The Best Vegetarian Chinese Recipes with Tofu and Rice

If you're looking to expand your culinary repertoire with delicious vegetarian options, Chinese cuisine offers a wealth of flavors and textures. Tofu and rice are versatile staples in many vegetarian dishes, making them perfect ingredients for satisfying meals. Here are some of the best vegetarian Chinese recipes featuring tofu and rice that are sure to delight your palate.

1. Kung Pao Tofu

This spicy stir-fry is a vegetarian twist on the classic Kung Pao chicken. Replace the meat with tofu to achieve a protein-packed meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup peanuts
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a pan, sauté the tofu until golden brown.
  2. Add bell peppers and cook until tender.
  3. Mix the sauces and peppercorns, then pour over the tofu and peppers.
  4. Stir in the peanuts, top with green onions, and serve over rice.

2. Sweet and Sour Tofu with Pineapple

This dish combines the classic sweet and sour flavors with the goodness of tofu and pineapple cubes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

  1. Fry the tofu cubes until golden, then set aside.
  2. In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
  3. Mix soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, and cornstarch with a splash of water to create a sauce.
  4. Add tofu and pineapple back to the pan, pour the sauce over, and stir well to combine.
  5. Serve hot over steamed rice.

3. Mapo Tofu

This classic dish from Sichuan province is both spicy and flavorful, making it a must-try for tofu lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block soft tofu, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup vegetable broth

Instructions:

  1. Toast Sichuan peppercorns and grind them to a powder.
  2. In a pan, sauté garlic and chili bean paste for a minute.
  3. Add vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, then gently add tofu cubes.
  4. Cook for about five minutes, sprinkle with the ground pepper and green onions before serving.
  5. Enjoy with a bowl of rice.

4. Tofu Fried Rice

This easy tofu fried rice recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover rice and create a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 block firm tofu, crumbled
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 eggs (optional, for non-vegan version)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. In a large pan, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic for a minute.
  2. Crumb the tofu into the pan and cook until golden.