Tasty Vegetarian Recipes

From sustainable living to religious practices, there are a myriad of reasons why you may wish to try being vegetarian, or even just to sneak more greens into your diet. Personally, I’ve tried going vegetarian once for religious reasons. Before that, I always thought vegetarian options were very limited, but boy, was I wrong! Trying it out really opened my eyes to how many delicious vegetarian dishes there are. 

If you’ve been in a similar boat or just want more creative ways to have veggies in your meals, here are 7 yummy vegetarian recipes that bust the myth that vegetarian food is “boring”. While some of these dishes are not entirely vegan / vegetarian (depending on how you define it), all of these delicious recipes have ingredients that can be swapped out for vegetarian alternatives or removed completely. 

1. Nyonya Chap Chye

Let’s kickstart this list with a classic Peranakan dish – The Nyonya Chap Chye. Known for its simplicity yet flavourful mix, the classic braised mixed vegetable stew highlights various spices and ingredients such as black fungus, tang hoon and dried bean curds.  

With this recipe, you can expect the richness and flavour of the broth to ooze out on your tastebuds. It’s quite a filling dish, but if you’re feeling hungry, feel free to add more glass noodles or bean curd to satiate your cravings. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/nyonya-chap-chye/

Preparation Time: 30 mins. Serves 4-6. 

2. Stuffed Tau Pok with Rojak Sauce

Step aside Rojak, there’s a new kid in the block. This stuffed Tau Pok serves as a delicious snack for your family and friends. Not to mention, Tau Pok is an amazing substitute for those who are looking for an alternative protein source apart from meat. Ranging from Laksa to Mala , we all know how well Tau Pok absorbs juices, this gonna pack some flavour with a crunch. 

To make it 100% vegetarian, simply swap the prawn paste with miso and fermented bean paste for an elevated and aromatic flavour! The miso brings a umami flavour to the table, working perfectly alongside the savoury bean paste. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/stuffed-tau-pok-with-rojak-sauce/

Preparation Time: 45 mins. Serves 4. 

3. Lontong Sayur Lodeh Recipe

A highlight of this dish is the compressed rice cake (better known as Lontong), complemented with the aromatic vegetable coconut curry and a host of healthy greens. That said, another contender for the star of the dish is the irresistible rempah, which we give a good blend and light toss in a pan till fragrant. 

A nourishing combination of white cabbage, long beans, yam beans and carrot bring a wholesome flavour to the soup, and the glass noodles, deep-fried tau kwa & bean curd sticks and tempeh are the perfect contrast with their springy and crispy textures.  

When it’s time, simply spoon the piping hot vegetable curry over the slices of lontong to enjoy a full and satisfying meal. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/lontong-sayur-lodeh/

Preparation Time: 1 hour. Serves 4. 

4. Trio Steamed Eggs

Steamed eggs is one of my favourite dishes of all time! Soft and silky, it’s a hot favourite for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Combining 3 different types of egg, this dish is not only packed with flavour, but also high in protein. 

To make this completely vegetarian, use soy-based and meat-free minced meat or, even soybeans as a substitute. You can find them at NTUC—Fry Veggie Mince or at Quorn—Meat Free Minced. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/trio-steamed-eggs-with-minced-meat/

Preparation Time: 1hr 30min. Serves 4 – 6.

5. Stir-Fried Soy Sauce Noodles

This easy, tasty, stir fried soy sauce noodles hails from the Cantonese capital of the world, Hong Kong. With a prep time of under 15 minutes, this plain chow mein recipe is quicker than delivery and honestly, tastier, healthier and greener too. 

With every stir fry soy sauce noodle recipe, it’s the versatility that we love. If you’re vegan, feel free to swap for sweet potato or rice noodles.

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/stir-fried-soy-sauce-noodles-chow-mein

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves 3-4. 

6. Thunder Tea Rice

Thunder Tea Rice, also known as Lei Cha (??), was one of my greatest discoveries during my days of abstaining from meat. Originally, I was quite taken aback by the combination of rice and the many greens including the tea soup (which I initially thought was Matcha!). But boy I was wrong. The creaminess and the texture of the various ingredients – soft textured cabbage and the crunch from the cashew nuts is definitely a worthy dish to recreate at home!

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/kinmemai-thunder-tea-rice/

Preparation Time: 1 hr. Serves 4. 

7. Lao Gan Ma Aglio E Olio

In every kitchen household, there are your normal tier condiments such as salt, sugar, pepper and then there is Lao Gan ma. I didn’t believe in magic until I had my first scoop of it in my bowl of rice, this chilli oil goes amazingly well with any stir-fried dishes, that even John Cena professes his love for it. 

In our recipe, we attempt to create a tasty meatless fusion dish that capitalises on the savoury and aroma that Lao Gan Ma brings to the dish. With the strong flavour from the garlic and the heat from Lao Gan Ma, prepare to grab your fork and scream “Shiok!” 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/lao-gan-ma-aglio-e-olio/

Preparation Time: 15 mins. Serves 2. 

Tasty Vegetarian Recipes

Even though meat seems to be quite prominent in many local delights, reducing or abstaining from it does not lead to boring or limited food choices. The next time someone says that vegetarian food is boring, pull out one of these recipes and they’ll be sure to change their minds. Definitely changed mine!

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Some other recipes you might like: 

• Nonya Archar
• Tofu Cheesecake
• Sambal Kang Kong

P.S. We’ve got recipes for all your Singaporean and Asian favourites on our Youtube channel. Subscribe and share with your friends!

P.P.S. Can’t find a recipe you like? Drop us a comment or ping us on our socials. 

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