Japan is very vegan-friendly by default, as most people eat lots of fresh vegetables, tofu and noodles, and also drink lots of green tea and matcha. Desserts are usually fruit-based. Japanese food is very popular in England, a melting pot of cultural cuisines. But rather than always eat out (too expensive) or buy plastic-wrapped ready meals, why not just learn to make your favourite meals? Vegan JapanEasy offers bold and salty sweet and rich umami recipes of Japanese food, that is simple to make.
Never eat rice after 24 hours. Keep recipes away from young children and pets due to unsafe ingredients like onion, garlic and strong spices. Before cooking, read up on food safety for people & pets.
The author taps into this rich culture of cooking to offer recipes like:
- Vegetable tempura
- Onigiri
- Mushroom gyoza
- Cauliflower katsu curry
- French onion ramen
- Soy sauce butterscotch brownies
Also read Vegan Recipes from Japan. More than a cookbook this takes notes from Zen philosophy to offer simple recipes that are prepared with the seasons, using just a few ingredients. Using local produce and other Japanese staples like miso, soy sauce, sake and dashi, find simple recipes with entertaining stories, from the land of the rising sun. Vegetables are prepared according to the seasons from the garden or market (with few ingredients). The book’s recipes combine local produce and rice with Japanese ingredients to open up a new perspective.
Vegan Japan offers fresh recipes with charming pastel illustrations by Japanese-French chef Julia Boucachard, giving western dishes playful Japanese spins. From savoury street foods to comforting noodles and soups, this is a tribute to her heritage, from global mains to sweet bite-size desserts.
Look in stores for Miso Tasty, a lovely range of quality miso pastes and soups. One of the few foods with umami (all 5 tastes), it’s delicious in soups and stews, and good for your tummy! If you’re visiting, read The Vegan Guide to Tokyo (2023).
plant-based alternatives to Japanese sushi
Sushi is not just daily Japanese street food, but one of the world’s most popular fast foods. Although high in omega 3 fatty acids, so are lots of other foods (so you don’t need to eat fish). And issues with over-fishing and by-catch are causing issues worldwide. Easy Vegan Sushi (The Veg Space) offers four shapes and varieties, using staple ingredients of rice, rice vinegar, ginger and nori sheets. Then just assemble with veggie fillings (cucumber, broccoli, carrots, peppers).
Vegan Sushi (ElaVegan) is a slightly more elaborate recipe, which you can use with your favourite veggies, and even fill with your favourite dairy-free cream cheese.
Moving Mountains sell fishless fillets, which you can use to make vegan sushi (mix with cucumber, pepper, spring onion and vegan mayo, then layer with cooked rice).
inspiration from abroad: vegan sushi
Konscious makes sushi made from whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits (in four flavours, plus plant-based salmon and poke bowls). Made by chefs, these meals are flash-frozen and ready to thaw at home. Recycle packaging at supermarket bag bins, if your kerbside does not collect.
This brand was founded by a young chef who cycled across Canada in his youth, and settled in an area known for environmentalism. After creating one of the USA’s first vegan hot dog brands, he’s now turned his skills to making vegan fish!
