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31 Delicious Vegan Japanese Recipes For Holidays!

31 Delicious Vegan Japanese Recipes For Holidays!

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Vegan Japanese recipes offer a unique, flavorful twist to traditional Japanese food by focusing on plant-based ingredients while maintaining the depth and beauty of Japanese flavors. This cooking method combines seasonal, fresh vegetables, whole grains, tofu, seaweed and flavorful sauces.

Classic Japanese ingredients such as soy sauce, miso paste, rice vinegar, mirin and sesame oil provide the foundation for the flavor profile.

By making thoughtful substitutions for fish-based ingredients such as dashi (a fish stock used as the base of many Japanese dishes), it’s possible to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors while keeping the food vegetarian-friendly.


In vegetarian Japanese cooking, a delicious, umami-rich broth can be made with kombu (a type of kelp) and shiitake mushrooms.

This vegan dashi can be used as a base for dishes like miso soup, which is usually made with fish-based dashi. Miso soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and a vegan version features ingredients like soft tofu, green onions, and seaweed in a light miso broth.

Sushi, another iconic Japanese dish, can easily be adapted to a vegan diet. Vegan sushi uses ingredients like avocado, cucumber, bell pepper, pickled radish and mushroom, wrapped in nori (seaweed) with vinegared rice.

For added flavor and variety, some vegan sushi recipes include marinated tofu or tempeh, or even thinly sliced, fried sweet potatoes for a rich, satisfying texture.

Another popular vegan Japanese dish is vegetable tempura. In this recipe, vegetables like sweet potato, zucchini, eggplant and green beans are dipped in a light batter and fried to a crisp golden color.

Traditional tempura batter often contains eggs, but a vegetarian version can be made with a mixture of flour and cold sparkling water. The result is a delicate, crunchy coating that brings out the natural flavors of each vegetable.


Ramen, a deeply flavored noodle soup, can also be made vegetarian. Vegan ramen often starts with a broth made from vegetable stock, miso paste, or soy sauce. Toppings may include bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, green onions, tofu, and corn.

Some recipes add sesame oil or chili paste for an extra kick. The noodles are usually wheat-based and naturally vegetarian, making ramen a hearty, comforting meal.

Another great option is the Japanese salad with fresh vegetables, tofu and a unique dressing. A simple dressing is made with sesame oil, rice vinegar and soy sauce, which complements the light and crisp vegetables found in dishes like cucumber and wakame salads.

Wakam, a type of seaweed, is a popular ingredient that adds a subtle ocean-like flavor and is a good source of vitamins.

Finally, vegan Japanese desserts can be both delicious and easy to make. Mochi, a chewy rice cake, is often vegetarian and can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet red bean paste.

Another treat is anmitsu, a dessert made from agar-agar jelly, fruit and sweet syrup, which can be easily customized with different fruits and toppings.


Make these amazing vegan Japanese recipes at home and enjoy!

1. Vegan Okonomiyaki Recipe

Vegan Okonomiyaki Recipe
Source: okonomikitchen.com

Get the recipe here.

Must try Japanese recipe ideas & sushi recipes for meal prep!


2. Vegan Katsu Curry

Vegan Katsu Curry
Source: sixhungryfeet.com

Get the recipe here.

Also try high protein lunch recipes & salmon recipes for meal prep!


3. Vegan Sushi 

Vegan Sushi 
Source: thenewbaguette.com

Get the recipe here.


4. Vegan Sushi Bake

Vegan Sushi Bake
Source: myriadrecipes.com

Get the recipe here.

Must make vegan asian recipes for holidays!


5. Ganmodoki – Easy Japanese Fried Tofu Patties

Japanese Fried Tofu Patties
Source: justonecookbook.com

Get the recipe here.


6. Vegan Katsu Sando

Vegan Katsu Sando
Source: veggiekinsblog.com

Get the recipe here.

Must try strawberry desserts & keto cheesecake recipes for sweet tooth.


7. Vegan Japanese Curry Bread Buns (Kare Pan)

Vegan Japanese Curry Bread Buns (Kare Pan)
Source: justonecookbook.com

Get the recipe here.


8. Vegan Japanese Curry with Fried Tofu

Vegan Japanese Curry with Fried Tofu
Source: connoisseurusveg.com

Get the recipe here.


9. Agedashi Tofu (Japanese deep fried Tofu)

Agedashi Tofu (Japanese deep fried Tofu)
Source: sixhungryfeet.com

Get the recipe here.


10. Vegan Nabe – Healthy Japanese Miso Hot Pot

 Japanese Miso Hot Pot
Source: fromthecomfortofmybowl.com

Get the recipe here.


11. Vegan Yakisoba with Tofu

Vegan Yakisoba with Tofu
Source: sixhungryfeet.com

Get the recipe here.


12. Hanami Dango

Hanami Dango
Source: okonomikitchen.com

Get the recipe here.

Must try vegan salad recipes & clean eating superfood recipes for meal prep!


13. Perfect Vegan Mochi Ice Cream

Vegan Mochi Ice Cream
Source: rainbownourishments.com

Get the recipe here.


14. Vegan Coffee Jelly Dessert

Vegan Coffee Jelly Dessert
Source: wandercooks.com

Get the recipe here.


15. Vegan Taiyaki Recipe (Japanese Fish Waffle)

Japanese Fish Waffle
Source: constellationinspiration.com

Get the recipe here.


16. Sticky Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao

Sticky Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao
Source: lovelyjubley.com

Get the recipe here.


17. Vegetarian Sweet Potato Sushi

Vegetarian Sweet Potato Sushi
Source: eatwithclarity.com

Get the recipe here.


18. Vegan Dorayaki (Japanese Pancakes) 

Vegan Dorayaki (Japanese Pancakes) 
Source: lazycatkitchen.com

Get the recipe here.


19. Japanese Chahan or Fried Rice (Vegan Recipe)

Japanese Chahan or Fried Rice (Vegan Recipe)
Source: sudachirecipes.com

Get the recipe here.

Must try high protein clean eating recipes & vegan one pot meals for family!


20. Vegan Nama Chocolate

Vegan Nama Chocolate
Source: fullofplants.com

Get the recipe here.


21. Watermelon Mochi Recipe (Dye-free)

Watermelon Mochi Recipe (Dye-free)
Source: healmedelicious.com

Get the recipe here.


22. Quinoa Sushi Bowl

Quinoa Sushi Bowl
Source: simplyquinoa.com

Get the recipe here.

Also try power bowl recipes & quinoa recipes for meal prep!


23. Vegan Sushi Rice Bowl with Sesame Soy Dressing

Vegan Sushi Rice Bowl with Sesame Soy Dressing
Source: jessicainthekitchen.com

Get the recipe here.


24. Kawaii Onigiri Bear Shape Vegan Recipe

Kawaii Onigiri Bear Shape Vegan Recipe
Source: thesimplesprinkle.com

Get the recipe here.


25. Vegan Raspberry Chocolate Mochi with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling 

Vegan Raspberry Chocolate Mochi with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling 
Source: allpurposeveggies.com

Get the recipe here.


26. Vegan Miso Ramen (Tantanmen)

Vegan Miso Ramen (Tantanmen)
Source: sixhungryfeet.com

Get the recipe here.


27. Vegan Cabbage Rolls (Asian-Inspired Wraps) 

Vegan Cabbage Rolls (Asian-Inspired Wraps) 
Source: elavegan.com

Get the recipe here.

Check out high protein chicken recipes & high protein casserole recipes for meal prep!


28. Easy Vegan Ramen

Vegan Ramen
Source: noracooks.com

Get the recipe here.


29. Vegan Tofu Meatballs

Vegan Tofu Meatballs
Source: mindfulavocado.com

Get the recipe here.


30. Dragon Bowls with Miso Gravy

Dragon Bowls with Miso Gravy
Source: runningonrealfood.com

Get the recipe here.


31. 2-Ingredient Vegan Mooncakes Recipe

2-Ingredient Vegan Mooncakes Recipe
Source: allpurposeveggies.com

Get the recipe here.


Overall, vegetarian Japanese recipes are all about celebrating natural flavors with a balanced combination of sweet, salty, sour and umami flavors.

These vegan japanese recipes not only offer a way to enjoy Japanese cuisine with a plant-based approach but also allow for creative variety while respecting traditional ingredients and techniques.

From sushi to ramen to matcha-infused treats, vegetarian Japanese cuisine offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for something lighter or a heartier meal.