Savory Braised Vegetarian Ribs: 2 Easy Recipes

Braised vegetarian ribs with pepper and lemongrass chili

Vegetarian ribs are a popular and commonly used ingredient, especially during traditional vegetarian meal days (like the full moon days). This article will guide you through 2 ways to make delicious, savory, and incredibly appetizing braised vegetarian ribs: one with pepper and one with lemongrass and chili, both perfect with rice.

1. How to Make Pepper Braised Vegetarian Ribs

Close-up of pepper braised vegetarian ribs in a bowl

Ingredients for Pepper Braised Vegetarian Ribs (Serves 3-4)

• Vegetarian ribs: 4 pieces
• Scallions: 5 stalks
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• MSG (Monosodium glutamate): 1/2 tbsp
• Pepper: 2 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tbsp
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Cooking oil: Some

Steps for Making Pepper Braised Vegetarian Ribs

Prepare the Ingredients

Soak the vegetarian ribs in warm water for about 1 hour, then squeeze out all excess water. Cut the 4 ribs into bite-sized strips.

Wash the scallions thoroughly. Finely chop the white parts and set aside in a clean bowl. Do the same for the green parts.

Preparing ingredients for pepper braised vegetarian ribs

Fry the Ribs

Place a pan on the stove and add some cooking oil. Heat the oil over medium heat, then add the vegetarian rib strips and fry.

Stir frequently while frying to ensure the ribs turn golden brown on all sides. Once they are deep golden brown, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate. Turn off the heat.

Frying vegetarian rib strips until golden brown

Make the Braising Sauce

First, add the chopped white parts of the scallions to the pan and sauté until fragrant and golden. Then, add 2 tbsp soy sauce and 70ml water to the pan to create the sauce.

Next, season the mixture with 2 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp MSG, and 1/2 tbsp salt. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Making the savory braising sauce in a pan

Braise the Vegetarian Ribs

Once the sauce comes to a boil and thickens slightly, add the fried vegetarian ribs back into the pan. Braise the ribs for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced and coats the ribs nicely. Then, turn off the heat.

Braising the fried vegetarian ribs in the sauce

Final Product

The pepper braised vegetarian ribs have a rich, savory flavor. The ribs absorb the seasoning well and have a gentle aroma of pepper and scallions, making the dish incredibly appealing and perfect with rice. You can add a few slices of chili if you like it spicy.

Finished dish of pepper braised vegetarian ribs

2. How to Make Lemongrass Chili Braised Vegetarian Ribs

Lemongrass chili braised vegetarian ribs in a white bowl

Ingredients for Lemongrass Chili Braised Vegetarian Ribs (Serves 4)

• Vegetarian ribs: 6 pieces
• Lemongrass: 3 stalks
• Chili pepper: 1
• Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
• Chili powder: 1 tsp
• Leek: Some
• Vegetarian seasoning powder: 1 tsp
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Cooking oil: 1 tbsp + Some for frying

Ingredients for pepper and lemongrass chili braised vegetarian ribs

Steps for Making Lemongrass Chili Braised Vegetarian Ribs

Prepare the Ingredients

Soak the vegetarian ribs in water for about 30 minutes. Once softened, squeeze out all excess water and let them dry slightly. Then, cut the 6 ribs into bite-sized pieces.

Wash the leek and chili, then finely chop them. Wash the lemongrass stalks, bruise them (e.g., by hitting with the back of a knife), and chop finely.

Preparing ingredients like lemongrass, chili, and vegetarian ribs

Fry the Ribs

Place a pan on the stove and add some cooking oil. Heat the oil over medium heat, then add the vegetarian rib pieces and fry.

Stir frequently while frying so the ribs turn golden brown on all sides. Once deep golden brown, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate. Turn off the heat.

Frying vegetarian rib pieces until golden brown

Sauté the Aromatics

Add 1 tbsp of cooking oil to the pan. Then, add the finely chopped leek.

Next, add half of the chopped lemongrass, the finely chopped chili, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp chili powder to the pan.

Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes until they are fragrant and form a darker-colored mixture.

Then, season with 1 tsp vegetarian seasoning powder, 1.5 tbsp sugar, and add the remaining chopped lemongrass to the mixture in the pan. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Sautéing lemongrass, chili, leek and spices in a pan

Braise the Vegetarian Ribs

Once the sugar has dissolved and the seasonings are well combined, add the fried vegetarian ribs back into the pan.

Braise the ribs for about 10-15 minutes, until they have absorbed the flavors well. Then, turn off the heat and transfer to a serving dish.

Braising fried vegetarian ribs with lemongrass chili mixture

Final Product

The lemongrass chili braised vegetarian ribs are visually appealing. The ribs are savory, slightly spicy, and infused with delicious flavors – truly delightful.

Finished dish of lemongrass chili braised vegetarian ribs

With these simple recipes and easy-to-find ingredients, you can prepare savory and appealing braised vegetarian ribs for your family’s vegetarian meal days. Enjoy your cooking!