5 Quick and Easy Recipes Using Vegetarian Sauce

Vegetarian sauces can transform simple meals into delicious and wholesome creations. With more people embracing healthier eating habits, incorporating plant-based options has never been easier – or tastier.

In this blog, we’ll explore five quick and easy recipes you can whip up at home using MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli, Vegetarian Curry, and Plant-Based Rendang. These recipes combine incredible flavour with a healthy, plant-based twist.

 

What is Vegetarian Sauce?

Vegetarian sauce is a versatile condiment made entirely from plant-based ingredients. These sauces are designed to enhance the flavours of vegetarian meals. They offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional meat-based options.

In general, vegetarian sauces are made with a mix of vegetables, herbs, spices, and other plant-based components. Anyone can enjoy these lighter, flavour-packed sauces as part of a balanced diet – not just vegans or vegetarians.

Vegetarian sauces come in many varieties and they can be used in a wide range of meals. These include curries, soups, dips, spreads, and even pasta. They’re so versatile, you’ll want them in every dish.

Before we dive into the next section, remember that you can easily adjust these recipes based on the ingredients you already have at home. Now, let’s get to it!

 

A bowl of stir-fried mixed vegetables on a wooden surface

(Source: Envato Elements)

1. Vegetarian Belacan Chilli Stir-Fry

Belacan is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It’s traditionally made from fermented shrimp paste, giving it a strong, savoury flavour.

However, MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli offers a plant-based alternative. This allows you to enjoy the same umami-packed taste without any seafood.

Stir-fry dishes using this vegetarian belacan sauce are quick, vibrant, and packed with flavour, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

 

Ingredients:

  • *2 tablespoons MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli
  • *1 cup sliced bell peppers
  • *1 cup broccoli florets
  • *1 small carrot, julienned
  • *1 block of firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • *1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • *2 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
  • Salt to taste (Discover how our versatile seasoning salt can transform your dishes – check it out now!)

*Adjust the ingredients or amounts as needed to match your taste.

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat your vegetable oil. You can use a wok or a pan. Set your stove to medium heat.
  2. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
  3. Stir in the tofu and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli paste and mix well.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons of water to help coat the vegetables evenly. Stir for 2–3 minutes until well combined.
  6. Season with salt, adjust consistency if needed, and serve hot with rice.

 

This stir-fry is a quick and vibrant dish, packed with vegetables and the unique flavours of vegetarian belacan chilli. The sauce adds a perfect balance of spice and saltiness to the dish.

 

A bowl of rice topped with vegetarian rendang sitting on a granite counter

(Source: Pinterest)

2. Plant-Based Rendang Curry

Rendang is a traditional dish that originated from Indonesia, specifically the Minangkabau people in Sulawesi.

Traditionally made with beef or buffalo meat, it’s a slow-cooked curry that is rich, fragrant, and packed with spices.

Over time, rendang has been adapted across Southeast Asia. Now, it can be enjoyed in plant-based versions, like MindoFoods Plant-Based Rendang paste.

This dish is perfect if you enjoy a hearty and spicy curry. It offers deep, complex flavours while staying completely plant-based.

 

Ingredients:

  • *3 tablespoons MindoFoods Plant-Based Rendang paste
  • 1 block of tempeh, sliced
  • *1 medium potato, diced
  • *1 medium carrot, sliced
  • *1 cup cauliflower florets (or you can replace with mushrooms)
  • *1 cup coconut milk
  • *1 cup water (optional, for thinner consistency)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • *1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • *Fresh cilantro for garnish

*Adjust the ingredients or amounts as needed to match your taste.

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil. Either in a big pan, pot, or wok. Set heat to medium. Add the diced onions and saute until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and cauliflower florets. Mix thoroughly to ensure they’re coated with the oil and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
  3. Stir in the MindoFoods Plant-Based Rendang paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, letting the spices release their aroma.
  4. Add the sliced tempeh. Stir well to coat everything with the rendang paste.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Add water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  6. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, the tempeh absorbs the flavours, and the sauce thickens.
  7. Season with salt to taste.
  8. If preferred, top with fresh cilantro. Then serve with steamed rice or roti.

 

This plant-based rendang curry is creamy, hearty, and has a rich, comforting flavour. The plant-based rendang paste makes it easy to create a dish that’s both satisfying and cruelty-free.

 

A bowl of curry with mixed vegetables topping against a green background

(Source: Envato Elements)

3. Vegetarian Curry with Mixed Vegetables

Vegetable curries are a staple in many cuisines, especially in Indian cooking. Known for their rich and aromatic spices, curries provide a comforting base for a variety of vegetables.

In Indian households, vegetable curry is often enjoyed with rice or roti. This makes it a complete, nutritious meal.

MindoFoods Vegetarian Curry brings together the perfect mix of spices and herbs to recreate this authentic dish while keeping it plant-based, easy, and quick to prepare.

 

Ingredients:

  • *2 tablespoons MindoFoods Vegetarian Curry paste
  • *Mixed vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, peas, beans, etc)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • *1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • *1 cup coconut milk
  • *1 cup water (optional, for thinner consistency)
  • Salt to taste
  • *Fresh cilantro for garnish

*Adjust the ingredients or amounts as needed to match your taste.

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat vegetable oil (in a big pot). Ensure to use medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add in the chopped onions. Saute until they turn golden brown.
  3. Then add the mixed vegetables and saute for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle some turmeric powder and salt.
  4. Add MindoFoods Vegetarian Curry paste and mix well.
  5. Pour in coconut milk (you can also add water if you prefer a thinner consistency) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the curry thickens.
  6. Top with fresh cilantro (optional) and pair with rice or flatbread for serving.

 

This vegetarian curry is a simple and flavour-packed dish that combines the goodness of vegetables with the rich taste of the curry sauce. It’s perfect for a wholesome meal that the whole family can enjoy.

 

A bowl of noodles with fried tofu, cucumbers, carrots, and garnished with cilantro and spring onions

(Source: Envato Elements)

4. Vegetarian Rendang Noodles

Did you know rendang isn’t just for rice? It can also be used in noodle dishes for an added burst of flavour!

Rendang noodles offer a creative twist on the traditional curry by combining the deep spices of rendang with the lightness of noodles.

This version uses MindoFoods Plant-Based Rendang paste and vegetarian meat, making it a hearty and satisfying plant-based meal.

 

Ingredients:

  • *2 tablespoons MindoFoods Plant-Based Rendang paste
  • *Eggless noodles (e.g., rice noodles or wheat-based noodles)
  • *Plant-based meat, diced (e.g., chicken strips or mushrooms as an alternative)
  • *1 small carrot, julienned
  • *1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
  • *1/2 bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • *1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • *2 tablespoons water
  • Salt to taste
  • *Fresh cilantro or spring onions for garnish

*Adjust the ingredients or amounts as needed to match your taste.

 

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
  2. Heat up the vegetable oil (either in a work or pan). Make sure the heat is on medium. Add the plant-based meat and stir-fry until lightly browned and heated through (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from the wok and set aside.
  3. In the same wok, add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and bell peppers. Cook while stirring for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in the MindoFoods Plant-Based Rendang paste, a splash of water, and soy sauce. Mix well, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated.
  5. Add the cooked noodles and sauteed plant-based meat to the wok. Toss everything together to combine and allow the noodles to absorb the sauce for 2–3 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
  6. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or spring onions if desired.

 

This vegetarian rendang noodles dish is a fusion of spicy and savoury flavours. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want something filling and satisfying.

 

A plate of fried rice with mixed vegetables

(Source: Envato Elements)

5. Vegetarian Belacan Chilli Fried Rice

In Southeast Asia, belacan chilli fried rice is a popular dish, often enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner. The belacan sauce adds a punch of flavour to the rice, turning it into a full meal.

MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli brings the same depth of taste as traditional belacan but without the seafood.

This makes it an ideal option for vegetarians. And, this also means that individuals who are allergic to seafood can finally have a taste of this popular rice dish!

 

Ingredients:

  • *2 tablespoons MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli paste
  • *2 or 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old or leftovers from the night before)
  • *2 tablespoons vegetable oil (adjust depending on rice quantity)
  • *1 block firm tofu, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • *1 cup mixed vegetables (corn, peas, diced carrots)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste

*Adjust the ingredients or amounts as needed to match your taste.

 

Instructions:

  1.  Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok/pan. (over medium heat)
  2. Add the onions and saute until they become fragrant and golden.
  3. Add the firm tofu and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly crispy on the edges.
  4. Toss in the mixed vegetables (corn, peas, diced carrots) and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
  5. Stir in MindoFoods Vegetarian Belacan Chilli paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the paste to release its aroma and blend with the vegetables.
  6. Stir in the cooked rice. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil into the pan too. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and vegetables are well distributed.
  7. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, letting the flavours meld together and the rice warm through.
  8. Season with salt to taste, if needed.
  9. Serve hot, optionally pairing it with pickles or a fresh side salad.

 

This vegetarian belacan chilli fried rice is a simple, one-wok meal that can be prepared in minutes. It’s packed with flavour and makes for a great lunch or dinner option.

 

MindoFoods vegetarian sauces displayed against a dark green background

(Source: MindoFoods – Website)

Why Choose MindoFoods Vegetarian Sauces?

  • Crafted for Convenience
    We produced these pastes and sauces to help you create flavourful meals in minutes.
  • Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
    Made from plant-based ingredients, they’re packed with Vitamin B, calcium, and natural anti-inflammatory properties to promote overall wellness.
  • No Artificial Additives
    Free from added colourings and nasties, ensuring every meal is healthy, safe, and nourishing for you and your family.
  • Vegetarian and Plant-Based Options
    While not all our products are vegetarian, every item is plant-based. Check the product label to find vegetarian-friendly options.
  • Versatile for Various Cuisines
    Perfect for Indian, Chinese, and other cuisines, these sauces bring authentic flavours to a wide range of dishes.
  • Healthier Living Made Easy
    With essential nutrients and no compromises on taste, MindoFoods sauces make it simple to enjoy healthier meals.

 

Transform your meals effortlessly – try them today! Ready to experiment? Visit our shop now and bring bold flavours to your kitchen!

 

Discover How Vegetarian Sauces Can Transform Your Meals

Transform your everyday cooking into something extraordinary with our vegetarian sauces. From quick stir-fries to hearty curries and noodle dishes, these versatile sauces make plant-based cooking easy, healthy, and packed with flavour.

Why wait to elevate your meals? Visit our shop now to explore our full range of sauces and start creating bold, delicious dishes today. Need inspiration or assistance? Reach out to us at +65 9435 1688 or email us at mindofoodspteltd@gmail.com. Your journey to healthier, flavour-packed meals starts here!

 

Check out our other recipes for more exciting ways to use our sauces in your cooking.