Eating plant-based isn’t just healthy—it also helps protect the environment. With these 6 easy vegetarian dishes, you can prepare tasty and nutritious meals in just 15 to 30 minutes. From lemongrass chili tofu to seaweed soup, each recipe is beginner-friendly, requires simple ingredients, and suits every level of cooking experience. Join Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant as we walk you through how to make these quick and easy vegetarian meals at home!

A Quick Guide to 6 Easy Vegetarian Dishes

1. Lemongrass Chili Fried Tofu

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of firm tofu (about 200g)

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced

• 1–2 fresh chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Soy sauce, cooking oil, salt, sugar

Instructions:

1. Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes, pat dry, and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.

2. In another pan, sauté garlic, lemongrass, and chili in 2 tablespoons of oil until fragrant.

3. Add the fried tofu to the pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon sugar. Stir for 2–3 minutes to coat evenly.

4. Place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil before serving.

Nutritional Value:
Lemongrass chili tofu is rich in plant-based protein—about 10–12g per 100g of tofu—making it a great source for muscle maintenance. Tofu also contains about 350mg of calcium per 100g, promoting strong bones and teeth. Lemongrass and chili add distinctive aroma and flavor while offering antioxidants that aid digestion and boost immunity. While oil provides essential fats, it’s best used in moderation to avoid excess calories.

Pro Tips:

• Add chopped scallions or whole lemongrass stalks for extra aroma.

• Air-fry the tofu for a healthier, less oily version.

2. Stir-Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Bok Choy

Ingredients:

• 200g enoki mushrooms

• 300g bok choy

• 2 garlic cloves

• Soy sauce, vegan seasoning powder, vegan oyster sauce

Instructions:

1. Rinse enoki mushrooms and trim the root ends. Wash bok choy and cut into bite-sized sections.

2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

3. Add bok choy and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then add enoki mushrooms.

4. Season with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon vegan seasoning. Stir for another 3 minutes.

5. (Optional) Blanch mushrooms briefly before stir-frying to retain crunch.

Nutritional Value:
This dish is high in fiber (3–4g per 100g), promoting gut health and preventing constipation. Bok choy is rich in vitamin C (~45mg per 100g), which supports immunity and improves skin health. Enoki mushrooms contain ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Low in calories, this dish is ideal for those on a healthy diet or weight control plan.

Pro Tips:

• Add shredded carrots or onions for sweetness and color.

• Use sesame oil for a more fragrant flavor.

3. Sweet and Sour Stir-Fried Vegan Ribs

Ingredients:

• 200g vegan pork ribs

• 1 tomato

• 100g pineapple

• 1 bell pepper

• Soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Soak the vegan ribs in warm water for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess water and lightly fry until golden.

2. Cut the tomato and pineapple into bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the sauce: Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 2 tablespoons water.

4. Sauté garlic in oil, stir-fry the vegan ribs with tomato, pineapple, and bell pepper. Pour in the sauce and stir evenly for 5 minutes.

Nutritional Value:
Vegan ribs are a great source of plant-based protein (~15g per 100g), helping build and maintain muscle mass. Tomatoes and pineapple add fiber and 20–30mg of vitamin C per 100g, improving digestion and supporting heart health. Bell peppers provide vitamin A and antioxidants, promoting good vision and healthy skin. The sweet-and-sour sauce is delicious, but sugar should be kept in check for calorie control.

Pro Tips:

• Add roasted sesame seeds or onions for extra crunch and aroma.

• Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste for the perfect balance.

4. Vegan Spring Rolls (Chả Giò Chay)

Ingredients:

• 10–12 rice paper wrappers

• 100g mung beans

• 1 small carrot

• 20g dried wood ear mushrooms

• 50g vermicelli noodles

• Vegan seasoning, cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Soak mung beans and vermicelli in warm water. Rehydrate wood ear mushrooms and chop finely.

2. Mix mung beans, grated carrot, wood ear mushrooms, and vermicelli with 1 tsp vegan seasoning powder.

3. Wrap the filling in rice paper and deep-fry on medium heat until golden and crispy.

4. Serve with fresh herbs and vegan dipping sauce.

Nutritional Value:
Vegan spring rolls are a satisfying snack or main dish, offering 200–250 kcal per 100g from rice paper and vermicelli. Mung beans provide about 7g of plant-based protein per 100g along with fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you full longer. Carrots and wood ear mushrooms are rich in vitamins A and K—essential for vision and bone health. Because this is a fried dish, it’s best to watch the oil content to avoid excess fat.

Pro Tips:

• Add shiitake mushrooms to the filling for extra umami.

• Serve with vegan chili sauce or vegan “fish” sauce for dipping.

5. Vegan Seaweed Soup

Ingredients:

• 20g dried seaweed

• 100g soft tofu

• 100g straw mushrooms

• Scallions, ginger, vegan seasoning, sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Soak seaweed for 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes.

2. Bring 1 liter of water to a boil, add sliced ginger and vegan seasoning.

3. Add seaweed, mushrooms, and tofu. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Add chopped scallions and ½ teaspoon sesame oil before serving.

5. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Nutritional Value:
Vegan seaweed soup is rich in iodine (100–150μg per 100g of seaweed), which supports thyroid function and helps prevent iodine deficiency. Soft tofu contributes 5–7g of protein and calcium per 100g, benefiting bones and muscles. Straw mushrooms provide antioxidants and vitamin D, which strengthen the immune system. Low in calories, this soup is great for light meals or those following a weight-loss plan.

Pro Tips:

• Add thinly sliced carrots or enoki mushrooms for natural sweetness.

• Use vegetable broth instead of plain water to enhance flavor.

6. Lotus Root Salad with Peanuts

Ingredients:

• 300g lotus root

• 1 small carrot

• 50g roasted peanuts

• Fresh herbs, lime juice, sugar, chili, vegan fish sauce

Instructions:

1. Soak lotus root in lightly salted water for 10 minutes. Rinse and drain. Julienne the carrot.

2. Prepare the dressing: Mix 2 tbsp vegan fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp sugar, and minced chili.

3. Combine lotus root, carrot, herbs, and peanuts. Pour the dressing over and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.

4. Top with roasted sesame seeds before serving.

Nutritional Value:
This refreshing salad is high in fiber (~3g per 100g), which supports healthy digestion and weight control. Lotus root and carrots provide 20–30mg of vitamin C per 100g, boosting immunity and improving skin. Peanuts are rich in healthy unsaturated fats (~10g per 50g), heart-friendly lipids, protein, and vitamin E. Vegan fish sauce adds depth without excess sodium.

Pro Tips:

• Add sliced cucumber or bean sprouts for more crunch.

• Use chili flakes instead of fresh chili for a milder heat.

Tips for Preparing a Balanced and Healthy Vegetarian Meal

1. Food Safety Comes First

Hygiene is crucial when preparing plant-based meals, especially with fresh ingredients like tofu and vegetables. Always rinse produce under clean running water, and soak in a mild saltwater or veggie wash solution to remove dirt, bacteria, and chemical residues. For tofu, be sure to cook it thoroughly—especially when using fresh or soft tofu—to ensure safety.

2. Focus on Nutrient Balance

A well-rounded vegetarian meal should provide essential nutrients from all major food groups. Combine plant-based proteins like tofu, mushrooms, or mock meats with fibrous vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, and lotus root. Don’t forget complex carbs like rice noodles, brown rice, or spring roll wrappers to fuel your body. Nuts like peanuts, sesame seeds, or cashews add healthy fats, enhancing both taste and nutrition.

3. Don’t Overuse Oil

While oil enhances texture and flavor, using too much can reduce the lightness of vegetarian dishes and impact health. Opt for high-quality oils like olive, sesame, or canola oil, and stick to small amounts (1–2 tablespoons per dish). When frying or sautéing, cook over medium heat and stir quickly to retain texture while minimizing oil absorption. An air fryer is a great alternative for healthier, oil-saving meals.

4. Season with Care

To maintain the gentle, clean flavors of plant-based cuisine, use natural ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, ginger, green onions, or fresh herbs for fragrance. Vegan fish sauce and vegan seasoning powder are excellent substitutes for traditional condiments, ensuring that your dishes remain flavorful without overpowering the palate.

Discover Peaceful and Nutritious Plant-Based Cuisine at Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant – Go Vap, HCMC

Above, we shared a guide to 6 easy vegetarian dishes you can try at home. Follow our recipes to enjoy tasty and nourishing plant-based meals with ease. But if you’re looking for a peaceful, flavorful dining experience without having to cook, Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant in Go Vap is a must-visit.

Conveniently located in the CityLand Park Hills residential area, Vo Uy offers a warm and tranquil atmosphere alongside a diverse vegetarian menu. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared using fresh, organic ingredients—providing full nutrition while supporting a healthy lifestyle.

At Vo Uy, each dish is a harmonious combination of vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and natural herbs and spices. The result is a light yet flavorful taste that keeps diners coming back. We avoid using MSG and focus on organic, clean ingredients to help detox the body and support overall wellness.

Vo Uy isn’t just about food—it’s an experience. The restaurant’s design blends natural wood elements with peaceful Zen-inspired decor, offering guests a sense of calm and clarity amidst the hustle and bustle of Saigon. Whether you’re dining with family, catching up with friends, or celebrating a plant-based occasion like the full moon or Vu Lan Festival, Vo Uy is the perfect place to be.

Come enjoy authentic Vietnamese vegetarian dishes in a cozy and mindful space. For the best experience, we recommend booking a table in advance—especially on weekends or holidays when the restaurant is busier.

Reservation Information – Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant

• Address: 47 Street No. 3, CityLand Park Hills, Ward 10, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Website: https://nhahangvouy.com/
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/nhahangchayvouy
• Google Maps: Link Google Maps