Vegan Chinese Food Guide

Vegan eating is growing in popularity, thanks to its many health benefits, the reduced impact a vegan diet has on the environment, and the growth of vegan companies and alternatives that make it easier to try out vegan cooking at home and when dining out. When you think about vegan dining, Chinese food might not immediately come to mind, but the truth is that meat alternatives and vegan cooking options have been part of Chinese culture for a long time, and you can embrace classic vegan cooking and modern ingredients alike in your own kitchen today. 

Fly By Jing is here to help. We carry bold and spicy ingredients, like mala spice mix and chili crisp, which add that extra kick to every vegan recipe you try. We also want to provide the recipe and histories that help to make these dishes accessible and exciting. Here’s what you’ll want to know about the history of Chinese vegan cooking and how to begin making your own Chinese vegan dishes today. 

Chinese History of Meat Alternatives

There is a long history of vegetarian and, to a certain extent, vegan cooking in Chinese cuisine. That is largely because China is an important location for two major regions that centralize around vegetarianism, Buddhism and Taoism.

Buddhism originated in India and began traveling across the continent of Asia between the 6th and 4th centuries B.C. It is difficult to know specifically when Buddhism first arrived in China, and historians still debate whether it first arrived through the Silk Road maritime or overland routes. Despite not knowing its specific origins, Chinese Buddhism, also known as Han Buddhism, took root in the country, influencing culture, art and poetry, and, ultimately, food. 

Vegetarianism is a large facet of the Buddhist religion, based on the Indian principles of not harming sentient beings, though there is a great amount of discourse surrounding the meaning behind the edicts and what exceptions might be made in times of need. The monks at Buddhist Temples were known to serve only vegetable soups and teas to pilgrims traveling through. 

Taoism is a religious philosophy rooted in the concept of harmony. It teaches that all living creatures are in a state of harmony, both with the universe and the energy in the universe. Their vegetarian edicts are also based on intentions to reduce any harm to sentient life, and there is even a theory that Taoism is at the root of the invention of tofu, though it is challenging to determine the truth of that. 

Over time, vegetarian cooking became even more widespread across China, and by the 1600s, citizens across the country, and even members of the court, were consuming vegetarian dishes. That led to an even greater rise of vegetarian meals and specialized cooks. 

Even with the rise of global influence and access to more ingredients, China remains a country with many vegetarian options. Most Chinese food is made without dairy, so many vegetarian recipes are vegan, as well, or can easily be made so. 

Common Meat Alternatives in Chinese Food

Chinese food dishes are versatile and always evolving, so it’s easy to begin making vegan versions of the flavors and recipes you love. Here are some of the common meat alternatives you’ll find in your favorite Chinese food dishes. 

Tofu

Tofu is made of soy milk and bean curd and can be easily adjusted to fit all of your cooking needs, both in flavor and in texture. You can find it in variations like silken, soft, firm, and extra firm, and tofu is an excellent choice, even for non-vegan diners, because it absorbs marinades and seasoning well. 

Mushrooms

Mushrooms make a great substitute in dishes that traditionally call for beef because they have a similar, somewhat meaty texture and absorb flavors easily. The right kind of mushroom can also give you that savory, umami flavor that vegan food is sometimes missing. There are many different types of mushrooms, so you can explore your options and find the right combinations of marinades to fit your favorite flavor needs. 

Tempeh

Tempeh is another soybean meat alternative, but it differs slightly from tofu in texture and taste. Tempeh brings more of its own flavoring to the dish than tofu, which is a more neutral ingredient. With tempeh, you’ll also get a chewier texture and a nutty or earthly flavor that pairs well with vegetables and rich, umami flavors.

Vegan Chinese Food Dishes

Chinese food doesn’t traditionally include a lot of dairy products, so it’s relatively easy to begin making your favorite dishes vegan with a couple of simple swaps. Here are some Chinese vegan recipes we know you’re going to love. 

Vegan Mapo Tofu

Mapo tofu is one of the most famous dishes from Sichuan, and if you havent tried it yet, you’re missing out. Serve this deep, rich umami dish with steamed rich for a comforting, filling meal that you’re sure to love.

To make this recipe, you need doubanjiang (fermented fava bean paste) and Sichuan chili crisp. Try our three-year aged doubanjiangfor the ultimate experience. 

Ingredients 

300g tofu—cut into cubes 

1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms 

1 cup hot water 

2 tablespoons light soy sauce 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

1 teaspoon minced ginger 

2 tablespoons doubanjiang 

2 tablespoons Sichuan chili crisp 

3 tablespoons chili oil with bits 

1 tablespoon fermented black beans

1/2 cup stock or bone broth

1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

½ teaspoon whole Sichuan pepper 

1 pinch ground roasted Sichuan pepper 

3 scallions—whites cut in 1-inch pieces, greens thinly sliced 

Recipe 

Step One: Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water and soy sauce until rehydrated enough to pulse in a food processor or chop very finely. 

Step Two: Fry up small pieces of mushroom with oil and soy sauce until crispy. Set aside. 

Step Three: Boil tofu in salted water. To keep from breaking, use a colander. Set tofu aside. 

Step Four: Heat chili oil in wok. Add garlic and ginger and fry until fragrant. Add doubanjiang, Sichuan chili crisp, fermented black beans, and Sichuan pepper. Fry until fragrant. 

Step Five: Add stock and bring to a boil. Stir in mushrooms, scallion whites, and tofu. Cook for about five minutes. 

Step Six: Add in the cornstarch flurry and let the sauce thicken.  

Step Seven: Serve with scallion greens and roasted Sichuan peppers to taste. 

Spicy Sichuan Noodles

Noodles are a great dish for vegan cooking because they’re so versatile and easy to adapt, and these spicy Sichuan noodles are a great example. You can adjust it to fit your preferred heat level with ease. 

Ingredients

6 oz Taiwanese instant noodles 

4 tablespoons peanut butter

Chinkiang vinegar 

2 tablespoons Sichuan chili crisp 

1 tablespoon sesame oil 

2 tablespoons fried garlic 

1 tablespoon soy sauce 

Recipe 

Step One: Cook noodles according to the package. Chop scallions and set aside. 

Step Two: Combine peanut butter, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil in a bowl. 

Step Three: Drain noodles and coat with sauce. Top with scallions, fried garlic, and Sichuan chili crisp to taste. Use remaining noodle water to thin the sauce, if necessary. Enjoy! 

Dumplings

There are so many delicious dumpling options! The only limit when it comes to creating vegan dumplings at home is your imagination. Explore a wide variety of vegetable ingredients or use tofu or edamame to get the flavors and textures you love. Enjoy great vegan sauces and herbs to boost spicy or umami tastes. 

When it comes to dumplings, you just want to be sure that the dumpling wrappers are made vegan. Most of the time, Chinese recipes call for dumplings to be sealed with water, but it can occasionally be eggs, so it’s a good idea to always ask when dining out. 

Conclusion

If you’re on the search for easy and delicious vegan dishes that you can make right at home, then Chinese food recipes are the way to go. Chinese food is an adaptable and evolving cuisine, and it’s easy to remove meat products and replace them with vegetables or meat alternatives without losing out on your favorite flavors. 

A large part of achieving great tastes is the sauces and condiments you serve along with your main dishes—and that’s where Fly By Jing can help! We carry a wide variety of the best sauces and oils for cooking, dipping, and drizzling because we believe that great Chinese food, and great vegan Chinese food, should be easy to make yourself. Explore easy and delicious vegan Chinese food recipes and share your favorite ones today. 

Sources 

Chinese Vegetarian Food: Can A Vegetarian Survive In China? | China Travel

Taoism | National Geographic

Tempeh vs tofu: Which plant-based protein is healthiest? | Well and Good