Since Just One Cookbook is a Japanese recipe blog, the word ‘umami’ is almost the default term we use to describe everything that is full of savory deliciousness or the so-called fifth taste. The natural umami found in meat and seafood is satiating. It makes you crave for the food. That’s why we often hear people say ‘I’m so hungry that I can easily chow down a giant hamburger’. Stuffed with a delicious mix of tofu, cabbage, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms, these vegetable gyoza are incredibly fresh and juicy. It’s one of those treats you can’t stop eating! Best of all, you can make a large batch and freeze for later enjoyment. Street Food Fun Sunday OR ‘ Ichiju Sansai’ Sunday– Indulge in your favorite Japanese street foods such as Vegetarian Okonomiyaki or Vegetable Gyoza or Vegetable Tempura. Or take the time to make a full spread of Japanese meal. Read our Ichiju Sansai post for vegetarian ideas. Thanks so very much for this recipe! I can buy veggie Chinese gyoza but appreciate yours so much. The texture was so good.’– Vanda 4. Vegan Poke Bowl

Sweet and tangy vinegared rice tugged inside tofu pouches, Inari Sushi is easily one of the easiest sushi for anyone to make at home! They are fast and easy, and highly portable. It’s our absolute favorite food for bento, picnic, or road trip! Don’t turn away immediately when you see a delicious recipe that has a few slices of meat! If something looks good, you can potentially turn it into a vegetarian or vegan food to your liking. For example, my Yakisoba recipe is easily adaptable to vegetarian or vegan. Simply leave out the meat, or swap it with mushrooms. Fancy the sauce I used in this meatball recipe? Use it over your vegetarian meatball. Whether you’re vegetarian or vegan, or just looking to adopt more plant-based eating, Japanese cooking could be your next choice that caters to a meat-free food lifestyle. There are plenty of vegetables and ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, and seaweed in the cuisine that will awake your taste buds. The food is so flavorful and easily adaptable without sacrificing great taste. Secondly, texture. Use a mix of vegetables and layer it with your plant protein. When you have both flavor and texture in your meal, you’d feel satisfied.

15 Favorite Japanese Vegetarian Recipes

This was sooooo good and very simple to prepare. Will definitely be making it again.’– Jenni 8. Kabocha Gratin

Here we’ve rounded up our favorite Japanese vegetarian recipes to inspire you. Each recipe has been tested and loved by our readers, and we know you’ll going to enjoy them too! 15 Favorite Japanese Vegetarian Recipes 1. Vegetarian Ramen I made the pan-fried tofu from this poke bowl today, and it was very tasty! I had never bought fried tofu before; glad I tried it, I’ll be using it often. The flavor of the little sauce coating was very nice. I didn’t make the whole poke bowl, I just had the tofu on the side of some stir-fried kale, and I had rice, too’. – Lisa M 5. Kabocha Miso Soup I LOVE this recipe! It’s so easy to put together and it’s perfect for my vegetarian and vegan guests. I never would have thought to use tofu like this, but it is so delicious. Even people that tell me they “don’t like tofu” seem to like this.’– Carolyn’ 12. Soy-Glazed Eggplant DonburiFor a light and easy lunch, you’ll love this Soba Noodle Salad with Honey Soy Dressing! To bulk things up, feel free to toss in some fresh greens, cucumber, kimchi, or a side of boiled egg. The Japanese pantry items are not much different for non-vegetarian cooking, but we’ve highlighted some staples that will become your new best friends in the kitchen! You’ll find a scrumptious collection of our fan-favorites, which includes vegetarian ramen, vegan poke bowl, vegetable gyoza, vegetarian curry, and more! More Vegetarian & Vegan Adaptable Recipes You’ll Like: I made this ramen last week, and it tasted so good! I couldn’t believe how delicious it could be! I made it for seven people, and everyone loved it! I even made the ramen eggs. I’m not a vegetarian so I was definitely skeptical at first, but once I made it I knew it was a winner. It reminds me of Tonkotsu ramen flavour.’– H 2. Creamy Miso Pasta with Tofu & Asparagus

So comforting and soothing at the same time! Topped with minced mushroom, tofu, crispy fried eggplant, and bok choy, this Vegetarian Udon Noodle Soup is going to be your favorite thing to eat all year round. Feel free to customize the toppings with whatever you have on hand. When you keep things exciting, it’s easier to follow it through. Your vegetarian and vegan dinners can be a whole lot more fun and inspiring! By being a vegetarian/vegan and loving the Japanese way of cooking I will treasure this recipe.’– ADRIANO 15. Vegan Miso Soup Here, we’ve put together a guide specifically written for anyone who wishes to expand their repertoire in Japanese vegetarian and vegan cooking. From ramen to gyoza to flavorful curry, you’ll find a collection of our most favorite Japanese vegetarian recipes that everyone will love. They are vegan adaptable too. Bookmark the recipes and get ready to satisfy your cravings for all things delicious!

It’s also worth noting that the vegetarian and vegan diet has a long history in the Japanese food culture, and the best example is the Buddhist Temple Cuisine known as shōjin ryōri (精進料理). Rice and noodles – Japanese short-grain rice, soba, udon, shirataki, harusame (Japanese glass noodles), pasta Crispy on all edges yet tender on the inside, this pan-fried Teriyaki Tofu is the bomb. The savory sauce takes the tofu to another level. Simply leave out the dried bonito flakes, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.