Best 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes

Taiwanese cuisine is comforting, flavourful, and deeply rooted in everyday home cooking. These 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes bring traditional dishes to your table with simple ingredients and quick, plant-based preparation.

Taiwanese cuisine is known for its balance of savoury, lightly sweet, and umami-rich flavours, often built around fresh vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and simple seasonings. When prepared vegan, these dishes remain deeply satisfying while feeling clean, nourishing, and naturally comforting.

These 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes are inspired by traditional home-style cooking and street-food favourites, adapted for modern plant-based kitchens without losing their cultural character.

From warming soups and rice dishes to tofu-based mains and vibrant vegetable sides, each recipe is designed to come together with ease.

Whether you are discovering Taiwanese food for the first time or revisiting familiar flavours, this collection offers approachable meals that honour tradition while fitting beautifully into everyday vegan living.

Recipe #1 — Qingtang Shucai Tang (Taiwanese Vegetable Soup)

Qingtang Shucai Tang is a light Taiwanese vegetable soup. It is simple, warming, and naturally comforting. Clear broths like this are common in Taiwanese home cooking and are often served as a gentle start to a meal.

As part of our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, this soup highlights how a few fresh ingredients can create clean, satisfying flavour without heaviness.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Avocado oil: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 2 cloves, lightly crushed
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, sliced
• Water: 6 cups
• Carrot: 1 medium, sliced
• Napa cabbage: 2 cups, chopped
• Button or shiitake mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced
• Spring onions: 2, chopped
• Celtic sea salt to taste
• White pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in the water and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
3. Add the carrot, cabbage, and mushrooms. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Season Qingtang Shucai Tang with Celtic sea salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the spring onions just before serving and remove from the heat.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈80
• Protein: 2 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g

Health Benefits

This clear Qingtang Shucai Tang supports hydration and digestion while providing fibre, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables. Its light nature makes it easy on the stomach and suitable for any time of day.

The ginger and garlic add gentle warmth and aroma, helping create a soothing, balanced dish that complements richer meals.

Learn more about the benefits of ginger.
Explore our post about the 9 Tasty Vegan Kale Soup Recipes.

Recipe #2 — Liangban Doufu (Chilled Silken Tofu With Soy Dressing)

Liangban Doufu is a classic Taiwanese cold dish made with silky tofu and a simple savoury dressing. It is refreshing, protein-rich, and especially popular during warmer months.

This dish is featured in our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes as an example of how minimal preparation can still deliver depth and satisfaction.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 0 minutes | Total time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Silken tofu: 400 g
• Soy sauce or tamari: 1½ tablespoons
• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
• Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
• Spring onions: 2, finely sliced
• Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Chilli oil to taste

Method

1. Carefully remove the silken tofu from its package and drain excess liquid.
2. Place the tofu on a shallow serving plate and gently smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.
3. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
4. Spoon the dressing evenly over the tofu.
5. Top with spring onions, sesame seeds, and chilli oil to taste.
6. Serve the Liangban Doufu immediately or slightly chilled.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈120
• Protein: 7 g
• Fibre: 1 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g

Health Benefits

Silken tofu provides high-quality plant protein along with calcium and iron, making this dish both nourishing and gentle to digest.

The light soy-based dressing adds flavour without overwhelming the tofu, creating a balanced dish that supports satiety and steady energy.

Learn more about the nutritional benefits of tofu.
Try our Best Vegan Recipes With Silken Tofu Pasta.

Recipe #3 — Su Lurou Fan (Vegan Braised Mushroom Rice)

Su Lurou Fan is a plant-based take on a beloved Taiwanese comfort dish, using mushrooms instead of meat to create a deeply savoury topping served over rice.

Included in our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, this dish shows how umami-rich flavours can be achieved quickly with simple, accessible ingredients.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Cooked rice: 4 cups
• Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
• Shallots: 2, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Shiitake or button mushrooms: 2 cups, finely chopped
• Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons
• Dark soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
• Five-spice powder: ½ teaspoon
• Water: ½ cup
• Black pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened and deeply aromatic.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, five-spice powder, and water.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Season the Su Lurou Fan with black pepper to taste and serve spooned over warm rice.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈290
• Protein: 6 g
• Fibre: 4 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g

Health Benefits

Mushrooms provide antioxidants and natural umami while keeping the dish light and satisfying. Combined with rice, this meal offers steady energy and comfort.

The warming spices and savoury sauce make this a grounding dish that fits nicely into a balanced plant-based diet.

Learn more about the health benefits of mushrooms.
Explore our Best 30-Minute Vegan Italian Recipes.

Recipe #4 — Gan Ban Mian (Taiwanese Sesame Noodles)

Gan Ban Mian is a simple Taiwanese noodle dish known for its nutty sesame aroma and savoury sauce. It is quick to prepare and often enjoyed as a comforting everyday meal.

This dish is part of our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, showing how bold flavour can be achieved with just a few pantry ingredients.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Wheat noodles: 400 g
• Sesame paste or tahini: 3 tablespoons
• Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, finely minced
• Spring onions: 3, finely sliced
• Chilli oil to taste

Method

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth.
3. Add the warm noodles to the bowl and toss thoroughly so they are evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Divide the Gan Ban Mian into serving bowls and top with spring onions and chilli oil to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈340
• Protein: 9 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g

Health Benefits

This noodle dish provides sustained energy from carbohydrates along with healthy fats from sesame, helping promote satiety and flavour satisfaction.

Sesame-based sauces add richness and depth while providing healthy fats that support satiety and steady energy.

You can learn more about the benefits of sesame seeds.
Explore our 8 Best Veggie Noodle Recipes For Your Kids.

Recipe #5 — San Bei Xingbao Gu (Three-Cup King Oyster Mushrooms)

San Bei Xingbao Gu is the vegan version of a classic Taiwanese dish that uses king oyster mushrooms to recreate the deep, savoury flavours of three-cup cooking. The result is aromatic, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

Featured in our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, this dish highlights mushrooms as a flavourful centrepiece rather than a side.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• King oyster mushrooms: 3 cups, thickly sliced
• Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 3 cloves, sliced
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, sliced
• Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons
• Rice wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
• Fresh basil leaves: 1 cup
• Chilli flakes to taste

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil.
4. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 6–8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the mushrooms.
5. Add the basil and chilli flakes, stir gently, and remove the San Bei Xingbao Gu from the heat.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈220
• Protein: 5 g
• Fibre: 4 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g

Health Benefits

King oyster mushrooms provide fibre and antioxidants while offering a satisfying, meaty texture without heaviness. The ginger and garlic combination supports digestion and circulation, while chilli adds gentle warmth and metabolic support.

King oyster mushrooms offer a satisfying texture while remaining light and easy to digest. Mushrooms are often used as a meat alternative in vegan cooking.

You can learn more about the health benefits of oyster mushrooms.
Explore our 6 Best Vegan Oyster Mushroom Recipes For Your Kids.

Recipe #6 — Hongshao Doufu (Braised Tofu in Soy Sauce)

Hongshao Doufu is a comforting Taiwanese tofu dish simmered in a rich, savoury sauce. It is warming, balanced, and commonly enjoyed as part of a family-style meal.

Included in our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, this dish shows how tofu absorbs flavour beautifully when gently braised.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Firm tofu: 400 g, cut into cubes
• Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely chopped
• Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons
• Dark soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
• Water: ½ cup
• Spring onions: 2, sliced
• Black pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning gently, until lightly golden.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and water. Stir gently to combine.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu.
5. Season the Hongshao Doufu with black pepper to taste and garnish with spring onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈230
• Protein: 13 g
• Fibre: 2 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g

Health Benefits

Tofu is a nourishing plant-based protein that provides essential amino acids along with minerals such as calcium and iron. Its soft texture and neutral flavour make it easy to digest while allowing it to absorb the savoury braising sauce, creating a satisfying yet gentle meal.

Slow braising helps keep this dish warming and grounding, making it especially comforting during cooler days or when you want something steady and nourishing.

Combined with ginger and garlic, this tofu dish supports digestion while delivering balanced energy without feeling heavy.

You can learn more about the nutritional value of tofu.
Explore our Simple Vegan Tofu Recipes For Your Kids.

Recipe #7 — Chao Gaoli Cai (Taiwanese Stir-Fried Cabbage)

Chao Gaoli Cai is a simple Taiwanese stir-fried cabbage dish that highlights freshness, aroma, and gentle seasoning. It is commonly served as an everyday vegetable side and pairs well with rice and savoury mains.

This dish is part of our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, showing how minimal ingredients can create clean, comforting flavour in just minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 3 cloves, thinly sliced
• Green cabbage: 5 cups, roughly chopped
• Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tablespoon
• Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
• White pepper to taste
• Celtic sea salt to taste

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a wide pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
3. Add the chopped cabbage and stir-fry for 4–6 minutes, tossing frequently, until wilted but still slightly crisp.
4. Drizzle in the soy sauce or tamari and rice vinegar. Stir well so the cabbage is evenly coated.
5. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
6. Season the Chao Gaoli Cai with white pepper and Celtic sea salt to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈90
• Protein: 2 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g

Health Benefits

Cabbage in this Chao Gaoli Cai is a fibre-rich vegetable that supports digestion while providing antioxidants and vitamin C. Light stir-frying softens the leaves just enough to make them easier to digest, while still preserving their freshness and natural texture.

Garlic adds warmth and depth while traditionally being valued for its role in supporting circulation and immune function. Together, this simple combination creates a nourishing vegetable dish that feels light yet grounding.

You can learn more about the health benefits of cabbage.
Explore our Best Vegan Recipes With Cabbage.

Recipe #8 — Suanxiang Kongxin Cai (Garlic Water Spinach Stir-Fry)

Suanxiang Kongxin Cai is a popular Taiwanese vegetable dish made with tender water spinach quickly stir-fried with garlic. It is fragrant, fresh, and commonly served as a light side alongside rice and savoury mains.

This dish is part of our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, highlighting how simple vegetables can shine when cooked quickly and seasoned thoughtfully.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 4 cloves, thinly sliced
• Water spinach (kangkong): 6 cups, trimmed
• Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tablespoon
• Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
• Chilli flakes to taste
• Celtic sea salt to taste

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a wide pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
3. Add the water spinach and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, tossing continuously, until wilted but still vibrant.
4. Drizzle in the soy sauce or tamari and rice vinegar. Toss well so the leaves are evenly coated.
5. Add chilli flakes to taste and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
6. Remove the Suanxiang Kongxin Cai from the heat, season with Celtic sea salt to taste, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈85
• Protein: 3 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g

Health Benefits

Water spinach is a leafy green rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and overall gut health. Quick stir-frying helps preserve its nutrients while softening the leaves enough to make them easy to digest and enjoyable to eat.

Garlic adds warmth and depth while traditionally being associated with circulation and immune support. Together, the garlic and leafy greens create a light yet nourishing dish that complements heavier meals without feeling overwhelming.

You can learn more about the water spinach.
Explore our Best 30-Minute Vegan Stir-Fry Recipes.

Recipe #9 — Wuxiang Lu Dougan (Five-Spice Braised Tofu)

Wuxiang Lu Dougan is a classic Taiwanese-style braised tofu dish infused with warm five-spice seasoning and a savoury soy-based sauce. It is deeply aromatic, comforting, and commonly served as part of a shared family-style meal.

This dish is part of our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, showing how tofu can become rich and flavourful when gently simmered with spices and aromatics.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Firm tofu: 400 g, cut into thick slices
• Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 2 cloves, lightly crushed
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, sliced
• Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons
• Dark soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
• Five-spice powder: ½ teaspoon
• Water: ¾ cup
• Spring onions: 2, sliced

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the tofu slices and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning gently, until lightly golden on both sides.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, five-spice powder, and water. Stir gently to combine.
4. Reduce the heat and let the tofu simmer for 12–15 minutes, turning once or twice, until the sauce reduces and coats the tofu.
5. Scatter spring onions over the top of the Wuxiang Lu Dougan and remove from the heat before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈240
• Protein: 14 g
• Fibre: 2 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g

Health Benefits

Tofu is a valuable plant-based protein that provides essential amino acids along with minerals such as calcium and iron. Its firm texture makes it especially suitable for braising, allowing it to absorb flavour while remaining satisfying and easy to digest.

The warming spices and gentle simmering process create a grounding dish that feels nourishing without being heavy. Ginger and garlic support digestion and circulation, while the aromatic five-spice blend adds depth and balance.

You can learn more about tofu.
Explore our Delicious Vegan Recipes With Tofu.

Recipe #10 — Xianggu Qingcai (Taiwanese Mushrooms with Greens)

Xianggu Qingcai is a simple Taiwanese vegetable dish that combines mushrooms and leafy greens in a light, savoury stir-fry. It is commonly served as an everyday side dish, adding freshness and balance to the table.

This recipe is part of our 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes, highlighting how a small number of ingredients can come together to create comforting, flavourful plant-based meals.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 3 cloves, thinly sliced
• Shiitake or button mushrooms: 2 cups, sliced
• Bok choy or Chinese greens: 4 cups, chopped
• Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tablespoon
• Water: 2–3 tablespoons
• White pepper to taste
• Celtic sea salt to taste

Method

1. Heat the avocado oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the chopped greens to the pan and toss gently to combine.
4. Drizzle in the soy sauce or tamari and add the water. Cover briefly and let the greens steam for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
5. Remove the lid and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
6. Season the Xianggu Qingcai with white pepper and Celtic sea salt to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ≈110
• Protein: 4 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g

Health Benefits

Mushrooms provide fibre, antioxidants, and natural umami while keeping the dish light and satisfying. When paired with leafy greens, they contribute a wide range of vitamins and minerals that support digestion and overall wellness.

Garlic and quick cooking help enhance flavour without overwhelming the vegetables, making this dish easy to digest and well-suited to everyday meals.

You can learn more about white mushrooms.
Explore 9 Best Vegan Marinated Mushroom Recipes For Your Kids.

Conclusion

Taiwanese cuisine is rooted in simplicity, balance, and comfort — and these 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes reflect that spirit through everyday plant-based cooking.

With tofu, mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and gently layered flavours, each dish shows how nourishing meals can be both satisfying and easy to prepare.

From light soups and chilled tofu dishes to hearty rice bowls and vibrant vegetable sides, this collection offers variety without complication.

Every recipe is designed to fit naturally into daily life, making Taiwanese-inspired vegan food accessible without losing its cultural essence.

Plant-based cooking is about more than ingredients; it is about intention, rhythm, and care. These Taiwanese recipes invite you to slow down, enjoy the process, and reconnect with food that feels grounding, comforting, and quietly energizing.

I trust you enjoyed this collection of the 30-Minute Vegan Taiwanese Recipes. Please stay tuned for more plant-based cuisine guides, comforting international meals, and gentle vegan lifestyle inspiration.

Take care!
— JeannetteZ 🌿

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