7 Easy Vegan Dinners That Are Better Than Takeout
Toss the takeout menus—these plant-based evening meals are about to change your routine! We all appreciate the ease of ordering food, but let’s face it—it drains the wallet, isn’t always the healthiest, and misses that home-cooked charm.
If you are hunting for fast, filling, and delicious vegan dishes, you have landed in the perfect spot. These seven simple plant-based suppers will conserve your time and cash, making you question why you ever paid for delivery. Be sure to pin this page on Pinterest for future reference!
1. Single-Skillet Chickpea & Spinach Curry
A 20-Minute Weekday Champion
This rich, protein-loaded stew comes together in under 20 minutes using just one pot—meaning fewer dishes and maximum taste!
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
- 1 small diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp of curry powder
- 1 tsp of cumin
- Salt and pepper to your liking
- Warm cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet until they become fragrant.
- Pour in the chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices, letting it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the fresh spinach and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Spoon the curry over warm rice and enjoy!
Why it beats delivery: It is better for your body, kinder to your wallet, and you dictate the heat level!
2. Plant-Based Pad Thai
A Sweet & Salty 15-Minute Noodle Bowl
This meatless Pad Thai hits the table faster than a delivery driver and is packed with savory goodness!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of rice noodles
- 1/2 block of cubed tofu
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp of maple syrup
- 1 tbsp of peanut butter
- 1 tbsp of fresh lime juice
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup of fresh bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts
Instructions:
- Prepare the rice noodles following the package directions.
- In a skillet, sauté the garlic and tofu cubes until they turn golden brown.
- Whisk the soy sauce, maple syrup, peanut butter, and lime juice together in a small bowl.
- Toss the cooked noodles, tofu, and bean sprouts in the prepared sauce.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve immediately!
Pro Tip: Sprinkle in a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
3. Quick Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta
Rich, Creamy & Dairy-Free
This buttery, garlic-infused noodle dish is the ultimate comfort food—completely free of dairy and guilt!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta
- 2 cups of sliced mushrooms
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp of vegan butter
- 1/4 cup of plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to your preference
Instructions:
- Boil the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Sauté the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in vegan butter using a pan.
- Mix in the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the creamy sauce with the pasta and serve while hot!
4. 15-Minute Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry
Sticky, Sweet, and Absolutely Irresistible
Pro Tip: Utilize frozen vegetables to make this meal come together even faster!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 block of firm tofu, cut into cubes
- 1 cup of assorted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp of sesame oil
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch (for that crispy tofu texture)
- Cooked rice, to serve alongside
Instructions:
- Coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch and pan-fry them until they achieve a crispy exterior.
- Toss in the mixed vegetables and sauté until they are perfectly tender.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Plate up with a side of rice and dig in!
5. Vegan Burrito Bowls
Meal-Prep Friendly & Highly Customizable
Why you’ll love it: It is a Chipotle-inspired feast whipped up in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup of black beans
- 1/2 of an avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup of fresh salsa
- 1/4 cup of sweet corn
- 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers
- Lime wedges, for a citrusy finish
Instructions:
- Arrange all the ingredients in layers within a serving bowl.
- Squeeze the juice from the lime wedges over the top of the bowl.
- Stir everything together and enjoy your homemade bowl!
6. Homemade Vegan Sushi Rolls
No Special Equipment Required!
Fulfill those sushi desires without waiting around for a delivery driver!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked sushi rice
- 1 tbsp of rice vinegar
- 1/2 of an avocado, sliced thinly
- 1/2 of a cucumber, cut into julienne strips
- 1 sheet of nori (dried seaweed)
- Soy sauce, for dipping
Instructions:
- Blend the cooked sushi rice with the rice vinegar.
- Evenly spread the seasoned rice over the sheet of nori.
- Lay the sliced avocado and julienned cucumber over the rice.
- Roll the nori tightly, slice it into bite-sized pieces, and serve!
7. Plant-Based Korean BBQ Tofu Wraps
Smoky, Sweet, & Spicy – A Healthier Takeout Classic
These satisfying wraps are bursting with taste, highlighting crunchy tofu glazed in a robust Korean BBQ sauce, crisp veggies, and a velvety sriracha mayo.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 block of firm tofu, cubed
- 1/4 cup of Korean BBQ sauce (or a blend of gochujang, soy sauce, and maple syrup)
- 1 tsp of sesame oil
- 1 cup of shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup of julienned carrots
- 1 tbsp of vegan mayo mixed with 1 tsp of sriracha
- 2 large tortillas or fresh lettuce wraps
Instructions:
- Toss the tofu in sesame oil and either air fry or pan-fry until it gets crispy.
- Pour the Korean BBQ sauce over the tofu and toss until well coated.
- Smear the sriracha mayo onto the tortillas, then add layers of the BBQ tofu, shredded cabbage, and carrots.
- Roll the wraps tightly, slice them in half, and serve immediately!
👩🍳 Sarah’s Kitchen: 7 Easy Vegan Dinners
Reader Reviews
FAQ: Your Vegan Dinner Questions Answered
Can I meal prep these vegan dinners?
Absolutely! The majority of these dishes keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Are these dinners kid-friendly?
Yes, indeed! The taste profiles are gentle but can easily be ramped up with extra spices if desired.
Can I make these gluten-free?
For sure! Simply substitute the pasta, soy sauce, or flour tortillas with your favorite gluten-free alternatives.
Save & Share These Easy Vegan Dinners!
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You may also like: 5 Super Simple Vegan Recipes to Impress Others
Sarah’s Budget Tips
- Buy in Bulk: Purchasing staples like rice, dried chickpeas, and pasta in larger quantities drastically reduces your cost per meal.
- Embrace Frozen Produce: Frozen spinach, broccoli, and mixed veggies are often cheaper than fresh, last longer, and pack the same nutritional punch!
- Repurpose Leftovers: Use leftover rice from the curry night to make your sushi rolls or burrito bowls later in the week to minimize food waste.
