5 Vegetarian Substitutes for Your Favourite Asian Recipes

Dining in Asian restaurants can be a minefield for vegetarians—you’re never too sure if that Thai salad is going to come drenched in fish sauce or if your vegetarian fried rice will be loaded with oyster sauce and the odd piece of Char Siu pork!

To avoid the dining angst, we’ve taken five of our favourite dishes from Asian restaurants and given them a vegetarian makeover for you to try at home, with easy vegetarian recipes you can cook up at home.

Switch the Chicken for Firm Tofu

Firm tofu is a solid tofu block made from coagulated soy milk. It has a firm and slightly spongy texture and holds its shape well. The flavor is mild and neutral, allowing it to absorb marinades and spices. This makes it a delicious vegan alternative to chicken, as it is able to be flavoured with any saue of your choice and provudes a valuable source of plant-based protein, containing all essential amino acids.

Its versatility in various dishes, such as stir-fries, curries, and grilling, makes it a great substitute for chicken, as it can take on the flavors of the recipe it’s used in. For a vegetarian take on a Chinese restaurant favourite, make a batch of honey sesame ‘chicken’, substituting cubes of firm tofu for the chicken breast. Try this vegan recipe for Salt & Pepper Tofu!

Swap Beef for Mushrooms

Thanks to their meaty texture and iron-rich properties, mushrooms make an ideal swap for beef. Choose shiitake mushrooms or large field mushrooms for the most satisfying heft.

When preparing vegetarian meals, mushrooms can be sliced, diced, or minced to resemble the texture of beef. They absorb flavors well, making them perfect for marinating or stir-frying. Whether it’s in stir-fries, noodles, or soups, substituting mushrooms for beef in Asian cooking provides a tasty, plant-based option that satisfies both the palate and dietary preferences.

You’ll love this vegan recipe for Mushroom Bulgogi Wraps!

Substitute Fish Sauce with Soy Sauce

In Southeast Asia, fish sauce is used to flavour everything from curries to salads, so it can be hard to tell if that tofu curry you’ve just ordered really is vegetarian. To address this concern, a simple substitute for fish sauce is soy sauce. 

Soy sauce provides a savory and salty taste that can mimic the umami notes of fish sauce. However, it is important to note that soy sauce tends to be stronger and more concentrated in flavor compared to fish sauce. Therefore, when using soy sauce as a replacement, it is recommended to reduce the amount used in the recipe to avoid overpowering the dish.

Go meat-free with this awesome vegetarian recipe for Vietnamese Vermicelli Salad with Vegan Spring Rolls!

Shop for Vegetarian Oyster Sauce

Using a meat-free ‘oyster’ sauce is a simple way to add authentic Asian flavors to vegetarian meals. Traditional oyster sauce is commonly used in Asian cuisine for its savory taste, but a vegetarian or vegan alternative can replicate the same depth of flavor. Typically made from mushrooms, soy sauce, and seasonings, the vegetarian version offers a meaty texture and natural umami taste. Incorporating this sauce into stir-fries, noodles, and vegetable dishes enhances the authenticity and deliciousness of the dish.

Check out this vegetarian recipe for Spinach Dumplings!

Seek Out Faux Meats at Your Asian Grocer

Did you know that many Buddhists observe a meat-free diet throughout the month? Thanks to this, Asian cooks have become experts at making faux meats using soy, textured vegetable proteins and gluten.

Exploring the array of faux meats in Asian grocery stores can reveal a wide variety of options, including mock prawns, vegetarian chicken, beef, or pork substitutes, all carefully crafted to resemble their animal-based counterparts. These plant-based alternatives are often made from soy protein or other vegetable proteins, offering a texture and taste that closely mimic real meat. Incorporating these faux meats into your recipes can provide a satisfying and flavorful experience, whether you’re preparing a stir-fry, curry, or any other Asian dishes.

Alternatively, try strips of tempeh from your supermarket. One of the notable characteristics of tempeh is its earthy and nutty flavor, which adds depth to dishes. Its firm texture allows it to hold its shape well during cooking, making it ideal for grilling, pan-frying, or baking. Tempeh readily absorbs flavors from marinades and sauces, making it a great choice for adding a savory and umami-rich element to a variety of recipes. This plant-based recipe for Vegan Laksa is sure to be a new favourite.