Asian food is often associated with choice meat and seafood that is hard to find anywhere else. But did you know that for the longest time, due to the prevalence of Buddhism, meat was considered a taboo in Japan? This gave rise to many vegetarian and vegan Japanese delicacies that are slowly getting their due now.
Whether you're a vegetarian or vegan, or simply want to consume more plant-based foods, Japanese cuisine could be the next step in your meat-free journey. Tofu, mushrooms, and seaweed are just a few of the plants and components in the cuisine that will definitely capture your interest. Here are some of the favourite Japanese vegetarian recipes to get you started.
Miso pasta with asparagus
When you're in need of some comfort, go for this creamy miso pasta. Replace the asparagus with other seasonal veggies or sprinkle with furikake instead of shichimi togarashi to keep things interesting. It's the type of no-fuss, all-season vegetarian/ vegan dish you'll want to keep making again and again.
Miso soup
Kabocha Miso Soup is a hearty soup made with sweet kabocha and umami-rich mushrooms. It's a great side dish to have with rice and a few other foods, but it's also hearty enough to eat on its own.
Ramen
This Vegetarian Ramen recipe is the perfect blend of umami flavours. Learn how to make a super-rich, creamy broth without using any meat bones. You'd be overjoyed when your handmade ramen is good enough to compete with the ramen shop.
Gyoza
These vegetable gyoza are very fresh and juicy, stuffed with a delectable blend of tofu, cabbage, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms. It's one of those pleasures that you can't get enough of! The best part is that you can prepare a big amount and freeze it for later.
Teriyaki Tofu
This pan-fried Teriyaki Tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The flavorful sauce elevates the tofu to new heights. Simply omit the dried bonito flakes and add sesame seeds and green onions instead.
Sushi
Inari Sushi is one of the easiest sushis to prepare at home, with sweet and tangy vinegared rice pushed into tofu pouches. They are quick and simple to use, as well as extremely portable. It's our all-time favourite bento, picnic, or road trip food.
Tofu salad with green bean
This popular Japanese meal, made with tender green beans and delicious mashed tofu, can be enjoyed all year. The tofu supplies all of the protein, while the greens give colour, texture, and freshness.
Grilled rice ball
These grilled rice balls with soy sauce glaze are utterly delicious, with a crunchy shell and soft sticky rice on the interior. Fillings are optional while making rice balls. On a movie night, they're our favourite snack to serve alongside edamame.
Vegetarian curry
The colourful combination of veggies, meaty mushrooms, and handmade curry roux are what make this vegetarian Japanese curry so delectable. It makes a difference to cook the veggies in different stages and with different procedures depending on their density. The end result is a curry with the perfect texture.
Udon
At the same time, it's both very soothing and pleasant. This Vegetarian Udon Noodle Soup, topped with minced mushroom, tofu, crispy fried eggplant, and bok choy, will be your go-to meal all year. Feel free to use whatever toppings.