10 Easy Everyday Vegetarian Dishes for a Light Meal

Everyday vegetarian dishes are not only nourishing but also bring a sense of peace with simple, easy-to-find vegetables. In this article, Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant introduces 10 easy vegetarian recipes you can cook at home, along with answers to common questions about plant-based eating. Whether you are new to vegetarian meals or already familiar with them, these recipes will make your daily meals more delicious and meaningful. Let’s get started!

Why You Should Cook Everyday Vegetarian Dishes

Many people mistakenly think that a vegetarian diet lacks protein. In fact, foods like tofu, lentils, and nuts provide abundant plant-based protein. Some believe vegetarian meals are boring, but in reality, you can create hundreds of flavorful dishes—from stir-fries to braised dishes and soups—using fresh vegetables.

Vegetarian meals are not only for Buddhists but suitable for everyone, from those who want to lose weight to those pursuing a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. Once you start exploring, you’ll realize how fun and creative cooking everyday vegetarian dishes can be.

Vegetarianism has its roots in the time of Buddha Shakyamuni, promoting compassion and the practice of non-violence. According to a 2023 report, about 10% of the world’s population follows a vegetarian or vegan diet. Plant-based eating is also more affordable compared to meat-based meals. These facts highlight that vegetarianism is both sustainable and easy to adopt.

Eating vegetarian brings multiple benefits for both body and mind. For example:

• A diet rich in vegetables provides vitamins C and E, helping your skin stay radiant and healthy.

• Light, plant-based meals promote better sleep and reduce stress levels.

• Antioxidant-rich vegetarian foods strengthen your immune system and improve overall well-being.

With these benefits, it’s clear that everyday vegetarian dishes are not only delicious and affordable but also an ideal choice for a healthier lifestyle.

Simple and Easy Everyday Vegetarian Dishes

1. Vegetarian Sour Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes

• 100g pineapple

• 100g okra

• 50g bean sprouts

• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste

• 2 tablespoons vegetarian fish sauce

• Salt and sugar to taste

Instructions:

Bring 1 liter of water to a boil, then stir in the tamarind paste to create a tangy base. Add sliced tomatoes, chopped pineapple, and cut okra. Simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Next, add the bean sprouts and cook for another 3 minutes to keep them crunchy. Season with vegetarian fish sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Turn off the heat, then garnish with fresh herbs such as culantro and rice paddy herb.

This refreshing vegetarian soup is rich in vitamin C, naturally sweet, and the perfect addition to your collection of everyday vegetarian dishes.

2. Crispy Fried Tofu with Lemongrass and Chili

Ingredients:

• 200g tofu

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped

• 1 chili, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar (preferably rock sugar)

• Cooking oil

Instructions:

Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and deep-fry until golden and crispy. In a separate pan, sauté minced lemongrass and chili in 1 tablespoon of oil until fragrant. Add the fried tofu and stir-fry for about 3 minutes to coat evenly. Season with soy sauce and sugar, stir for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.

The result is a fragrant, spicy, and protein-rich dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. It’s quick, delicious, and one of the best easy vegetarian recipes for everyday meals.

3. Braised Straw Mushrooms with Black Pepper

Ingredients:

• 200g straw mushrooms

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon rock sugar

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 50ml water

Instructions:

Wash the straw mushrooms thoroughly and let them drain. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Season with soy sauce, black pepper, rock sugar, and 50ml of water. Simmer gently over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to fully absorb the flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste, then cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle extra black pepper before serving.

This rich and savory dish is high in plant-based protein and pairs perfectly with steamed rice. It’s quick, flavorful, and a great addition to your list of everyday vegetarian dishes.

4. Lotus Seed and Shiitake Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

• 100g lotus seeds

• 50g dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked and sliced)

• 1 carrot, cut into chunks

• 1 teaspoon vegetarian seasoning powder

• Salt to taste

• 1 liter water

• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Soak the lotus seeds for 30 minutes, then simmer them in 1 liter of water for about 15 minutes until slightly tender. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and carrot chunks, then continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Season with vegetarian seasoning powder and a pinch of salt. Once the lotus seeds are soft and the carrots are just cooked, turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This nourishing vegetarian soup helps improve sleep quality and is especially suitable for dinner. It’s light, healthy, and one of the most comforting everyday vegetarian dishes you can enjoy with your family.

5. Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 200g oyster mushrooms

• 50g crispy frying flour (tempura flour)

• 1 teaspoon vegetarian seasoning powder

• Cooking oil

• Salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Wash the oyster mushrooms thoroughly and let them drain. Coat them evenly with a mixture of frying flour and vegetarian seasoning powder. Heat oil in a pan, then fry the mushrooms over medium heat for 7–8 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper if desired.

Crispy fried oyster mushrooms are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and rich in vitamin B. This kid-friendly dish is quick, fun to eat, and a perfect addition to your list of easy vegetarian recipes for everyday meals.

6. Stir-Fried Eggplant with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• Salt, pepper, and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Cut the eggplant into medium-sized pieces and soak them in salted water for 5 minutes to remove bitterness. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the eggplant and stir-fry for 7 minutes until soft. Season with soy sauce, a little water, and adjust with salt or pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This simple yet flavorful dish is tender, aromatic, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice. It’s a quick option for everyday vegetarian dishes that can be made in under 15 minutes.

7. Stir-Fried Green Beans with Sesame

Ingredients:

• 200g green beans

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Wash and trim the green beans, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the green beans. Stir-fry for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add soy sauce and a pinch of salt, then continue to stir-fry for another 3 minutes until the beans are tender but still slightly crunchy. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top, stir for 1 more minute, and remove from heat.

This colorful and healthy dish is nutty, slightly sweet, and delicious with rice. It’s one of the easiest vegetarian recipes for everyday meals, full of plant-based fiber and nutrients.

8. Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk

Ingredients:

• 200g pumpkin

• 100ml coconut milk

• 1 liter water

• 1 teaspoon vegetarian seasoning powder

• A pinch of salt

• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Peel and cut the pumpkin into medium pieces. Simmer in 1 liter of water for about 10 minutes until tender. Add the coconut milk and let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes. Season with vegetarian seasoning powder and a pinch of salt. Stir well, garnish with chopped green onions, and turn off the heat.

This soup is naturally sweet, creamy, and rich in vitamin A. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice and is one of the most comforting everyday vegetarian dishes for family meals.

9. Vegetarian Taro Soup

Ingredients:

• 200g taro (purple yam)

• 50g leafy greens (such as mustard greens or spinach)

• 1 liter water

• 1 teaspoon vegetarian seasoning powder

• A pinch of salt

• Fresh herbs (culantro, green onions, or coriander)

Instructions:

Peel the taro and either cut it into chunks or grate it for a smoother texture. Cook it in 1 liter of water for about 10 minutes until tender. Add your choice of greens and simmer for 1 more minute until just cooked. Season with vegetarian seasoning powder and a little salt. Once the taro becomes soft and creamy, turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

This light and nutritious soup is easy to digest, suitable for all ages, and a wonderful addition to your list of easy vegetarian recipes.

10. Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Tofu and Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 bitter melon (bitter gourd)

• 100g tofu

• 1 carrot

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Slice the bitter melon, tofu, and carrot into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the bitter melon and carrot. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes. Add the tofu and soy sauce, stir well, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the flavors are absorbed. Adjust seasoning to taste, then cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

This colorful and healthy stir-fry combines the mild bitterness of bitter melon, the sweetness of carrots, and the softness of tofu. It’s simple, quick, and one of the best everyday vegetarian dishes to enjoy with your family.

Enjoy Everyday Vegetarian Dishes at Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant

Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant offers a diverse vegetarian menu made from fresh, clean ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. With its Zen-inspired atmosphere, wooden interiors, and gentle lighting, the restaurant provides a peaceful dining space — ideal for family meals and mindful eating.

Signature Vegetarian Dishes at Vo Uy

• Braised Tofu with Lemongrass: Soft tofu infused with the aroma of lemongrass, perfectly paired with steamed rice.

• Vegetarian Kimchi Soup: A mildly spicy yet refreshing soup, rich in vitamins and minerals, best enjoyed with hot rice.

• Pan-Seared Morning Glory: Crispy water spinach stir-fried with garlic, high in fiber and an ideal side dish.

• Thai-Style Tamarind Mushrooms: Sweet, sour, and slightly spicy mushrooms that awaken your taste buds.

• Malabar Spinach Soup: Light, cooling, and easy to digest, packed with vitamins A and C.

• Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Ribs: Flavorful soy-based ribs with a balanced sweet and tangy taste.

• Pickled Eggplants: Crunchy, slightly sour, and great for digestion.

Every dish at Vo Uy is beautifully presented, combining traditional Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine with creative twists. This makes it one of the must-try vegetarian restaurants in Go Vap, Ho Chi Minh City. For the best experience, you can make a reservation in advance:

• Address: 47 Street No. 3, CityLand Park Hills, Ward 10, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotline: +84 902 353 527
• Website: nhahangvouy.com
• Fanpage: facebook.com/nhahangchayvouy
• Google Maps: Link Google Maps

FAQs about Everyday Vegetarian Dishes

Are everyday vegetarian dishes nutritious enough?

Yes. When combined with vegetables, beans, nuts, and supplemented with Vitamin B12 (from nutritional yeast), they provide a balanced and healthy diet.

How can I keep vegetarian meals from becoming boring?

Switch up the dishes regularly and add seasonings like lemongrass, chili, or soy sauce for variety and flavor.

Are everyday vegetarian dishes suitable for children?

Yes. Kid-friendly options include crispy fried oyster mushrooms or braised tofu with lemongrass.

Can a vegetarian diet help with weight loss?

Yes. Plant-based meals are low in calories, high in fiber, and support healthy weight management.

Conclusion

The 10 easy everyday vegetarian dishes shared above are not only simple to cook but also nourishing, helping you enjoy light, wholesome, and flavorful meals. A vegetarian diet supports better health, nurtures the soul, and contributes to protecting the environment. Try cooking these vegetarian recipes at home, or visit Vo Uy Vegetarian Restaurant to enjoy authentic and creative vegetarian dishes prepared with care.