Many of the Korean dishes we’ve covered so far have been packed full of beef, chicken, and seafood, but there are plenty of Korean vegan recipes for people who follow a stricter diet.
While it is a bit harder to find 100% vegan food in Korea, it is not impossible. Many classic Korean dishes can even be tweaked to suit a vegan diet, and they aren’t too complicated to make at home.
If you follow a vegan diet and you want to try some Korean cuisine, then you have come to the right place.
We have put together a list of 11 Korean vegan recipes that you will love below.
Korean Vegan Rice Recipes
Rice is a staple part of Korean cuisine, and there are plenty of vegan Korean rice recipes you can enjoy.
Below is a list of some of the best Korean vegan rice recipes – in our humble opinion.
Try them out for yourself and see which ones you like the most.
Fried rice is incredibly popular in Korea, and this recipe takes everything you love about this dish and makes it vegan.
You will be using lots of vegetables in this recipe, but what really makes this recipe pop is that you can mix and match ingredients depending on what is in your kitchen.
This is a super easy recipe to make as well, so try it out for yourself today.
Bibimbap is another classic Korean rice dish, and this is a fantastic vegan take on the classic recipe.
Swap out white rice for brown rice, load up on veggies and vegan kimchi, and you will have an incredibly comforting meal that you will want to make again and again.
The Pickled Daikon included in this recipe needs to be made a day in advance, so keep that in mind before you make it.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy rice in Korean cuisine, and one of the most popular ways is Tteokbokki.
Also known as rice cakes, this particular recipe is spicy and full of flavor. These rice cakes are also a great way to include veggies in your meal in a fun and delicious way.
Korean Vegan Tofu Recipes
Tofu is another popular ingredient used in Korean cooking, and it also happens to be very vegan-friendly.
Tofu recipes are great if you want something that is similar to a meat dish but without having to worry about breaking your vegan diet.
Check out our selection of Korean vegan tofu recipes below and see which ones suit your taste the best.
Korean BBQ beef is an incredibly popular recipe in this part of the world. As a vegan, it can be hard to find alternatives. But that is why this recipe is so great.
This crispy vegan Korean BBQ tofu is the perfect substitute for the original dish. It is filled with delicious spice with a hint of sweetness that will leave you feeling satisfied.
This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, so you don’t need lots of experience to recreate it at home.
Also known as Korean Soft Tofu Stew, Sundubu Jjigae is a light but rich stew recipe with the perfect blend of spices.
This recipe is perfect for colder nights when you need a bit of extra comfort. It is usually made with beef or some other form of meat, but this recipe uses tofu to make it vegan-friendly.
Along with the tofu, this recipe also includes mushrooms to add an earthy and delicious texture that you won’t be able to forget.
This recipe combines garlic, tofu, and gochujang, a spicy chili paste that adds a delicious kick to any dish it is a part of.
Let’s be honest for a second – tofu is great, but it can be quite tasteless by itself. However, the garlic and gochujang in this dish absorb into the cubes to create a brilliant burst of umami fusion.
This recipe is perfect for eating during the week or whenever you want something hearty and filling.
Even if you do not have much experience in the kitchen, this recipe isn’t hard to follow, and you will be cooking like a pro in no time.
Korean Vegan Mushroom Recipes
If you aren’t a big fan of tofu, another great meat substitute is mushrooms.
Mushrooms are a big part of Korean cuisine, and you will find plenty of recipes that feature them as a main ingredient.
Mushrooms are also 100% vegan (obviously), so finding the perfect vegan mushroom recipe doesn’t have to be complicated.
Have a look at these Korean vegan mushroom recipes below and try some of them for yourself.
The main star of this dish is king oyster mushrooms, which are paired with a delicious sweet and spicy sauce to create a dish that is really special.
You can make this dish using brown rice or vegan noodles, so there are plenty of ways you can switch it up to make it a little different each time you eat it.
This is another dish that is super easy to make, so get stuck in and try it for yourself today.
Yukgaejang is a form of Korean soup. It is usually enjoyed with beef, but this recipe uses mushrooms instead.
This dish is super hearty and warm and perfect for those days when you need a comforting meal.
The broth is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and this dish will quickly become a staple meal in your household.
Korean Vegan Pancake Recipes
Korean pancakes are another staple in the country. They are a lot thinner and crispier than American-style pancakes, and they can be enjoyed as both a sweet and savory dish.
While most Korean pancakes are made with eggs, there are a few recipes that don’t include them.
So, if you are vegan, you don’t have to miss out on this classic Korean dish. Have a look at some of the vegan pancake recipes below and try them for yourself.
Korean food includes lots of vegetables in dishes, but it is one of the harder countries to sustain yourself as a vegan. This does not mean that it is impossible, however, and lots of non-vegan Korean dishes can be tweaked to become vegan-friendly
What Korean Food Can Vegans Eat?
While it is a bit harder to find 100% vegan dishes in Korea, there are quite a few Korean dishes you can eat if you follow a vegan diet.
Some of the most popular vegan Korean dishes include vegan kimchi, Hobak Buchim (Zucchini Pancake), Beoseot Gangjeong (Sweet Crispy Mushrooms), Dubu Jorim (Braised Tofu), and Gamjajeon (Potatoe Pancakes).
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
