15 Essential Vegan Thai Recipes

With lots of veggies, spices, and of course heaps of peanut sauce, there's a lot to love about Thai cuisine. But the best part? It's SO vegan and vegetarian friendly! Here are 15 delicious vegan Thai recipes you need to try!

I'm about to make a bold statement: Thai food is my absolute favorite. I have lots of favorites (so much good food in the world!) but I'm pretty sure Thai is up there at the top.

So, what's so special about Thai cuisine? First off, so much flavor! It's all about the spices, and delicious Thai dishes come in both mild and spicy varieties, but all are full of flavor. And the richness. With loads of peanuts, cashews and coconut milk, Thai cuisine always feels like a super indulgent treat.

But what I love the most is how so many Thai dishes are either vegan by default or easily veganized.

Watch out though — lots of seemingly vegan Thai dishes you'll see on restaurant menus actually contain fish sauce or shrimp paste other non-vegan seasonings. The solution: cook your own. Here are 15 delicious vegan Thai recipes to get started with!

Golden Spring Vegetable Thai Curry

This spin on yellow curry packs in the veggies, with asparagus, bell peppers and golden potatoes. Feel free to switch it up by using your favorites, or whatever happens to be in season. Get the recipe here.

Northern Style Thai Coconut Soup

Spicy Thai red curry paste is the perfect way to season up this creamy coconut milk-based soup from Choosing Chia. Get the recipe here.

Thai Massaman Curry with Sweet Potatoes and Tofu

With lots of spices and a heavy hit of peanut butter, massaman curry is a proven crowd pleaser. This vegan curry puts a twist on traditional versions with the inclusion of sweet potatoes. Get the recipe here.

Easy Vegan Pad Thai

Swap tofu for meat and miso paste for fish sauce to make this veganized version of a Thai classic from My Darling Vegan. Get the recipe here.

Thai Red Curry with Tofu and Eggplant

I couldn't call a collection of vegan Thai recipes complete without everyone's favorite! Red curry packs in the heat and goes great with crispy tofu and eggplant in this easy vegan stew. Get the recipe here.

Thai Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Crispy veggies and fresh herbs make these healthy spring rolls from Yummy Mummy Kitchen as pretty as they are delicious. Get the recipe here.

Thai Lemongrass Soup

This refreshing soup is made with a gingery lemongrass broth, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. It's full of flavor and light enough to be enjoyed year round. Get the recipe here.

Seitan Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Yes, this dish is vegan! Seitan makes an amazing meat substitute in these spicy Thai skewers from Sunny Side Hanne. Get the recipe here.

Tofu & Eggplant Red Curry Stir-Fry (Pad-Ped)

Red curry paste and a splash of coconut milk serve as a spicy stir-fry sauce in this easy vegan spin on a Thai favorite. Get the recipe here.

Thai Mango Sticky Rice Summer Rolls

Like savory summer rolls? It's time to try this sweet version from Quite Good Food. These rolls are stuffed with fresh mint, juicy mango slices, and creamy coconut rice. Get the recipe here.

Vegan Green Curry with Tofu & Veggies

Cilantro, basil and jalapeño peppers pack the flavor into the homemade vegan green curry paste that's used to season up this spicy stew. Get the recipe here.

Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice

Have you ever had Thai basil? It's warmer and spicier than the Italian basil most of us are used to. Get your hands on some so you can make this flavor-packed Thai fried rice from Vegan Richa. Get the recipe here.

Five Spice Drunken Noodles

...and if you absolutely can't get ahold of some Thai basil, try this hack: use regular basil and add a bit of Chinese five spice. The flavor profile is similar and it works great in these vegan drunken noodles. Get the recipe here.

Thai Green Papaya Salad with Tofu

Be sure to use unripe (green) papaya for this salad: it needs to be nice and firm so you can shred it. Recipe from May I Have That Recipe. Get the recipe here.

Portobello Panang Curry

Panang curry is basically red curry with the addition of some peanut butter. So basically the best idea ever. This vegan version uses portobello mushrooms in place of the steak you'd find in many traditional versions. Get the recipe here.