5 Vegan Japanese Recipes That You Need to Taste to Believe

If you become vegan overnight and find yourself amongst a normal buffet at the office, what would you pick to eat? Would you reach for the sushi, knowing that raw fish is made to look more appetizing?

Japanese cuisine is impressive because they often provide vegan alternatives to their red meat dishes. Fortunately, there are many vegan Japanese dishes that would be a perfect fit at any table, vegan or not.

If you love Japanese food and you’re thinking of going vegan, then keep on reading. In this article, we’ll cover vegan Japanese recipes that you need to try.

Introducing Incredible Vegan Japanese Recipes to Try Now

Vegan Japanese cuisine is a delicious medley of flavors, combinations, and techniques sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the best Japanese recipes that are vegan that you must try now! 

1. Goma-ae

Goma-ae is a vibrant dish made with boiled spinach seasoned with a creamy, nutty sesame sauce. Goma-ae is a healthy and delicious dish full of flavor – the perfect side for any meal.

The traditional way of preparing Goma-ae is to blanch the spinach in boiling water before seasoning it with sesame sauce. This can be made with sesame paste, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients. For a heartier meal, try adding some sesame seeds and tofu to this vegan Japanese food. 

2. Vegan Miso Soup

Vegan miso soup is flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make. Miso is a fermented soybean paste, which adds a wonderfully salty and savory flavor to the soup.

As a guide to vegan miso soup, simply dissolve miso in a dashi broth and then add cubes of silken tofu. Veggies, like onions and seaweed, can also be added to the broth. Finally, a garnish of green onions and nori flakes gives the soup its unique aroma and look.

3. Teriyaki Tofu

Teriyaki Tofu is made with marinated, diced tofu that is baked until golden brown. The marinade is made up of a combination of rich and flavorful ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar that give the tofu a deep, complex flavor.

Serve in a traditional style with steamed rice or get creative and use it in a stir-fry with vegetables like broccoli and carrots for a colorful and health-forward meal.

4. Vegan Udon Noodle Soup

Udon noodles are a type of Japanese wheat noodle that is usually served in a broth or soup. It contains a variety of vegetables, mushrooms, and seasonings.

Typically combined with fresh vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, and vegan broth, this vegan udon noodle soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that can be prepared in no time. 

5. Hijiki Salad

Hijiki is a seaweed that has a delicious umami flavor, and when combined with sesame oil and soy sauce, it creates a uniquely flavorful and crunchy salad.

To make a Hijiki salad, the seaweed is first soaked for about thirty minutes to soften, then simmered in a sauce of soy sauce, sake, and mirin until the liquid is all but gone. Finally, the salad is garnished with sesame seeds, vegetables, and tofu for an added kick of flavor and texture. 

Satisfy Your Cravings With These Flavorful Vegan Japanese Recipes

Vegan Japanese recipes are flavorful and offer an interesting twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re vegan or not, you need to try these recipes to appreciate their unique concoctions. From vegan ramen to vegetable tempura, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Treat your taste buds to a new cultural experience today!

And for more vegan lifestyle tips, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!