic, onion, and peanuts to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  7. Add the scallions and cooked tofu to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  8. Add the soy sauce and stir-fry for another minute.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy.

11. Vegetable Egg Foo Young

Vegetable Egg Foo Young is a Chinese omelette dish filled with vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup diced cabbage
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced scallions
  • 1/4 cup diced bean sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the diced cabbage, carrots, scallions, and bean sprouts, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables and cook until the eggs start to set.
  6. Use a spatula to gently fold the edges of the omelette towards the center.
  7. Add the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the eggs are almost set.
  9. Slide the omelette out of the wok or skillet onto a plate and serve hot.

12. Chinese Broccoli Recipes

Quick and easy Chinese broccoli recipe with garlic and ginger.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch Chinese broccoli
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 piece ginger
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the Chinese broccoli into smaller pieces and separate the leaves from the stems.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
  4. Add the Chinese broccoli stems and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the Chinese broccoli leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
  6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot.

13. Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup

A traditional Chinese soup made with mushrooms and tofu in a savory broth.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup diced tofu
  • 1/4 cup diced bamboo shoots
  • 1/4 cup diced carrots
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine vegetable broth, water, and sliced mushrooms in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and add diced tofu, bamboo shoots, and carrots, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and soy sauce, then add to the pot and stir to combine.
  4. Add rice vinegar, sesame oil, and white pepper, and stir to combine.
  5. Season with salt to taste, then serve hot.

14. Spinach and Mushroom Stir Fry

Quick and easy spinach and mushroom stir fry packed with flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
  6. Pour the sauce over the spinach and mushrooms, and stir to combine.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

15. Vegetable Loofah Recipes

Stir-fried loofah with garlic and ginger is a classic Chinese dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium loofah
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the loofah into small pieces.
  2. Mince the garlic and ginger.
  3. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
  5. Add the loofah and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  7. Serve hot over steamed rice.

16. Chinese Green Bean Recipes

Quick-stirred Chinese green beans with garlic and ginger.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  4. Add the green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.
  5. Add the soy sauce to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
  6. Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

17. Szechuan Vegetable Noodle Soup

Szechuan Vegetable Noodle Soup is a spicy and savory Chinese dish made with various vegetables and noodles.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced zucchini
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup noodles
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Szechuan pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, and diced zucchini, and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions.
  7. Stir in the soy sauce and Szechuan pepper.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Conclusion

You'll find that making 17 vegetarian Chinese recipes, like Vegetable Lo Mein, surpasses takeout in flavor and nutrition. For instance, a local vegan restaurant increased sales by 25% after introducing a veggie stir-fry dish, showcasing the demand for authentic, meat-free Chinese cuisine made with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, offering a delicious alternative to traditional takeout.

Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨ With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.
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