31 Delicious Vegan Japanese Recipes For Holidays!
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
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2. Vegan Katsu Curry
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3. Vegan Sushi
4. Vegan Sushi Bake
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5. Ganmodoki – Easy Japanese Fried Tofu Patties
6. Vegan Katsu Sando
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7. Vegan Japanese Curry Bread Buns (Kare Pan)
8. Vegan Japanese Curry with Fried Tofu
9. Agedashi Tofu (Japanese deep fried Tofu)
10. Vegan Nabe – Healthy Japanese Miso Hot Pot
11. Vegan Yakisoba with Tofu
12. Hanami Dango
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13. Perfect Vegan Mochi Ice Cream
14. Vegan Coffee Jelly Dessert
15. Vegan Taiyaki Recipe (Japanese Fish Waffle)
16. Sticky Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao
17. Vegetarian Sweet Potato Sushi
18. Vegan Dorayaki (Japanese Pancakes)
19. Japanese Chahan or Fried Rice (Vegan Recipe)
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20. Vegan Nama Chocolate
21. Watermelon Mochi Recipe (Dye-free)
22. Quinoa Sushi Bowl
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23. Vegan Sushi Rice Bowl with Sesame Soy Dressing
24. Kawaii Onigiri Bear Shape Vegan Recipe
25. Vegan Raspberry Chocolate Mochi with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling
26. Vegan Miso Ramen (Tantanmen)
27. Vegan Cabbage Rolls (Asian-Inspired Wraps)
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28. Easy Vegan Ramen
29. Vegan Tofu Meatballs
30. Dragon Bowls with Miso Gravy
31. 2-Ingredient Vegan Mooncakes Recipe
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.
