What do you fancy tonight? Pizza? Burgers? Chinese? Thai? Don’t order takeaway, when you can jus make these vegan fakeaway recipes instead!
By Lora O’Brien
I mean, yeah, sure. We should strive to eat well and be healthier. But sometimes, you can’t help but crave some delicious takeaways! There’s something so exciting about someone else cooking my dinner and I get almost giddy with excitement waiting for my food to arrive.
When I first went vegan, one of the hardest parts for me was finding yummy takeout options. But it’s 2020, guys! There is almost NOTHING that you can’t enjoy from your carnivorous life that hasn’t been given a vegan makeover. Whether your taste buds are craving vegan fried ‘chicken’, or some spicy tikka masala tofu, you’ll find it in this list of vegan fakeaway recipes I’ve compiled below.
Prepare to drool and crave ALL of these delicious takeout options! But the best part? You can easily make them all from your very own kitchen, saving money AND loads of plastic (or worse, styrofoam) waste, while having fun at the same time.
30+ Vegan ‘Fake-away’ Recipes Better Than Takeaway!
PIZZERIA
Pizza is my ultimate go-to takeaway. Sometimes I like it pretty chill with a vegan margarita pizza, other times I go all out and want the full works – vegan cheese, BBQ jackfruit and lots of veggies! The sides are a huge part of the takeaway magic here in the UK. Think vegan chicken, dairy-free mozzarella sticks and loaded nachos – yum!
But you know what, making your own pizza is heaps more fun than waiting for the delivery guy to turn up. Plus, you can get really adventurous with your toppings – think extra cheesiness!
1. Cheesy Vegan Garlic Bread
When ordering a takeaway pizza, I always get garlic bread. What’s not to love? This garlic bread recipe is super cheesy, super garlicky, it’s honestly one of the best things you’ll make. And as most store-bought garlic bread contains milk and butter, making your own is a super easy way to ensure it’s vegan – and delish!
Get the recipe here.
2. Vegan Parmesan Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are another popular side served with pizza takeaway here in the UK, but they’re pretty boring. Sure, they’re tasty but they’re not exactly hard to make: simply peel, chop, season and bake. But these vegan Parmesan potato wedges are a game changer! Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried potato fries.
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Mozzarella Sticks
I don’t want to ever live in a world where vegan mozzarella sticks don’t exist. Okay, bit dramatic, I know. But I honestly feel deeply for mozzarella sticks. The crunchy coating on the outside combined with the gooey vegan cheese inside, wow! And the fact that there’s now a vegan option makes life so worth living!
Get the recipe here.
4. Vegan Pepperoni Pizza
Like to keep things simple with a pepperoni pizza? This is a great recipe to make at home. Some call the pepperoni pizza boring, but I think it’s a classic; it’s not called the world’s most favourite pizza for nothing! The base is thin and crispy and fiery spiced zucchini slices replace the meat on this pizza. Not keen on this recipe? Check out more vegan pizza recipes here!
Get the recipe here.
5. Vegan Roasted Cauliflower BBQ Pizza
When it comes to pizza, you either love a tomato base or a BBQ base and for me, I prefer the latter. Sticky, BBQ sauce slathered in vegan cheese is my jam, and so this pizza is going on my to-make list ASAP! Plus, combining pizza and cauliflower kind of makes it healthier as it’s one of your 5-a-day . . . right?
Get the recipe here.
CHINESE
Pretty close to pizza is my love for Chinese food. Oh, how I love anything smothered in a sweet and sour sauce, and my go-to dish to make for me and my daughter at the moment is sweet and sour tofu.
It’s a winning dish every single time! But there are so many popular dishes to choose from when it comes to Chinese food, so I selected the classics. If you’re really craving your local Chinese during lockdown, make ALL of these. It’ll feel like your Friday night takeaway!
1. Crispy Vegan Spring Rolls
Delicious on their own or dunked in some sweet and sour sauce, spring rolls are simply delicious. And this spring roll recipe will taste even better than something you can buy from the Chinese. They’re loaded with healthy veggies and wrapped in golden, crisp pastry.
Get the recipe here.
2. Vegan Egg Fried Rice
If you’re vegan, then you’ll likely already know the hack of turning tofu into an egg alternative. And now you can turn that tofu scramble into yummy vegan egg fried rice! This protein-rich dish is ready from chopping board to table in just 12 minutes – one of the easiest of all the vegan fakeaway recipes to make for sure.
Get the recipe here.
3. Veggie Chow Mein
While non-vegan chow mein can have anything from duck to chicken in it, I always preferred to pick the veggie chow mein when ordering takeout. The soft noodles are stuffed with lots of tastes and textures, and making this recipe at home is a great way to clear our your fridge and used up lots of veggies that are just hanging out with no plans.
Get the recipe here.
4. Sweet & Sour Tofu
Anyone else obsessed with anything sweet and sour? I just LOVE the sweet, tangy flavour of the sauce and so I was thrilled to find a recipe that made it a little healthier, too. If you’re a tofu-hater, then you’ve gotta make this! On its own, tofu can be bland, but recipes like this really bring it to life. You won’t regret trying it!
Get the recipe here.
5. Vegan Mongolian Beef
Seitan strips are pan-fried to a crisp and then drenched in a sweet, savoury, sticky sauce. Ok, I know Mongolia isn’t in China (duh), but many of the flavours are similar, and I didn’t want you to miss out on this recipe!
Get the recipe here.
Indian
Indian food is an explosion of flavour, and many of the dishes are naturally vegetarian and can be adapted to be vegan with a few changes. Whether you like your curry with a little spice or more on the creamier side, I’ve collected a feast of dishes below that make for the perfect vegan fakeaway.
1. Perfect Samosas
Make these flaky, crispy samosas from your own kitchen. The ideal side to any Indian takeaway, these samosas are filled with a spicy potato and pea filling and are super easy to make. You can also freeze these so you have samosas on hand whenever you fancy a spicy snack!
Get the recipe here.
2. Veggie Pakoras
If you’ve ever felt intimidated at the thought of making your own pakoras, rest assured – they’re easier to make than you think, plus they taste even better when homemade. These yummy vegan pakoras are fried until a crispy golden brown and served with a light and creamy cilantro dipping sauce.
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Butter Chicken
I definitely prefer creamier foods, and this one pot vegan butter chicken curry really hits the spot! It’s 100% plant-based and vegan, made without the usual chicken and dairy. It’s also loaded with flavour, and the spice of the tikka masala works perfectly with the creamy, rich coconut-based sauce.
Get the recipe here.
4. Tandoori Tofu Tikka Masala
If you prefer a kick to your Indian food, then you MUST make this tandoori tikka masala tofu! The tofu curls are charred to perfection on skewers before they’re served with flaky paratha, rice and lime wedges. For sure, one of my fave vegan fakeaway recipes!
Get the recipe here.
5. Vegan Aloo Palak
This curry is wonderfully creamy and loaded with chunks of potato and healthy spinach. It’s drenched in Indian spices such as cumin, turmeric, fenugreek and garam masala, but gets its creaminess from the soft vegan cream cheese.
Get the recipe here.
JAPANESE
Japanese food may seem simple, but the small portions give way to an explosion of flavour. An abundance of veggies are easily incorporated into the dishes, so much so that you don’t need to worry about adding in vegan meats if you prefer to leave them out.
1. The Best Vegan Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake that’s loaded with cabbage and green onions and is topped with a sweet tomato sauce before being drizzled with mayonnaise. It’s flavoursome, hearty and easy to prepare. This vegan dish adds marinated sesame jackfruit for some added texture and the result is sweet, spicy and deliciously tangy!
Get the recipe here.
2. Peanut Ramen Noodle Soup
This ramen noodle soup is made with a super creamy peanut coconut broth, roasted mushrooms and crispy tofu. It comes together is just twenty minutes, and it is definitely one of the healthiest of all the vegan fakeaway recipes here, too!
Get the recipe here.
3. Tofu Katsu Curry
Fun fact: my toddler LOVES katsu curry! She’s not even two yet and she will scoff everything on the plate when I make this meal. And if you’re a fan of takeout Japanese curry, then you HAVE to make this. It’s crispy, a little bit sweet, and oh so flavourful.
Get the recipe here.
4. Veggie Sushi 3 Ways
Love sushi? It’s SO easy to make at home using your favourite veggies, and you can also add some plant-based protein to give it a nutritional boost. Make a yummy sriracha mayo to give it a little spice and serve with a tamari dipping sauce. I love this dish because it’s one of the lightest vegan fakeaway recipes – perfect for hot summer days!
Get the recipe here.
AMERICAN
Confession: the closest I’ve come to visiting America was when I went to an American diner here in the UK. But it was the best meal of my life! I can’t wait to hit the US in the future!
Until then, I’ll continue making yummy American inspired dishes at home. And what do I make when I get a craving for American food? Burgers and loaded fries, of course. Yum!
1. Down Home Vegan BBQ Burger
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a darn good vegan burger! And this one is LOADED! The homemade veggie patty is slathered in lots of delicious BBQ sauce and served with crunchy onion rings. This is one heck of a messy meal, but the perk of making it at home means you’re nearer to the kitchen to wash your hands (and mouth, and shirt) afterwards – result!
Get the recipe here.
2. Seitan Hot Dogs with Caramelised Onions
Since going vegan, I’ve had my fair share of terrible mock meats. However, these sausages have the ultimate meat-like texture. Plus, they’re packed with amazing smokey flavours. Served with caramelised cider onions, these vegan dogs will even make carnivores jealous!
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Loaded Cheesy Fries
What’s better than a heaping plate of carbs? A heaping plate of carbs topped with gooey vegan melted cheese! These vegan chilli cheese fries are the ultimate comfort food and easy to make. Plus, they’re pretty healthy since the fries aren’t actually deep-fried. You can vary the amount of chilli you use depending on your spice preference.
Get the recipe here.
4. Vegan Fried Chicken
KFC was one of the hardest foods for me to give up. Since I went vegan, it wasn’t the actual ‘chicken’ I was missing but the blend of spices they use. And since finding this recipe, my taste buds went kinda wild! The coating looks and tastes JUST like whatever KFC is using. Cruelty-free and totally tasty!
Get the recipe here.
5. Vegan Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteaks
Ok, it may not be the lightest of all the vegan fakeaway recipes, but it’s a heck of a lot healthier than the original!
Jackfruit makes the perfect substitute for the shaved steak that is traditionally used in this popular American dish. The best results come from cooking the jackfruit in a cast-iron skillet and allowing it to get a little charred. Once cooked, toss in lots of grilled veggies and cheese and you’ve got a super yummy vegan Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteak sub!
Get the recipe here.
THAI
There’s so much to love about Thai cuisine! From the veggies, aromatic spices and creamy peanut sauce, this cuisine is pretty healthy, too. Craving some Asian flavours? Below are some easy recipes to make at home.
1. Easy Tofu Pad Thai
Pad Thai is such a popular Thai dish, and if you’ve never made it before then you absolutely must do so! This easy recipe uses tofu, and can be made in just under half-hour with a handful of simple ingredients. It’s a hearty and versatile plant-based dish that had a ton of texture and a big, bold flavour. Yum!
Get the recipe here.
2. Vegan Tom Yum Soup
Tom yum (or tom yam) is a hot and sour Thai soup recipe that is traditionally made with shrimp. This vegan take on the popular dish uses lots of delicious veggies and can be made entirely in 1 pot with ingredients you likely have on hand right now!
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Thai Green Curry
New to Thai food? Dabble in this delicious cuisine with a Thai green curry. The spiciness is soothed by cooling coconut, set against the freshness of coriander, lemongrass and lime leaves, making this one of the most flavourful vegan fakeaway recipes!
Get the recipe here.
4. Tofu Pad Krapow
Honestly, this Thai basil tofu stir fry is SO good! You may think it’s made with mock meat, but it’s actually made with tofu. It only takes around 15 minutes to make, and this dish is great for an amazing protein-packed meal. Plus, the tofu acts like a sponge and absorbs all of that savoury, spicy soy sauce – mmm!
Get the recipe here.
Fish & Chips
I HAD to include fish and chips because, being British myself, I’d be doing a disservice to my roots if I didn’t. This is the most popular takeaway here in the UK, and has been for generations. I still remember now how the queue from our local chippy would snake out the door and round the block every Friday night, when most households would get a takeaway for dinner. And many, many childhood seaside trips ended with a bag of vinegar-laden chips as we walked along the seafront….
1. Vegan Fish and Chips
Even though I’m now vegan, I still have cravings for this childhood takeaway, and I’m LOVING this recipe! It has everything in it that brings childhood nostalgia back for me: crisp, golden batter served with chunky chips! The ‘fish’ element to this dish is made using banana blossom. You’ll be so surprised at the results, and it means you can enjoy ‘fishy’ dishes – minus the actual fish!
Get the recipe here.
2. Chip Shop Curry Sauce & Chips
Another of my top British vegan fakeaway recipes has to be chip-shop chips with curry sauce. The perfect hangover food, this is a well-loved dish for us Brits and I couldn’t NOT share it with you all. It’s super delicious, and it’s so tasty and satisfying, you might never buy it from the fish shop again.
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Scampi
Scampi is another hugely popular dish here in the UK, and one that my family loved growing up. We’d have it on the weekend served with chip shop chips and a leafy salad with lots of tartar sauce! Scampi is essentially just fried shrimp, and this vegan version is the perfect replicate – but without the cruelty.
Get the recipe here.
LEBANESE
This is one of my favourite takeaways, and mainly because many of the dishes can be time-consuming to make at home. But you know what? It’s really, really worth learning how to make vegan takeaway recipes from this amazing country!
1. Falafel
One of my fave vegan fakeaway recipes is for a crunchy, spicy falafel wrap! I like mine with extra tahini and loads of pickles. This recipe by the Minimalist Baker features loads of spices, including fresh parsley, cumin, cardamom, coriander and pepper. There’s also loads of garlic – a good thing in my books!
Get the recipe here.
2. Hummus
Hummus is simply life. This is the one food I really cannot live without! There are only four ingredients: chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic. This is a super easy dish to make! And the best part? This can be eaten a million ways: in sandwiches, with falafel, with dipped crackers or crudites….you name it!
Get the recipe here.
3. Manaqish
If you haven’t had this before, you really, really need to try it! It’s basically bread topped with thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and olive oil. Often referred to as ‘Lebanese Pizza,’ manaqish is a popular breakfast food, but can be enjoyed all day, every day.
Get the recipe here.
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Sorry, I got halfway through your list & gave up because so many of these recipes are mini-novels….scrolling, scrolling, scrolling to find the “print recipe” button (if it even exists).
Thanks for the feedback! Just click where it says ‘find the recipe here’ and you will find the button to print on the recipe page. Thanks!
I’m fan of all your gourmet vegan recipe articles, they always are the best ??
Thanks for saying so! 🙂
No excuse not to be vegan with these recipes!!
Darn right! 😉
Looks so yummy the best thing is that i can save money cooking these delicious vegan recipes ♥️♥️
This article has given me some really good ideas to get my kids eating vegan!
Everybody knows that veganism is the future! Thank you for all these tasty vegan recipes.
OMG! All these vegan recipes are incredible, my favourite recipe is the Vegan Loaded Cheesy Fries!!
Hehe!! It’s a tasty one! And healthier than the original version I suppose….