Want to discover some new vegetarian recipes? Here are 17 easy, simple, and tasty Japanese-style dishes that will make your mouth water.
"Eating meat makes me feel heavy", "I always cook the same dish and it's not healthy for me", "I want to cut down on animal products", etc
Whether you're looking to go meatless or just need some new ideas, these vegetarian-friendly options will be sure to fit the bill!
- This recipe is for you if:
- You love Japanese recipes
- You are looking for vegetarian recipes
- You want to make meatless dinner
- You are looking for new vegetarian dinner ideas
I put together a collection of Chef JA Cooks's simple and easy vegetarian recipes so let's dive in!
Jump to:
About this recipe
- Japanese vegetarian recipes
- Plant-based protein
- Vegetarian dinner ideas
- All recipes are simple and easy to follow
Meat substitute
There are so many classic recipes with meat in Japan, like Curry rice and Hambagu (hamburger steak), Karrage (fried chicken), Gyoza, and so on.
And It's easy to convert them into meatless recipes.
You can pull out the meat from these recipes or replace it with plant-based protein!
Let me show you the plant-based protein option below.
Plant based protein
Here is a list of meat substitutes that I use in my vegetarian recipes.
- Tofu
- Aburaage (Deep fried thin tofu)
- Atsuage (Deep fried thick tofu)
- Natto (Fermented soybeans)
- Koya dofu (Frezen-dried tofu)
- Soy meat
- Tempeh (Fermented soybeans)
- Kurumafu (Wheat gluten)
- Lentil
- Soybeans
- Chickpeas
- Azuki beans
Tofu is the greatest! It's versatile and easy to cook. If you want a chewier texture, try these firmer kinds of tofu such as Aburaage, Atsuage, or Koydofu.
Natto and tempeh are both fermented soybeans, and super healthy ingredients.
If you are not familiar with natto, see: How to eat natto, I show you easy ways to cook with it.
Tempeh is an Indonesian food so it's not easy to find in Japan, but I love its textured and flavorful taste. It's also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
(I use most of these ingredients except Aburaage, Kurumafu, Lentil, Chickpeas, Azuki beans in these recipes below.)
List of Vegetarian dinner recipes
Now, I will show you 17 vegetarian recipes, most of them with plant-based protein. There's a huge variety of flavors and textures to suit every appetite!
If you find a recipe that sounds good, please give it a try, and please leave me feedback in the "Leave a comment" section below!
Here is the list:
- Tofu hambagu
- Japanese style mabo dofu
- Teriyaki tofu and mushrooms
- Tofu stuffed napa cabbage rolls
- Tofu quiche
- Fried koyadofu
- Soy meat karaage
- Soy meat hambagu
- Tempeh karaage
- Tempeh teriyaki stir-fry
- Tempeh shogayaki
- Vegetable curry
- Tempeh dry curry
- Chickpea ketchup rice
- Natto chahan
- Vegetable gyoza
- Fried shiitake and eggplant
Tofu Dishes
Tofu hambagu
This healthy Tofu Hambagu is made from 100% tofu. It's a great dish for vegetarians who love Japanese food but still want to enjoy the taste of hamburger steak with their favorite sauce!
Make this recipe: Tofu hambagu
Japanese style mabo dofu
This Mabo Dofu is Japanese-style mapo tofu made with a light and gentle blend of seasonings that creates an appetizing flavor. You won't find anything too spicy, but the dish still has enough heat to create a satisfying meal for everyone in your family!
Make this recipe: Japanese style mabo dofu
Teriyaki tofu and mushrooms
This Teriyaki tofu and mushrooms is a healthy and hearty main dish. Crispy tofu and teriyaki sauce are the best matches.
Make this recipe: Teriyaki tofu and mushrooms
Tofu stuffed napa cabbage rolls
These napa cabbage rolls are made by wrapping tofu fillings with tender napa cabbage and simmering it. It's hearty and so delicious!
Make this recipe: Tofu stuffed napa cabbage rolls
Tofu quiche
The perfect meal for any vegetarian! This Tofu Quiche has plenty of vegetables and soy-based protein to make it filling without the meat.
Make this recipe: Tofu quiche
Fried koyadofu
Fried koyadofu is Japanese tonkatsu (fried pork) style recipe, and It's a healthy vegetarian dish that will make you feel just as satisfied. If you're looking to make something new or just enjoy tasty food that's healthy too then try this recipe out!
Make this recipe: Fried koyadofu
Soy meat dishes
Soy meat karaage
This mouthwatering vegan soy meat karaage is made from marinating soy meat chunks before deep-frying them. If you are vegan but love a flavorful and meaty dish, this recipe is for you!
Make this recipe: Soy meat karaage
Soy meat hambagu
The perfect dish for vegetarians, I will show you how to make a vegetarian soy meat hambagu. It is fluffy but has a firm, meaty texture and you won't believe it's meatless! Give this one a try!
Make this recipe: Soy meat hambagu
Tempeh dishes
Tempeh karaage
This is Japanese style tempeh dish, Vegan Tempeh Karaage. Marinate the piece of tempeh in homemade sauce and fry it. Simple but super tasty recipe!
Make this recipe: Tempeh karaage
Tempeh teriyaki stir-fry
This tempeh stir fry is a Japanese-style teriyaki flavor dish. Tasty, healthy, and easy to make in under 15 minutes.
Make this recipe: Tempeh teriyaki stir-fry
Tempeh shogayaki
This is an easy marinated tempeh shogayaki with Japanese flavor. Shogayaki is similar to teriyaki but the marinade includes ginger. It's a great main dish that goes well with Japanese sticky rice.
Make this recipe: Tempeh shogayaki
Rice dishes
Vegetable curry
The Japanese curry rice is creamy, starchy, and easy for a family dinner. The dish usually contains meat, but this vegetable curry has plenty of vegetables to make it vegan or vegetarian. Let's learn how!
Make this recipe: Vegetable curry
Tempeh dry curry
Healthy Japanese style dry curry with chopped tempeh instead of meat. It's an easy and simple recipe even if you are not familiar with tempeh.
Make this recipe: Tempeh dry curry
Chickpea ketchup rice
If you want something quick and easy, this chickpea ketchup rice is perfect for you. All it takes is just stir-frying vegetables, chickpeas, rice, and season with ketchup. It's ready in under 15 minutes!
Make this recipe: Chickpea ketchup rice
Natto chahan
Natto chahan is the best way to enjoy natto and rice. It's an easy lunch that you can make in no time at all!
Make this recipe: Natto chahan
And More
Vegetable gyoza
This is our family's favorite recipe, the Japanese vegetable gyoza. It requires only vegetables, but it's delicious, flavorful, and so crispy. You might be surprised that it's meatless!
Make this recipe: Vegetable gyoza
Fried shiitake and eggplant
Panko-crusted fried eggplant and shiitake mushrooms are mouthwatering easy recipes. These are crispy, juicy, and will make your taste buds happy!
Make this recipe: Fried shiitake and eggplant
What to serve with?
You are not sure what to serve with?
I highly recommend serving a simple and easy soup like a miso soup which will complete your healthy dinner.
Also adding more color ingredients to your plate can help satisfy cravings and increase enjoyment.
Here are some ideas:
Japanese-Style Vegetarian Dinner #1
- Soy meat hambagu
- Steamed broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Spaghetti salad
- Japanese short-grain rice
- Miso soup (Egg, scallions, harusame noodles)
Japanese-Style Vegetarian Dinner #2
- Tempeh teriyaki stir fry
- Tamagoyaki with scallions
- Cucumber asazuke with shiokombu
- Tomatoes
- Japanese short-grain rice
- Zuccini and harusame noodles soup
Japanese-Style Vegetarian Dinner #3
- Fried eggplant and shiitake mushrooms
- Green pepper gomaae
- Cabbage and carrot salad
- Cherry tomatoes
- Japanese short-grain rice
- Miso soup (Eringi mushrooms, wakame)
Thanks for stopping by
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Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes include vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.
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