From delicious Korean pancakes all the way to brilliant tofu recipes, Korea has plenty of dishes for those who do not eat meat.
Vegetables are a big part of Korean cuisine, and lots of the meat dishes can be adapted for a vegetarian diet.
If you love Korean food and you want inspiration for more vegetarian options, then you have come to the right place.
We have put together a list of 12 vegetarian Korean recipes that you need to try.
There is something for everyone on this list, so read on to get some inspiration for your next meal.
Korean Vegetable Recipes
Vegetables are a huge part of Korean cuisine, and it doesn’t get more vegetarian than this. From Gaji Bokkeum all the way to seasoned broccoli, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes that are packed full of flavor.
Below, you will find a list of Korean vegetable recipes that you will absolutely love.
Also known as Gaji Bokkeum, this stir-fried eggplant recipe is full of spice and flavor. This recipe specifically calls for Korean/Asian eggplants, which you can find in a variety of Asian supermarkets.
For the spice, you will need gochujang which is a type of red chili seasoning that really packs a punch! The earthy flavors of the eggplant pair beautifully with the gochujang to create a healthy and tasty dish.
You either love or hate broccoli, and if you love it, then this dish will be perfect for you.
Quick and easy to make, this sesame broccoli dish is usually made as a side dish, but there is no reason why you can’t have it as a light lunch or snack.
You don’t need many ingredients to bring this recipe to life either, which makes it perfect for those days when you want to use up what you have in your kitchen.
Also known as Musaengchae, sweet and sour radish salad is a popular dish in Korea.
Korean radish has both a sweet and spicy taste, and this recipe really brings out both flavors to create an incredibly morish dish.
You can make radish salad using a fish paste, but this recipe shows you how to do it without it, making it completely vegan-friendly.
Korean Vegetarian Mushroom Recipes
Lots of vegetarians substitute meat with mushrooms, and in Korea, mushrooms are a staple part of the diet. This means that there are plenty of Korean vegetarian mushroom recipes out there for you to try.
Earthy and textured, you will find a wonderful selection of Korean mushroom recipes below for you to try.
Also known as Beoseot Gangjeong, these sweet sauce crispy mushrooms cover all bases of flavor.
Perfectly combining sweet, sour, and spicy, this earthy meal will fill you with comfort on a cold night. The best mushrooms to use for this recipe are shiitake mushrooms, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other mushrooms if you want to.
This is the perfect dish to make if you are looking for meat alternative recipes.
King Oyster mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can work well in so many different kinds of dishes.
This Gochujang King Oyster mushroom recipe is hearty, spicy, and tastes just as good as meat alternatives.
This dish is entirely vegetarian-friendly, but it can also be made gluten-free by substituting some of the ingredients.
Korean Vegetarian Potato Recipes
Another ingredient that is incredibly popular in Korea is potatoes, and potatoes are, of course, vegetarian.
If you aren’t a fan of mushrooms but you still want something filling as the main part of your dish, then these vegetarian potato recipes will satisfy your cravings.
Check out the potato recipes below for some inspiration.
Korean pancakes are thinner and more crispy than their American counterparts, and this particular recipe features shredded potatoes to create an incredible savory meal.
These potato pancakes work great as a quick snack, but you can also use them as a side dish to your main course.
If you really want to make the most out of these potato pancakes, serve them with soy sauce and vinegar or top them with gochujang!
Also known as a Goguma Latte, you might think that sweet potato as a drink wouldn’t work, but once you try this, you will find yourself making it again and again!
This recipe is made by steaming sweet potatoes, blending them with milk, and sweetening them with honey. The result is a beautifully sweet dessert-like drink that is very unique.
Goguma Lattes are very popular in Korea, and this recipe shows you how to make it at home for yourself.
Korean Vegetarian Tofu Recipes
Lots of vegetarians look for good meat subsidies when they switch diets, and one of the most popular substitutes is of course tofu.
Luckily, tofu is popular and common in Korean cuisine, and there are so many vegetarian recipes out there that feature this ingredient.
Read on to find out about some of the best Korean vegetarian tofu recipes out there that you can try today.
Not only is this recipe completely vegetarian-friendly, but it is also vegan-friendly too.
This recipe is also perfect for anyone who has recently moved over to a vegetarian diet and is still adjusting. The BBQ sauce on the tofu makes you feel like you are eating BBQ beef, and it is a recipe that you should experience for yourself.
The method used in this recipe makes the tofu nice and crispy, which adds even more flavor to the dish.
This spicy Korean tofu soup is incredibly comforting and filling, and it really packs a punch.
Not only is this tofu soup filled with flavor, but it is also incredibly healthy as well. It’s also quick and easy to make- you only need to set aside 30 minutes of your time.
This recipe goes for a more vegan approach, but if you just want to keep it vegetarian, add in some eggs to make it even better.
Quick and to the point, this recipe will only take you 5 minutes!
Silken Tofu is a bit different to regular tofu. It is unpressed and undrained tofu which gives it a softer and creamier consistency that is a bit similar to unflavored yogurt.
Flavored with green onions, peppers, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, this silken tofu recipe is hearty and creamy and perfect for anyone who wants to try some authentic Korean food.
Also known as Dubu Jorim, Korean braised tofu is a delicious dish that only takes 25 minutes to make.
Typically, this recipe is served on top of a bed of rice and can be eaten at any point in the day. The sauce is a perfect blend of spicy and sweet, and you will grow fond of it very quickly.
Braised tofu is pan-fried with vegetables and aromatics to create a flavorful dish and give the tofu itself extra depth. In Korea, braised tofu is made using fewer ingredients and creates a thicker paste-like sauce which really locks in the flavor.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of vegetarian Korean dishes out there for you to try. If you are new to Korean food and don’t know where to begin, the dishes we have included in this list are a great place to start.
Once you try these dishes for yourself, you will want to make them again and again. As you get more confident with the dishes, do not be afraid to experiment and add to them to create even more wonderful flavor.
Try some of these dishes today and see which ones you love the most!
Plenty of Korean food is purely vegetarian. Some of the most popular pure vegetarian dishes include tteokbokki, kimbap, and cold noodles.
Is Kimchi Vegetarian Friendly?
Kimchi is made from ingredients such as cabbage, radish, and scallions, so in most cases, it is vegetarian-friendly. Be advised, however, that some kimchi recipes include fish or shrimp paste, which is fine if you eat fish, but if you don’t, it is important to be aware.
Is Korean Gochujang Vegetarian?
Gochujang is a type of Korean red chili seasoning and in most cases, it is vegetarian-friendly. However, t is important to check the ingredients on the label before you make a purchase because some variations of Gochujang are not considered to be vegetarian.
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!
