11 Easy Plant-Based Dinner Ideas

You have the kitchen prepped and cleaned, but you’re out of ideas. I got you. I have an idea for you. Actually, I have 11 easy plant-based dinner ideas for you.

Bonus: all of these dinner recipes ideas are healthy and balanced.

And, hey, I get it – after a long, exhausting day, the last thing you want to do is think about what you need to whip up for dinner. You just want something that’s easy, affordable, with easy-to-find ingredients.

Nearly all of the recipes listed are affordable, approachable, using everyday cooking equipment. If you have a few pots and pans lying around in your kitchen, you already have everything you need to make dinner delicious. 

Kitchen Tools I Use And Love

There are a few kitchen tools I use on a very regular basis. One of my favorite kitchen tools is the Oster Blender. It has several setting including pulsing and blending. I use it often for smoothies, sofrito, and oat flour. I’ve had mine for a couple of years and it’s still kickin’.

Recipes include easy-to-find ingredients including rice, lentils, pasta, canned goods, and tofu. 

As much as I love to create new dishes, sometimes it’s the easy and fast staples that just make sense during over a regular weekday evening. My favorite? A bowl of “meaty” chili or a few sides of roasted vegetables accompanied by Puerto Rican rice, beans, and stew. 

If you ever need or want sides for the listed recipes, some of my favorites include yellow rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, potato salad, and black beans.

If you need dinner ready ASAP, check out 30-Minute Plant-Based Dinner Recipes.

Vegan Butter Chicken Recipe

This dish is incredibly creamy, savory, and with the perfect amount of heat (optional). It yields about 4-6 servings, but if you eat the whole thing – I won’t judge. 😉

Best to use extra-firm tofu that has been previously frozen then thawed block of tofu for a chewier texture along creating spores that will make it easier for the tofu to absorb the flavor from the vegan butter “chicken” gravy.

Sin Carne Guisada (Vegan “Beef” Stew) Recipe

If you ever had Puerto Rican carne guisada, you’re in for a treat with this plant-based version, using mushrooms as a replacement for the meat.

Complement this dish with a side of yellow Puerto Rican rice, sweet plantains (maduros), and sliced ripe avocado.

Oil-Free Vegan Fried Rice Recipe

Let’s be real – oil makes food tastes better. But, if you’re holding back on the oil, here’s an oil-free vegan fried rice recipe with scrambled tofu. You won’t miss the animal-based version with this recipe.

This dish is versatile and flexible. Feel free to make adjustments and more of your favorite vegetables and ingredients.

Tempeh Stir-Fry With Honey Garlic Sauce

With only 6 ingredients, basic cooking equipment, and 15 minutes – you’ll have Tempeh Stir-Fry With Honey Garlic Sauce ready in no time. 

Another perk? This recipe pantry-friendly, using affordable ingredients. 

Stewed Mushrooms And Onion

Packed with Puerto Rican flavors and spices, you’ll feel like you’re laying on a beach in Puerto Rico. Have it with a side of white rice and ripe avocado for a complete, affordable, easy dinner dish.

Vegan Smoke Mac And Cheese Recipe

Heck yeah, it’s vegan! It’s made with just cashews, seasonings, and water. That’s it. And it’s SO creamy and reminds me of the real deal. Perfect dish for the kids! In addition to being a great dinner meal, you can have it for lunch.

10-Ingredient Vegan Broccoli Curry

Easy, affordable, and very delicious. This broccoli coconut curry recipe was done with mostly pantry stuff. An affordable and approachable recipe that brings flavor to the kitchen table.

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

You’re in for a treat with these cauliflower wings. They are baked in the oven, minimizing the use of oil. Additionally, they are a great treat for those who may not like vegetables on their own.

Vegetarian Tofu Bean Chili

Oooooh this one is smoky and savory! Definitely don’t hold back on the spices with this dish. Have a side of brown rice with this dish and dinner’s ready.

Vegan Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

I was a craving a creamy bowl of vegan roasted tomato basil soup that reminded of the good ol’ days when I could just pick up a container of soup from anywhere, on days when things really busy.

Then I realized I had a 2-pound bag of Roma tomatoes that needed some love. So, naturally, I blasted them with oven heat for a soup made entirely from scratch. 

Vegan Teriyaki “Chicken” Stir Fry

This quick and easy vegan teriyaki “chicken” stir-fry made with tofu is one of my favorites to roll around in a wok. It takes just minutes with just seven ingredients. 

It has a combination of sweet, tangy, umami, and vibrant flavor notes  – all from just seven plant-based ingredients. 

There you have it – 11 plant-based dinner ideas that’ll make everyone at home asking for seconds!

---

Did you try any of the recipes on the list?

Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us