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    Home » All Recipes » Recipe Roundup

    17 Japanese Vegetarian Recipes For Dinner

    Dec 30, 2021 by JURI · This post may contain affiliate links

    Want to discover some new vegetarian recipes? Here are 17 easy, simple, and tasty Japanese-style dishes that will make your mouth water.

    12 photos of Japanese vegetarian recipes

    "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
    • Meat substitute
    • List of Vegetarian dinner recipes
    • Tofu Dishes
    • Soy meat dishes
    • Tempeh dishes
    • Rice dishes
    • And More
    • What to serve with?
    • Thanks for stopping by

    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.

    12 plant-based protein
    • 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!

    tofu hambagu served with salad on a place

    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!

    Japanese mabo dofu served on a white plate

    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.

    Japanese teriyaki tofu and mushrooms

    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!

    napa cabbage rolls in a bowl

    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.

    vegan tofu quiche

    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!

    Koyadofu Katsu(Japanese tonkatsu style dish)

    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!

    vegan karaage made from soy meat chunks

    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!

    vegetarian soy meat hambagu with sauce on a plate

    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!

    tempeh karaage

    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.

    Tempeh Stir Fry in Japanese Teriyaki Sauce

    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.

    Marinated Tempeh-Japanese Syogayaki on a plate

    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!

    Japanese summer vegetable curry

    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.

    Japanese style tempeh dry curry

    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!

    ketchup rice on a plate served with tamagoyaki and salad

    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!

    natto chahan served on a plate with a spoon

    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!

    vegetable gyoza

    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!

    Panko Crusted Fried Eggplant and Shiitake Mushrooms

    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

    Japanese dinner: soy meat hambagu, miso soup, rice, salad
    • Soy meat hambagu
    • Steamed broccoli
    • Tomatoes
    • Spaghetti salad
    • Japanese short-grain rice
    • Miso soup (Egg, scallions, harusame noodles)

    Japanese-Style Vegetarian Dinner #2

    Japanese dinner: tempeh teriyaki stir fry, rice, miso soup, tamagoyaki
    • 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

    Japanese dinner: fried eggplant and shiitake, gomaae, rice, miso soup
    • 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

    You've found a recipe that you want to try? Each one includes step-by-step photos and videos so please take a look at them!

    Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡ If you’ve tried this recipe(or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!

    Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

    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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