From vibrant bibimbap to crispy sweet potato pancakes, these Korean vegetarian recipes are so delicious, you won’t even miss the meat!
Korean cuisine is already packed with bold flavors, but these vegetarian dishes take it to the next level.
If you’ve ever tried Korean food, you know how incredibly addictive it can be. It might not be as mainstream as some other Asian takeout favorites, but for me, it’s right up there at the top.
I’m beyond excited to share 20 amazing Korean recipes that will make you fall even deeper in love with Korean food.
And since they’re all vegetarian, everyone can join in on the fun!
Ready? Let’s get started!
Contents
20. Vegan Kimbap with Crispy Fried Tofu (Korean Sushi Roll)
Kimbap is a Korean rice roll made with seasoned rice, various fillings, and dried seaweed, all rolled up into a delicious bite-sized dish. While it looks similar to Japanese sushi, there are a few key differences that set it apart.
First, the rice seasoning is different—Japanese sushi rice is flavored with vinegar, while Kimbap is seasoned with sesame oil and salt, giving it a distinct nutty taste.
Second, the fillings vary—Japanese sushi rolls often feature raw fish and vegetables, whereas Kimbap is typically filled with cooked proteins like bulgogi along with fresh veggies.
Another small but noticeable difference is that Kimbap is usually brushed with sesame oil, giving it a glossy finish and an extra touch of toasted sesame flavor.
Despite these differences, both Korean and Japanese rolls offer endless varieties and combinations to enjoy!
19. Vegan Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Chili Aioli
Kimbap is a Korean rice roll made with seasoned rice, various fillings, and dried seaweed, all rolled up into a delicious bite-sized dish. While it looks similar to Japanese sushi, there are a few key differences that set it apart.
First, the rice seasoning is different—Japanese sushi rice is flavored with vinegar, while Kimbap is seasoned with sesame oil and salt, giving it a distinct nutty taste.
Second, the fillings vary—Japanese sushi rolls often feature raw fish and vegetables, whereas Kimbap is typically filled with cooked proteins like bulgogi along with fresh veggies.
Another small but noticeable difference is that Kimbap is usually brushed with sesame oil, giving it a glossy finish and an extra touch of toasted sesame flavor.
Despite these differences, both Korean and Japanese rolls offer endless varieties and combinations to enjoy!
18. Kong Guksu – Soybean Noodles with Vegan Kimchi from Korea
I know—”healthy” and “ramen” don’t usually belong in the same sentence, right? But I was determined to find a way to enjoy ramen noodles without the guilt, and I realized that sometimes, less is more (or… maybe less is just less?).
So, I set out to create a super simple ramen recipe with the fewest ingredients possible—and that’s when my Homemade Soy Milk came to the rescue!
Yup, you heard that right—I actually made my own soy milk (hence the “Homemade” part!), and let me tell you, it turned out absolutely freaking GLORIOUS.
17. Kimchi and Cheese Korean Vegan Dumplings
These kimchi and mozzarella Korean dumplings bring together two of my absolute favorite ingredients—and trust me, once you try them, you’ll have a hard time not devouring the whole batch!
Kimchi and cheese are a surprisingly perfect match, and they’re both staples in Korean cooking. So it only made sense to wrap them up inside crispy, pan-fried dumplings—and wow, was it a good call!
The tangy, spicy kick of kimchi mixed with the gooey, melty mozzarella creates a bold, flavorful bite that’s totally irresistible. If you love dumplings and want to try something new and delicious, this recipe is a must!
16. Quick and Easy Vegetarian Japchae Noodles
Speedy Vegetarian Japchae is a classic Korean glass noodle dish packed with vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful mix of soy sauce and sesame oil.
It’s commonly served as a side dish (banchan), but it’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a main meal.
One of the best things about japchae? It’s delicious at any temperature—hot, at room temp, or straight from the fridge. So if you’re into meal prepping, this is the perfect dish to make ahead and enjoy later without sacrificing flavor.
Quick, easy, and packed with umami goodness—what’s not to love?
15. Korean Sweet Rice Drink – Sikhye
In Korea, rice isn’t just something you eat—it’s something you drink, too!
Sikhye is a refreshing Korean rice drink made with rice, malted barley, and sugar. It’s lightly sweet, making it the perfect palate cleanser after a meal.
I was craving this drink the other day, so I went to grab some prepackaged cans from the Korean supermarket—only to find out they were crazy expensive! That’s when I decided to make it myself, and honestly, it was way easier than I expected.
Now I’ve made it several times, and the best part? It only takes four simple ingredients! No fancy techniques, just a little patience—and you’ve got a homemade version that tastes just as good (if not better) than store-bought!
14. Korean Fluffy Sweet Pancakes
Sweet, fluffy pancakes get even better when they’re stuffed with a warm, gooey filling of brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon—a combo that’s downright irresistible!
One of these days, I’m finally going to make it to Korea, where hotteok (pronounced ho-tok) is sold fresh from street carts, especially in the colder months.
But until then, I’m more than happy to whip up a batch at home and enjoy this cozy, sweet treat anytime I want!
Whether you have it for breakfast or dessert, one thing’s for sure—I wouldn’t mind snacking on hotteok all day long!
13. Sweet Rice Bundt Cakes for Dessert
It’s dessert time! This sweet mini-bundt cake is made with milled sweet rice flour, giving it a delightfully crunchy outer crust and a soft, cornbread-like texture inside.
Using freshly milled sweet rice flour creates a cake that’s crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully springy and chewy on the inside—the perfect contrast of textures.
I’ve tweaked this recipe to be more cake-like than my original version, making it even more irresistible. One bite, and you’ll see why this dessert is a total winner!
12. Korean Potato Pancake – Crispy Golden Treat!
Gamja-jeon is a traditional Korean pancake primarily made from shredded potatoes, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown texture with a soft, chewy interior.
This simple yet satisfying dish is beloved for its delicate balance of crispiness on the outside and a tender, starchy bite on the inside.
To enhance both the flavor and visual appeal, additional ingredients such as scallions, carrots, onions, or chives can be incorporated into the batter.
These not only add vibrant pops of color but also introduce layers of subtle sweetness and savory depth to the pancake.
While gamja-jeon is delicious on its own, it becomes even more flavorful when paired with a dipping sauce. A popular choice is a tangy and salty combination of soy sauce and vinegar, which complements the pancake’s mild flavor.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a drizzle of gochujang—a spicy and slightly sweet Korean chili paste—adds a bold, fiery kick, making each bite even more exciting.
11. Fantastic Gochujang Sauce
Gochujang is a well-known fermented chili paste that brings a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to Korean cuisine.
Its bold and complex flavor makes it a staple ingredient for seasoning meats, vegetables, and rice dishes—there’s almost no limit to how it can be used!
However, gochujang can have quite an intense kick, so if you prefer a milder taste, transforming it into a sauce is a great way to tone it down while still enjoying its unique depth of flavor. This recipe will show you exactly how to do that.
If you’ve ever had bibimbap, the classic Korean rice bowl (like the one pictured above), you’re likely familiar with gochujang sauce. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just for bibimbap!
This rich, savory condiment is incredibly versatile—it makes an excellent addition to any rice or veggie bowl and can elevate a wide variety of dishes with its signature taste.
10. Sweet and Spicy Korean Stir-fried Rice Cakes
If you’ve never tried tteokbokki, you’re in for a treat—this recipe is a total game-changer!
Tteokbokki (also spelled ddukbokki, ddeokbokki, dukbokki, or topokki) is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods. It features chewy, stir-fried rice cakes coated in a thick, sticky, and flavorful red sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and spiciness.
Traditionally, this dish includes non-vegan ingredients, but with a few simple swaps, it’s easy to create a delicious plant-based version without compromising on taste.
Korean rice cakes have an irresistibly chewy texture, making them a favorite comfort food. When paired with the bold, sweet, and spicy gochujang-based sauce, they become an absolute must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, satisfying dishes.
9. Korean Seasoned Spinach – Perfect Vegan Food!
Spinach on its own might not seem all that exciting, but with the right seasonings, it can go from bland to absolutely delicious.
Sigumchi namul is a classic Korean side dish that takes simple blanched spinach and elevates it with a flavorful combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame salt, garlic, sugar, and sesame seeds.
The result is a light yet savory dish with a perfect balance of nuttiness, umami, and subtle sweetness.
This easy-to-make banchan (Korean side dish) is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly nutritious. It pairs beautifully with rice, grilled meats, or other Korean dishes, adding a fresh, vibrant element to any meal.
8. Crispy, Chewy and Meaty Korean Mushrooms
Crispy fried mushrooms are coated in a perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy glaze, making them an irresistible dish packed with bold flavors.
For the best texture and depth of flavor, dried shiitake mushrooms are the ideal choice. Once rehydrated, they develop a rich, earthy, and umami taste that pairs beautifully with the tangy glaze.
Their naturally chewy and meaty texture makes them an excellent plant-based alternative to meat, offering the same satisfying bite while soaking up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these glazed mushrooms are sure to impress!
7. Crunchy, Spicy, Tangy Korean Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that perfectly balances crunchiness, spice, tanginess, and a hint of sweetness. Its vibrant flavors and crisp texture make it a fantastic complement to any meal.
Pro-tip: After slicing the cucumbers, let them sit with a sprinkle of salt for a few minutes.
This simple step helps draw out excess moisture, enhancing their crunch and allowing them to better absorb the seasonings. The result? An extra crisp, flavorful salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or any Korean-inspired meal.
6. Crunchy Korean Coleslaw
Korean coleslaw is just as crunchy and refreshing as traditional coleslaw, but its flavor takes a unique and vibrant twist. Unlike the creamy, mayo-based slaw we’re all familiar with, this version is bold, tangy, and packed with umami.
The secret lies in the dressing—a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and vinegar. This combination infuses the shredded carrots, cabbage, and onions with a deliciously bright, slightly spicy, and kimchi-like flavor.
Perfect as a side dish, topping for sandwiches, or a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, this Korean-style coleslaw brings a zesty kick to any meal!
5. Amazing Korean Sweet Potato Latte
Goguma latte is a delightfully creamy and comforting drink made with steamed sweet potatoes, milk, and sugar.
The base itself is already a treat—naturally sweet, velvety smooth, and rich in flavor. The sweet potatoes not only add a unique depth of taste but also give the latte its beautiful golden hue.
And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, this cozy drink is finished with a luxurious touch—frothed milk, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and crunchy chopped walnuts.
The result? A warm, satisfying beverage that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
4. Gamja Jorim – Braised Potatoes Food in Korea
One of the best parts of dining at a Korean restaurant is the variety of delicious side dishes that come with the meal.
Korean cuisine offers an incredible selection of banchan (small side dishes), each packed with bold flavors and unique textures. While they’re all tasty, one of my personal favorites is gamja jorim—a mouthwatering dish of braised baby potatoes.
These tender, bite-sized potatoes are slowly simmered in a perfectly balanced sweet and salty sauce, giving them a rich, caramelized glaze. The result? A soft yet satisfyingly chewy texture that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
3. Traditional Korean BBQ Tofu
This Korean BBQ tofu is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, smoky, and surprisingly meaty flavors—it’s so satisfying, you won’t even miss the meat!
Crispy, golden-brown tofu is coated in a rich, flavorful sauce made with gochujang, the star ingredient that gives it all the bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors of traditional Korean BBQ.
For the ultimate meal, serve this flavorful BBQ tofu over a warm bed of rice, then finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped scallions. Simple, delicious, and absolutely irresistible!
2. Delicious Korean Kimchi Pancakes
I didn’t always love kimchi—in fact, I struggled to enjoy it at first. But with its constant presence at our dinner table (thanks to my dad), it eventually won me over. Now, I can’t get enough of it!
If you’re also a fan of this uniquely delicious fermented cabbage, you absolutely have to try these pancakes.
Known as kimchi-jeon, these crispy, golden-brown pancakes are packed with bold flavors—salty, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
The addition of scallions brings an earthy depth, making each bite even more irresistible. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re a must-try for any kimchi lover!
1. Vegetarian-friendly Korean Bibimbap Bowls
Bibimbap is a vibrant Korean rice bowl loaded with an array of colorful vegetables, tangy kimchi, umami-rich nori, and a generous dollop of gochujang (red pepper paste).
At the center, a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg adds a rich, velvety touch, bringing all the flavors together beautifully.
Traditionally, bibimbap includes sliced meat like bulgogi (marinated Korean beef), but this version puts a vegetarian spin on the classic dish.
Instead of meat, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside pan-fried tofu takes center stage, adding a satisfying bite while soaking up all the delicious flavors. It’s a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that’s just as comforting as the original!
20 Korean Vegetarian Recipes: A Guide to Vegan-Friendly Foods
Discover 20 delicious Korean vegetarian recipes that showcase vibrant flavors like kimchi, kimbap, and tteokbokki. Enjoy vegan options in Korean cuisine!
Ingredients
- Vegan Kimbap with Crispy Fried Tofu (Korean Sushi Roll)
- Vegan Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Chili Aioli
- Kong Guksu - Soybean Noodles with Vegan Kimchi from Korea
- Kimchi and Cheese Korean Vegan Dumplings
- Quick and Easy Vegetarian Japchae Noodles
- Korean Sweet Rice Drink
- Korean Sweet Pancakes
- Sweet Rice Bundt Cakes
- Korean Potato Pancake
- Gochujang Sauce
- Korean Rice Cakes
- Korean Seasoned Spinach
- Korean Crispy Mushrooms
- Korean Cucumber Salad
- Korean Coleslaw
- Korean Sweet Potato Latte
- Korean Braised Potatoes
- Crispy Korean BBQ Tofu
- Korean Kimchi Pancakes
- Vegetarian Korean Bibimbap Bowls
Instructions
- Choose any Korean Vegetarian Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Korean Vegetarian Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.