These flavorful and satisfying dinner ideas will leave you feeling full and nourished without sacrificing taste. From Indian curries to Mexican quesadillas, we've got you covered with global vegetarian cuisine that will take your taste buds on a journey.

By Sarika Nand

March 12, 2023

Foodie Posts

Today I'll be sharing with you some of my favorite vegetarian dinner dishes with Asian or Indian influence, inspired by my love of global cuisine and my passion for healthy, flavorful eating.

As someone who grew up in a culture that embraces vegetarianism and a diverse range of flavors and spices, I believe that vegetarian food has so much to offer in terms of taste, health, and sustainability. From the bold and aromatic curries of India to the delicate and fresh stir-fries of Asia, there's a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored.

In this blog, I'll be showcasing ten of my go-to vegetarian dinner dishes with Asian or Indian influence, each one packed with delicious ingredients and unique flavors. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for new recipes to try, or a meat-eater looking to expand your palate, these dishes are sure to satisfy.

I'll also be sharing tips and tricks for cooking with spices and herbs, as well as advice on how to make the most of your pantry staples and seasonal produce. Eating well doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, and I'm excited to show you how easy and enjoyable it can be.

1. Thai green curry with vegetables and tofu

Thai green curry with vegetables and tofu is a dish that originates from Thailand and has become popular all around the world. The dish is known for its signature flavor profile, which comes from the unique blend of fresh green chilies, lemongrass, ginger, and other herbs and spices used in the green curry paste.

The use of coconut milk is also a crucial component in the dish, providing a creamy and slightly sweet base that balances out the spicy heat of the curry paste. Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are commonly used in the dish, and the addition of firm tofu provides a satisfying source of plant-based protein.

This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying the bold and complex flavors of Thai cuisine. The green curry paste can be found in most grocery stores and is a convenient way to add depth and flavor to any dish. Whether you're a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress with its rich and satisfying flavor profile.

2. Japanese vegetable stir-fry with soba noodles

Now, let's talk about another delicious vegetarian dish: Japanese vegetable stir-fry with soba noodles.

This dish is a perfect example of how Japanese cuisine can be light, healthy, and packed with flavor. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, which gives them a nutty and slightly earthy flavor. When combined with fresh vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, and bok choy, you have a dish that's not only tasty but also nutritious.

The stir-fry sauce is where the magic happens, with a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from honey or mirin. The result is a savory and slightly sweet sauce that coats the noodles and vegetables perfectly.

The best thing about this dish is that it's incredibly versatile. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers or reduce food waste. Plus, it's a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

So, whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to try something new, this Japanese vegetable stir-fry with soba noodles is sure to be a hit. It's packed with flavor, nutrients, and all the things we love about Japanese cuisine. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?

3. Indian chana masala with basmati rice

Now, let's talk about a classic Indian dish: chana masala with basmati rice. This dish features chickpeas in a fragrant tomato-based sauce, with a blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The result is a savory, slightly tangy, and slightly spicy dish that's perfect for any occasion.

When you take your first bite of chana masala, you're immediately hit with a burst of vibrant flavors. The warm and tangy tomato-based sauce is complemented by the earthy and nutty chickpeas, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

As you continue to savor the dish, you'll also notice the subtle spiciness that comes from the blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. It's not overpowering, but just enough to give the dish a little kick and make your taste buds dance.

And let's not forget about the presentation of this dish. When the chana masala is served on a bed of fluffy and aromatic basmati rice, it creates a beautiful and colorful dish that's almost too pretty to eat. The vibrant reds and yellows of the sauce and the chickpeas are a feast for the eyes, and the aromatic steam rising from the dish is enough to make your mouth water.

All in all, Indian chana masala with basmati rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying it as a hearty and satisfying dinner, or as a flavorful side dish, this classic Indian dish is sure to impress and leave you feeling satisfied.

4. Korean bibimbap with marinated tofu and assorted vegetables

Bibimbap is a dish that originates from Korea and is known for its delicious mix of flavors and textures. The dish is typically made up of a bowl of rice, marinated tofu, an assortment of fresh vegetables, a fried egg, and a spicy sauce. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, making the dish a wonderful culinary experience.

The marinated tofu is the main protein source in the dish and is seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce that creates a deep umami flavor. The sauce blends beautifully with the freshness of the vegetables, creating a wonderful balance of flavor. The assortment of vegetables includes spinach, mushrooms, bean sprouts, carrots, and more, providing a diverse range of textures and flavors.

What makes bibimbap stand out is how all the ingredients come together. Each bite is a combination of different tastes and sensations, from the warm rice to the tangy and spicy sauce. The fried egg on top adds another layer of flavor and texture, as the yolk mixes with the rice and vegetables.

The dish is also visually stunning, with the bright colors of the vegetables and the crispy fried egg on top. You can mix all the ingredients together to get the ultimate flavor explosion. Bibimbap is a dish that is both satisfying and delicious, and it's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. You can leave out the egg if you prefer not to add it and just enjoy the vegetables.

5. Vietnamese vegetarian pho with mushrooms and bok choy

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its complex flavors, and pho is no exception. This fragrant and savory noodle soup is typically made with beef or chicken broth, but it can be just as delicious with a vegetable broth base. The star of this dish is the broth, which is made by simmering onions, garlic, ginger, and spices for hours to extract all the delicious flavors. The broth is then ladled over rice noodles, mushrooms, bok choy, and a variety of fresh herbs and garnishes like bean sprouts, lime, and chili peppers.

The mushrooms in this dish give it a meaty texture while the bok choy adds a fresh crunch to every bite. The combination of fragrant herbs, spicy chili, and tangy lime make each spoonful an explosion of flavor in your mouth. It's a perfect dish for a chilly day or when you need something warm and comforting. Plus, it's loaded with nutrients and low in calories, making it a great option for a healthy meal.

This comforting and aromatic noodle soup is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and has been gaining popularity around the world. The flavorful broth is made with aromatic herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, and is typically simmered for several hours to develop a rich and complex flavor. In this vegetarian version, meat is replaced with hearty mushrooms and leafy bok choy, providing a satisfying depth of flavor and nutrition.

The soft rice noodles add a delicate texture to the soup, while the fresh herbs and lime juice bring a zingy brightness to every spoonful. The savory broth is also a great way to warm up on a cold day or soothe a sore throat.

Vietnamese pho is a dish that is meant to be savored slowly, with every spoonful revealing new layers of flavor and depth. It's a true comfort food that is both satisfying and nourishing, making it the perfect choice for any vegetarian looking for a hearty and delicious meal.

6. Chinese mapo tofu with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables

Let's take a quick culinary journey to China with this delicious Chinese Mapo Tofu dish! This iconic Sichuanese dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among foodies and spice lovers alike.

Mapo Tofu, which means "pockmarked grandma's tofu," is a dish with a story to tell. According to legend, the dish was created by a woman with pockmarks on her face who ran a restaurant in Chengdu, China. Her signature dish was a spicy and flavorful tofu dish that quickly became a local favorite. Today, this dish has become a staple in Chinese cuisine and has even gained popularity worldwide.

The star of this dish is the tofu, which is simmered in a flavorful and spicy sauce made with chili bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings. The addition of stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice make this dish a balanced and satisfying meal.

What's great about Chinese Mapo Tofu is that it's a perfect example of how vegetarian dishes can be packed with flavor and bold spices. You don't need meat to make a dish delicious, and this is a prime example of that. So go ahead and give it a try, you might just find yourself adding this recipe to your regular rotation of meals!

7. Malaysian laksa with coconut milk, tofu puffs, and vegetable

Ah, now this is a dish that will really get your taste buds going! Laksa is a popular Malaysian soup that's bursting with flavor and spice. The dish typically includes rice noodles in a creamy coconut milk broth that's infused with lemongrass, galangal, and a variety of other aromatic spices.

For our vegetarian version, we swap out the traditional shrimp or chicken for tofu puffs and load up on fresh, colorful vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, and bell peppers. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of year.

Laksa has a rich history in Malaysia, where it's considered a national dish. The word "laksa" actually comes from the Hokkien Chinese word for "spicy sand," which refers to the ground dried shrimp that's often used in the dish.

But fear not, my vegetarian friends! Our version skips the shrimp and opts for a plant-based broth that's just as flavorful and satisfying. Trust me, you won't miss the meat one bit when you try this delicious and comforting bowl of laksa.

8. Nepalese aloo gobi with potatoes and cauliflower

Aloo Gobi is a classic Nepalese dish that is both hearty and satisfying. It's made with tender chunks of potato and cauliflower that have been simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. This flavorful vegetarian dish is often served with basmati rice and naan bread.

The dish gets its name from the two main ingredients - aloo, which means potato in Nepalese, and gobi, which means cauliflower. The combination of these two vegetables creates a wonderful texture that is both creamy and slightly crunchy.

Why aloo gobi is so appealing is its vibrant colors and rich aromas. The spices used in this dish create a warm and comforting fragrance that will make your kitchen smell amazing. It's also a great way to add more vegetables to your diet and enjoy a delicious meat-free meal.

9. Sri Lankan vegetable kottu roti with shredded roti bread and mixed vegetables

Sri Lankan cuisine is a delicious and colorful fusion of Indian, Malaysian, and European influences, and one of its most beloved dishes is vegetable kottu roti. Kottu roti is a popular street food made by chopping up roti bread and mixing it with a variety of vegetables, spices, and often meat. In this vegetarian version, shredded roti bread is combined with a colorful mix of veggies like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, then stir-fried with fragrant spices like turmeric and cumin. The result is a savory, slightly spicy dish with a satisfying crunch from the roti bread.

Vegetable kottu roti is a great way to enjoy Sri Lankan cuisine and get your fill of veggies at the same time. It's a hearty, filling meal that can be customized to your liking - add more or less spice, swap out veggies based on what's in season, or even add a protein like tofu or tempeh for an extra boost. Plus, it's a fun dish to make and eat with friends, as the sound of the roti bread being chopped up on the griddle is a signature part of the experience. Give this delicious and unique dish a try for your next vegetarian dinner!

10. Indonesian gado-gado salad with tofu, boiled eggs, and peanut sauce.

Indonesian cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, and this gado-gado salad is no exception.

Gado-gado salad is a popular Indonesian dish that's perfect for a light and refreshing dinner. The dish features a variety of fresh and colorful vegetables, boiled eggs, and protein-rich tofu, all topped with a delicious peanut sauce. The veggies used in this dish are typically cooked until they are just tender, but still have a nice crunch, and include ingredients like green beans, cabbage, and bean sprouts. The boiled eggs add a nice creaminess to the dish, while the tofu provides a satisfying texture and protein boost.

What makes the peanut sauce in this dish so special is the use of kecap manis, a sweet soy sauce that adds a depth of flavor that regular soy sauce just can't match. It's often served as a side dish or a snack, but this gado-gado salad is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own. Plus, it's a great way to pack in a variety of vegetables and plant-based protein into your diet.

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful salad option, give gado-gado a try. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking to switch up your usual salad routine.

In Conclusion to our vegetarian Dinner Ideas

These 10 vegetarian dinner dishes with Asian and Indian influence are not only delicious but also provide a range of flavors and textures that can satisfy any palate. Whether you're looking for something spicy and bold or something light and refreshing, these dishes have got you covered.

What's great about vegetarian cuisine is that it incorporates a variety of vegetables, grains, and proteins that provide all the nutrients our bodies need. By incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, not only are you making a positive impact on your health, but you're also reducing your carbon footprint and supporting sustainable farming practices.

So, the next time you're in the mood for something new and exciting, why not give one of these dishes a try? Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite meal that will become a staple in your weekly rotation.