10+ Vegetarian Thai Food Recipes for Delicious Meat-Free Meals

Vegetarian Thai food offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can satisfy anyone’s taste buds. You can create delicious meatless dishes using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. From spicy curries to refreshing salads, there are plenty of options that showcase the vibrant culinary culture of Thailand.

Exploring vegetarian Thai recipes allows you to enjoy meals that are not only nutritious but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will inspire you to try new ingredients and expand your cooking skills.

Green Papaya Salad

Green Papaya Salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for any meal. This Thai-inspired salad combines different flavors and textures. It is crunchy, sweet, tangy, and a bit spicy.

To make this salad, you’ll need green papaya, which you can find in many grocery stores. Shredded papaya is the star of this recipe. Mix it with lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option), tomatoes, and green beans. You can also add peanuts for extra crunch.

This salad is often served with chili for some heat. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. It’s quick to prepare and makes a great side dish or a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded green papaya
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts
• 1-2 chilies, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and shred the green papaya.
2. In a bowl, mix lime juice and fish sauce or soy sauce.
3. Add shredded papaya, tomatoes, and green beans.
4. Toss well to combine all ingredients.
5. Top with crushed peanuts and chilies before serving.

2) Pad Thai with Tofu

Pad Thai with tofu is a delicious vegetarian dish that you can easily make at home. It features a blend of flavors and textures, making it satisfying and nutritious.

To start, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. Choose extra firm tofu so it holds its shape while cooking. Marinate it for a bit to enhance the flavor.

Next, stir-fry the tofu until golden brown. This step gives it a nice texture. Then, add your vegetables, such as bell peppers and carrots, for added crunch.

For the sauce, mix together soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sugar. Tamarind paste is a key ingredient that brings authenticity to the dish. Finally, toss the tofu and veggies with cooked rice noodles and add the sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 block extra firm tofu
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• Vegetables (like bell peppers and carrots)
• Fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions.
2. Marinate and fry the tofu until golden.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, tamarind, lime juice, and sugar.
5. Toss cooked noodles with tofu, veggies, and sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or peanuts.

3) Massaman Curry with Vegetables

Massaman curry with vegetables is a delightful and comforting dish. You’ll enjoy a mix of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any meal.

Start by gathering your favorite vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. They add sweetness and crunch to the curry. You can also include chickpeas for protein.

The curry is rich with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, along with creamy coconut milk. This combination gives the curry its signature flavor.

Cook everything in a pot on medium heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors and ensure the veggies cook evenly.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add the curry paste and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and vegetable broth.
4. Add all vegetables and chickpeas.
5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until veggies are tender.

4) Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup is a flavorful dish that you can easily make at home. It’s a hot and sour soup popular in Thai cuisine. You will love its bold taste and fragrant aroma.

To make a vegetarian version, you’ll use fresh herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. These ingredients create a rich and zesty broth. You can also add mushrooms and other vegetables for extra texture.

This soup is perfect as a starter or a light main dish. Serve it with rice to make it more filling. It’s not only delicious but also healthy.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into pieces
• 3 slices galangal
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 Thai chilies, smashed
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, and chilies. Cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Stir in lime juice and soy sauce.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

5) Thai Red Curry

Thai Red Curry is a flavorful and colorful dish that is both hearty and healthy. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, making it perfect for any meal.

To start, heat some coconut oil in a pot. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft. Then, stir in garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

Next, add your choice of chopped vegetables, like bell peppers and carrots. Pour in a can of coconut milk and add red curry paste. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Let the curry simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve your Thai Red Curry over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of chopped vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions until soft.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
4. Stir in chopped vegetables.
5. Add coconut milk and red curry paste.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Serve over rice.

Thai Basil Stir Fry with Tofu

Thai Basil Stir Fry with tofu is a quick and tasty dish. You will enjoy its rich flavors and delightful texture. This stir fry is packed with nutrients and is easy to make.

Start by preparing your tofu. Cut it into cubes and pan-fry until golden. Then, add garlic and ginger for a flavorful base. Toss in fresh Thai basil, which adds an aromatic touch.

For extra flavor, include soy sauce and chili. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Serve this delicious stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 small chili pepper, sliced (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
3. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
5. Add soy sauce and chili, then mix well.
6. Toss in the Thai basil and cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

7) Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a delightful Thai dessert. It combines sweet, ripe mango with creamy coconut sticky rice. This dish is not only tasty but also naturally vegan and gluten-free.

To make this treat, start by soaking Thai glutinous rice. You can find it in Asian grocery stores. Once soaked and steamed, mix the rice with warm coconut milk for added flavor.

Serve the sticky rice alongside fresh mango slices. Drizzle some extra coconut milk on top for a rich taste. This dessert is perfect for warm weather and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Thai glutinous rice
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 ripe mangoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the glutinous rice until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3. Drain the rice and steam it for about 20-25 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, heat coconut milk, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
5. Mix half of the coconut milk with the sticky rice.
6. Slice the mangoes.
7. Serve the sticky rice with mango slices and drizzle the remaining coconut milk on top. Enjoy!

8) Lemongrass Tofu

Lemongrass tofu is a bright and flavorful dish. It combines the fresh taste of lemongrass with crispy tofu for a satisfying meal. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as part of a larger spread.

To make lemongrass tofu, you can start with fried tofu cubes. Toss them in a savory lemongrass sauce made from fresh lemongrass, soy sauce, lime juice, and other spices. This dish is easy to prepare and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Serve lemongrass tofu with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor. Enjoy the vibrant taste that reminds you of Thai cuisine right at home.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 2 stalks of lemongrass
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Cooking Instructions

9) Vegetarian Thai Spring Rolls

Vegetarian Thai spring rolls are a delightful and fresh dish. They are perfect as an appetizer or a light snack. You can easily customize the filling with your favorite vegetables.

Common ingredients include cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. You can also add tofu for extra protein. Use rice paper wrappers for a light, crispy texture.

You will need to stir-fry the vegetables briefly. This helps to maintain their crunch. After cooling, wrap the filling in the rice paper.

To seal the rolls, you can use a mixture of water and flour or a beaten egg. Then, fry or bake them until golden brown.

Ingredients

• Rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup tofu, cubed (optional)
• Oil for frying or baking
• Water for sealing

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Stir-fry the cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts for 2-3 minutes.
3. Allow the filling to cool.
4. Soak rice paper in warm water until soft.
5. Place filling on the wrapper and roll tightly.
6. Seal with water or flour mixture.
7. Fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden or bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes.

10) Eggplant Basil Stir-Fry

Eggplant Basil Stir-Fry is a tasty and quick dish that highlights the flavors of Thai cuisine. You can make this vegetarian delight in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Start with fresh ingredients like Japanese eggplants, Thai basil, and colorful peppers. The combination give it a vibrant look and delicious taste. You can enhance the flavor with a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

To prepare this dish, slice the eggplants into 1-inch chunks. Soak them briefly in water with a bit of salt. This step helps reduce bitterness. Then stir-fry the eggplants with garlic and peppers until they are tender.

Don’t forget to add the Thai basil at the end for a fresh flavor boost. Serve it over cooked rice or noodles to complete your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium Japanese eggplants
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice eggplants. Soak them in salted water for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Add minced garlic. Stir until it turns golden.
4. Add eggplants and peppers. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in soy sauce and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Stir in Thai basil and remove from heat. Serve warm.