Here is a collection of 16 amazing vegan Korean recipes! From saucy noodles to hearty soups, there is something for everyone.
If you are looking to make something different for your next meal, you are in for a treat! In this post, I had gathered together all my personal favorite vegan Korean recipes.
These recipes might taste as good as, or even better than traditional ones. Even meat-eaters will be impressed!
🧄Common ingredients used
Before that, I would like to introduce you to a few commonly used ingredients in Korean cuisines. Most of these ingredients can be found in well-stocked groceries and Asian markets. Or, simply purchase them online through Amazon or other online retailers.
Gochujang - Also known as Korean red chili paste, Gochujang is one of the most commonly used condiments in Korean cooking. It mainly consists of Korean red chilies, fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and various seasonings. It is salty and spicy with a hint of sweetness.
Most gochujang are naturally vegan, but do read the ingredient label just to make sure! I am personally using this Chung Jung gochujang.
Gochugaru - The Korean version of red chili flakes.
Chunjang - Also known as black bean paste. This dark, thick, fermented paste is made from soybeans, wheat flour, and caramel, which gives the paste its distinctive dark color.
As for its flavors, chunjang is umami and salty, with a slight hint of bitterness. Hence, sweeteners are often added during cooking to counteract its bitter flavor.
They can be quite hard to get, but they are usually available in Asian or Korean markets. I usually get my chunjang from Amazon.
Kimchi - One of the most popular fermented foods of all time! This Korean fermented veggie is spicy, savory, and pungent. You can use it in a variety of recipes, from fried rice to soups and stews. They are also a great flavorsome side dish to pair with Asian mains!
Take note that most store-bought kimchi is not vegan, as fish sauce or shrimp paste is sometimes added. However, there are quite a number of vegan kimchi available in the market! I am personally using this Wise Goat Vegan Kimchi.
You can also make your own at home! I had included a recipe for homemade kimchi below.
These incredible gochujang noodles will blow your socks off! Featuring bouncy noodles cooked in a rich savory and spicy sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Light, refreshing, and tasty, these Korean vegetarian dumplings are perfect for warm summer months! A Korean temple food recipe, this dish is lightly seasoned and made without onion or garlic.
Korean Fried Cauliflower Air Fryer (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
These crispy and flavorful Korean Fried Cauliflower wings are inspired by the Cheesecake Factory version. However, this recipe is much healthier and lighter as they are made in the air fryer!
You have to give this crispy Korean gochujang tofu a try! They are seriously addictive and irresistibly tasty. Pair them with some freshly steamed rice and veggies for a quick and easy meal.
Super quick and easy to throw together, this vegan Japchae is the perfect simple weeknight meal! It is super hearty, flavorful, and filling. A family-friendly dish that will be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike.
If you are looking for a simple, refreshing side dish, this spinach dish is for you! All you need is a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes to make this banchan. Plus, it is incredibly versatile and goes well with any Korean entrees.
If you have some leftover rice on hand, you have to give this flavorful kimchi fried rice a try! It is ready in a jiffy and is oh so easy to prepare.
This vegan version of the classic Korean jjangmyeon is utterly delicious and super saucy! This recipe has the flavors of traditional ones but is made without any animal products. Even meat-eaters will approve of this dish!
Learn how to make your own kimchi at home with this simple recipe! It is so much more cost-effective, and you get to customize it to your own liking.
Korean pumpkin soup, also known as hobakjuk, is velvety smooth, creamy, and sweet! Chewy sweet rice balls are added to give this soup some extra texture.
This vibrant gochujang soup is comforting and warm without being overly heavy! An easy one-pot recipe that is ready in 30 minutes.
This Korean dalgona candy, also known as ppopgi, has become increasingly popular, thanks to the popular Netflix series 'Squid Game'! It is crunchy, sweet, and only calls for 2 ingredients.
This simple vegan kimchi soup can be made on the stove or in the Instant pot! A heartwarming and cozy recipe that is perfect for chilly evenings.
This vibrant vegan bibimbap consists of spicy Korean tofu and colorful veggies served on a bed of freshly cooked rice! It is incredibly yummy yet healthy and wholesome at the same time.
Crunchy, sweet, and savory, this easy Korean cucumber salad will be your next favorite Korean side dish! This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with any Korean main dish.
Featuring chewy Korean rice cakes cooked in a thick and rich black bean sauce, this vegan jjajang tteokbokki will be your next favorite dish! It is non-spicy too, hence great for anyone who has a low tolerance to spice.
🍽More roundup posts you may like
I hope you find this post helpful and informative! If you do try any one of these recipes or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you.🙂
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