From kimchi to noodles, this list features a good variety of recipes for your Korean vegan or healthy eating meal!
Even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, these recipes are perfect for incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet for a healthier New Year.
If you think Korean food is all about barbecue meats and fried chicken, think again! Traditionally, Korean cuisine relies heavily on grains, legumes, and vegetables. Meat was scarce, so our ancestors didn’t eat as much of it as we do today.
Furthermore, the Korean tThe simple cuisine is entirely plant-based, using seasonal ingredients that are mostly grown on the temple grounds or harvested from fields and mountains. No meat or fish allowed! Due to the long history of Buddhism in Korea, temple cuisine (사찰음식) is deeply incorporated into traditional Korean cuisine.
For these reasons, many classic Korean dishes are naturally vegan (or vegetarian) or can easily be veganized!
For more vegan side dishes, check out my 15 Korean Vegetable Side Dishes.
Or simply omit the meat from my classic Japchae recipe.
Or simply omit the meat and eggs from my classic Bibimbap recipe.
Also try my classic Bibim Guksu without the optional egg.
You might also like Soy Braised Lotus Roots (Yeongeun Jorim).
More vegan recipes
Oi Naengguk (cold cucumber soup)
Dongchimi (Radish Water Kimchi)
Kongguksu (cold soy milk noodle soup)
Oiji (Korean pickled cucumbers)
Yeongeun Jorim (sweet soy braised lotus roots)
Doraji Namul (Sauteed Bellflower Roots)
Chwinamul Bokkeum (Stir-fried Aster Scaber)
Danpatjuk (sweet red bean porridge)
Hobakjuk (pumpkin porridge)
This list of Korean vegan recipes was originally published in January 2021. I’ve updated it here with more recipes for 2024.
