50 Vegan Versions Of Your Family's Favorite Dinner Recipes
When you hear the word “vegan”, what’s the first thing you think? If you think vegan food is boring, weird, or confusing, I’m here to tell you—you just haven’t been eating or cooking the right things! Eating vegan will open you up to new culinary experiences; the only difference is that they don’t rely wholly on meat or animal products to excite your palate. All it takes are a couple ingredient swaps and a few solid recipes to get you started, and soon you’ll have a whole roster of meals you’ll look forward to just as much (or even MORE) than more traditional fare. That’s where we come in—I’ve rounded up 50 of our top vegan dinners that you and your whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re just starting your vegan journey, or are just trying to eat more plants, there’s something here for everyone.
And those swaps I mentioned? I’m not even talking about harder-to-find vegan processed foods, though those are great (and a few recipes here do use them, like our creamy Tuscan vegan pasta). Instead, these recipes lean on alternative ingredients you’re probably already cooking with, like mushrooms, beans, and tofu. The first two really shine in recipes like our vegan mushroom pot pie, our vegan white bean chili, our polenta with wild mushroom ragu, or our coconut chickpea & sweet potato curry. Another great perk? They’re also super budget-friendly.
Let’s talk tofu. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it can be intimidating, but just think—at some point, cooking chicken seemed overwhelming and weird, and now I bet you’re a pro at it! The same goes for tofu: it’s mostly flavorless on its own (again, like raw chicken is), so it’s all about how you cook it. Make our tofu stir fry, our sweet & sour tofu, or our tofu katsu curry, and I bet you’ll soon be a soy convert.
Have any questions or concerns about how to cook vegan? I’ve got over 10 years experience cooking vegan for myself and others, so leave me a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer!
Sesame Tofu & Broccoli
In this vegetarian version of a Chinese-American favorite, oven-baked tofu gets tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce along with crisp-tender broccoli, then topped with toasty sesame seeds and scallions. With a side of white rice, you’re guaranteed a saucy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.
Get the Sesame Tofu & Broccoli recipe.
Vegan White Bean Chili
Whether you’re full-time vegan or just love a plant-based moment, vegan chili is where it’s at. This flavor-packed vegan white bean chili has so much goodness going on and all of the fresh, crunchy toppings too.
Get the Vegan White Bean Chili recipe.
Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta
Far too often, we’ve tried vegan sauces that just don’t quite get the creaminess down right, so we decided to solve this problem outright with this instant classic: creamy Tuscan vegan pasta. This recipe takes a note from our classic creamy Tuscan chicken, but made vegan-friendly while still maintaining the creaminess you know and love.
Get the Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta recipe.
Vegan Pizza
Make your own pizza dough to really impress your plant-based friends. Top with whatever veggies you like, but don't skimp on the vegan ranch dressing—it's the best part!
Get the Vegan Pizza recipe.
Sweet & Sour Tofu
Sweet & sour sauce is a staple across Chinese-American restaurant menus—and for good reason. The combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors pairs well with virtually every protein, and especially tofu—because it’s mild in flavor, the sweet and sour sauce truly shines (even the tofu haters in your household will ask for seconds).
Get the Sweet & Sour Tofu recipe.
Vegan Mac & Cheese
Delicious vegan mac & cheese might sound like an oxymoron, but trust us, this cheese sauce is good enough to satiate the strongest dairy craving.
Get the Vegan Mac & Cheese recipe.
Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta
This is THE vegan pasta you make for lifelong dairy lovers. Rich and creamy, with deep tomato flavor, it’s sure to have everyone digging back into the pot for another serving.
Get the Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta recipe.
Polenta With Wild Mushroom Ragu
If wild mushrooms are not accessible, creminis or button mushrooms would also work perfectly. If serving for a dinner party or event, the ragu can be made up to three days in advance; just reheat gently on the stovetop while you make the polenta.
Get the Polenta With Wild Mushroom Ragu recipe.
Vegan Seared "Scallops" with Succotash
In a dish that brings summer vibes to the table no matter the season, king trumpet mushrooms mirror the sweet, delicate flavor of sea scallops. Nestled into a colorful and crisp corn and snap pea succotash, this date-night-worthy dinner is sure to impress.
Get the Vegan Seared "Scallops" with Succotash recipe.
Vegan Mushroom Pot Pie
When it's cold out, a steaming hot pot pie filled with creamy, flavorful gravy, sweet and tender veggies, and topped with a shatteringly flaky crust is EVERYTHING. Here, mushrooms replace meat and are every bit as satisfying as their meaty counterparts.
Get the Vegan Mushroom Pot Pie recipe.
Coconut Chickpea & Sweet Potato Curry
If you're craving a hearty and comforting dinner that's also vegan, look no further. This curry is bursting with flavors inspired by chana masala, and is so chock-full of flavor that you won't miss the meat. It's our tribute to the richness of Indian cuisine in every bite.
Get the Coconut Chickpea & Sweet Potato Curry recipe.
Chili Crisp Fried Tofu
Chili crisp is the MVP in the flavor bomb pantry, and it’s back to prove it again with this chili crisp fried tofu. Featuring a vibrant spicy-sweet sauce made with just four pantry ingredients (swap the honey for maple or agave if you're averse!), this crispy fried tofu is waiting to make your weeknight dinner a little more exciting.
Get the Chili Crisp Fried Tofu recipe.
Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette
This vegan spin on our orecchiette with sausage & broccoli rabe is packed with protein and flavor thanks to tempeh and a simple garlic-lemon sauce. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but special enough to serve for date night too.
Get the Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette recipe.
Vegan Ramen
This completely vegan version uses layers of umami-packed flavor to mimic the depth complexity of traditional ramen, and edamame for a protein boost. Feel free to swap in some of your favorite veggies, but don't skip the salty soy sauce balanced with sweet, tangy mirin. It helps round out this warm earthy, slurp-worthy noodle bowl.
Get the Vegan Ramen recipe.
Tofu Katsu Curry
This hearty Japanese curry comes complete with crispy sesame-panko-crusted tofu, tender vegetables, and a rich and flavorful curry sauce. For a quicker version, swap out the curry for some cold shredded green cabbage, along with some katsu sauce for dipping.
Get the Tofu Katsu Curry recipe.
Veggie Paella (Paella Verdura)
This veggie-packed paella comes together in under an hour, and, even better, most of the cooking happens in the oven. Briefly returning the skillet to the stovetop after baking is the key to achieving a crispy rice crust on the bottom, often referred to as socarrat (meaning “burnt” in Catalan).
Get the Veggie Paella (Paella Verdura) recipe.
Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata
Most piccata sauces use only lemon juice; we opt for whole pieces of the fruit to make use of every last bit of bright citrus flavor. After a simmer in a wine and broth jacuzzi, the lemon loses its sharp bitterness and becomes sweet and tender.
Get the Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata recipe.
Jerk Tofu Grain Bowls
This vegan recipe is a bit of a culinary road trip through some Jamaican staples: sweet plantains, aromatic rice and peas, and tofu in a jerk marinade. To add a touch of crunch, acidity, and color we top it all off with a simple red cabbage and carrot slaw that is just as delicious on its own as it is in the bowls (make extra and put it on everything).
Get the Jerk Tofu Grain Bowls recipe.
Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy
Meaty oyster mushrooms stand in for steak in our indulgent take on this Southern classic. Buttermilk is a must for fried chicken, so we made our own with almond milk and vinegar.
Get the Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy recipe.
BBQ Pulled Mushrooms
We're loving the pulled mushroom trend at the moment. Chewy, sticky, and satisfyingly meaty without any of the meat, this recipe is so meaty we believe it could convince even the biggest of mushroom haters that these veggie heroes aren't so bad after all. Plus, they're fab for vegetarian BBQ guests.
Get the BBQ Pulled Mushrooms recipe.
Thai Peanut Noodle Soup
Here, we’re using red Thai curry paste—one of our favorite pantry staples—to create a fast, flavorful peanut noodle soup in no time flat. With a creamy coconut milk and peanut broth, crisp vegetables, and a shower of fresh herbs, this Thai-inspired noodle soup will become one of your new favorite weeknight dinners.
Get the Thai Peanut Noodle Soup recipe.
Vegan Lasagna
Tofu replaces ricotta in this vegan version of classic lasagna. Add that to a béchamel-inspired white sauce, and you've got a vegan dinner that won't make you feel at all deprived.
Get the Vegan Lasagna recipe.
Vegan Charred Lemon-Asparagus Risotto
This recipe is not that different from regular risotto but is made extra-special (and plant-based) with vegan butter and a to-die-for homemade “Parm” topping made of cashews.
Get the Vegan Charred Lemon-Asparagus Risotto recipe.
Black Bean Burgers
Plant-based burgers can be difficult to create: they need to hold their shape, have a tender, not-mushy texture, and taste delicious. In this black bean burger recipe, we've nailed all three. The secret? Making the flavor the best it can be instead of trying to make these patties replicate the taste of beef.
Get the Black Bean Burgers recipe.
Carrot Hot Dogs
Once your carrot hot dogs are ready, you can really top them however you would your favorite hot dog! Drizzle on ketchup, mustard, and our zucchini relish for a classic version, or take inspiration from any of our favorite hot dog recipes (Chicago-style or Big Mac, anyone?), swapping out the classic dog for this carrot version.
Get the Carrot Hot Dogs recipe.
Pumpkin Curry
Earthy, sweet pumpkin is the perfect base for a spicy, Thai-inspired coconut milk curry. We begin by roasting the pumpkin to provide some caramelization and nuttiness that adds a lot to the final dish. Then we take some of the roast pumpkin and actually blend it into the curry sauce which adds another layer of pumpkin flavor. 😋
Get the Pumpkin Curry recipe.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This meatless, dairy-free take on shepherd's pie is packed with veggies (mushrooms! celery! butternut squash! parsnips!) and loaded with flavor. It's also incredibly hearty, thanks to lentils.
Get the Vegan Shepherd's Pie recipe.
Eggplant Steak Frites With Chimichurri
The key to eggplant steak frites' success is to prep while the grill preheats. Also, make sure to prep the sauce so the meal can go directly from the grill to the table: Chimichurri sauce tastes even better as the flavors meld, so don’t be shy about making it in advance.
Get the Eggplant Steak Frites With Chimichurri recipe.
Vegan Meatballs
Few comfort foods satisfy like a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Now everyone can enjoy this comfort, sans meat! These chickpea-based meatballs pack tons of flavor, come together quickly, and even provide a good amount of protein and fiber.
Get the Vegan Meatballs recipe.
Vegan Chipotle Lentil Tacos
These vegan tacos are loaded with bright flavors and a variety of textures—just like any good taco should be! Serve them up with some frozen margaritas and homemade guacamole for the full Taco Tuesday experience.
Get the Vegan Chipotle Lentil Tacos recipe.
Thai Red Curry Coconut Noodles
These vegan noodles are perfect for super-hungry nights when you’re short on time. Feel free to swap in your favorite quick-cooking vegetables, and adjust the amount of curry paste to your spice preference, just make sure to keep stirring once your noodles are added to make sure they don't stick.
Get the Thai Red Curry Coconut Noodles recipe.
Tofu Stir-Fry
For best results, use extra-firm tofu that has been frozen so it can absorb flavors more readily, and simmer the tofu in salted water briefly to make it hardier and less likely to crumble. Otherwise, the sky's the limit, so add your favorite veggies to this stir-fry!
Get the Tofu Stir-Fry recipe.
Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks
Looking for a vegetarian centerpiece for your summer grill-out? Make these teriyaki cauliflower steaks. Slathered in a brown sugar and soy glaze and showered with scallions and toasted sesame seeds, these saucy cauliflower steaks might just upstage the ribs.
Get the Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks recipe.
Vegan New England Clam Chowder
Whether you call it chowder or “chowda,” we think this rich and warming vegan soup does the classic New England version justice. It’s creamy without the cream, briny without the clams, and has a high ratio of mushrooms to potato chunks for a bit of chew and texture in each bite.
Get the Vegan New England Clam Chowder recipe.
Butternut Squash Curry
Butternut squash is toothsome and savory, kales is earthy and green, and coconut milk wraps everything together in a creamy sauce. The curry spice adds a little warm punch to each spoonful, making this curry one that's guaranteed to keep you feeling warm inside and out.
Get the Butternut Squash Curry recipe.
Cashew Cream Alfredo
You CAN make an ultra-creamy, velvety smooth Alfredo sauce without any dairy, thanks to cashews. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little burst of heat, but feel free to add some red pepper flakes too. Top with parsley or basil to make it extra-special too.
Get the Cashew Cream Alfredo recipe.
Vegetarian Chili
This vegetarian chili is every bit as warm, comforting, and filling as the classic meat-filled version. Three types of beans do the heavy lifting, while warm spices and jalapeño add a little extra heat. Serve it on a cold night with a slice of homemade cornbread.
Get the Vegetarian Chili recipe.
Summer Squash Sheet-Pan Tacos
These vegetarian tacos have layers of tender summer squash, whipped garlicky hummus, smoky tahini sauce, and za’atar-pickled shallots layered in warm corn tortillas. It’s the perfect composition of color, texture, and bold flavor you’ll emulate in every taco hereafter.
Get the Summer Squash Sheet-Pan Tacos recipe.
Kimchi Tofu Stew
Inspired by Korean sundubu-jjigae, this tofu stew is a fast, easy meal that's still BIG on flavor. Both spicy and savory—thanks to a hefty dollop of gochujang (a fermented chili paste) and a mixture of fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions—it's an amazingly satisfying vegan meal.
Get the Kimchi Tofu Stew recipe.
Slutty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger
If you think that plant-based burgers can't rival meat-based ones, think again. Atlanta-based chain Slutty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger puts the argument to rest with this loaded burger. It's topped with all the fixings, including caramelized red onion, vegan bacon, melty vegan cheese, and a smoky chipotle-lime mayonnaise. 😍
Get the Slutty Vegan's One Night Stand Burger recipe.
Vegetable Curry
When you want something comforting, savory, and just a little spicy, you can’t go wrong with some form of curry. In this recipe, a variety of vegetables takes center stage alongside a creamy Thai-style curry. We promise you won’t even miss the meat.
Get the Vegetable Curry recipe.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos
To get extra crispy "fried" cauliflower, you gotta use your air fryer. This recipe is basically the vegan version of our favorite fish tacos. The finishing touch? A quick and easy pickled slaw for a bite of freshness and a spicy mayo for a touch of heat.
Get the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos recipe.
Vegan Chili
Sweet potato, black beans, pinto beans, and a whole bottle of beer (like Modelo) come together to make a super-hearty, meatless chili.
Get the Vegan Chili recipe.
Vegan Pho
Pho is one of our all-time favorite cold weather comfort foods, and vegan pho is no less satisfying due to the iconic spice combination common in Vietnamese pho. Did we mention it comes together in less than an hour? Mmmm.
Get the Vegan Pho recipe.
Thai-Inspired Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks demand a place on your grill, and we found the perfect funky balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in this Thai-inspired sauce to blanket them. We topped with peanuts, but feel free to swap in cashews or sesame seeds instead.
Get the Thai-Inspired Grilled Cauliflower Steaks.
Vegan Chili Dogs
We have to be honest, these meatless chili dogs might be better than the meat-full version. This complex chili is truly world-changing. You're going to want to put it on way more than just veggie dogs. We see chili mac, tamale pie, and plenty of chili fries in your future.
Get the Vegan Chili Dogs recipe.
Seitan Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a very popular Peruvian dish that takes aji amarillo (Peruvian chiles) and papas fritas (french fries) and prepares them in the style of a Cantonese stir fry. Though typically made using beef, we subbed in seitan (a wheat-based protein) to create a delish vegan meal.
Get the Seitan Lomo Saltado recipe.
Vegan Tortilla Soup
We’re piling on the flavor here, because "vegan" doesn't mean missing out on any of the fun! There's three kinds of chili peppers, three kinds of canned tomatoes, hominy for chew, creamy black beans, and a medley of spices, all topped with a wondrous assortment of toppings (though feel free to add your faves).
Get the Vegan Tortilla Soup recipe.
Lentil Bolognese
A hearty bolognese doesn't have to include any meat, and this vegetarian bolognese full of lentils is proof! Skip the Parm to make it fully vegan—trust us, it's flavorful enough on its own.
Get the Lentil Bolognese recipe.
Looking for an easy vegan meal? Look no further! This baked tempeh is coated in an easy peanut sauce that doubles as a marinade. As the tempeh bakes it gets so crispy and flavorful, perfect for serving alongside roasted broccoli and white rice for a quick dinner.
Get the Baked Tempeh With Peanut Sauce recipe.
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