Chinese Vegetarian Snacks

Oct 23, 2010 | By Owen Pearson

Many people in the Western world are familiar with Americanized Chinese appetizers and snacks such as egg rolls, crab rangoon and pot stickers. Because these snacks typically contain pork, fish or other types of meat, they are not suitable for a vegetarian diet. However, there are several meat-free Chinese snacks you can enjoy as appetizers or snacks.

Stir Fried Asparagus

Although in China, asparagus is rarely used outside major cities such as Beijing, the Shandong province is a major producer of this vegetable. People in this province typically stir fry fresh asparagus, cooking the vegetable only briefly to retain its natural flavor. To create a stir fried asparagus snack, place 1 lb. fresh asparagus, 1 tbsp. sesame oil, 1/4 tsp. hot chili oil and 1 tbsp. soy sauce in a wok. Add 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds and stir fry for 3 to 5 minutes.

Tofu Puffs

Tofu puffs are wedges of extra-firm tofu that have a slit in the center so they can be filled with vegetables and other items. Stuff tofu puffs with taro, which is a potato-like tuber, or vegetables such as cabbage, diced carrots, onions and kelp. Stir fry or deep fry the tofu puffs for 3 to 4 minutes. You can also include grated ginger, diced garlic, hot peppers and other herbs and spices. Season the fried puffs with 1 tbsp. soy sauce or rice vinegar.

Vegetable Wontons

Wontons are Chinese snacks comprised of fillings encased in a wonton wrapper, which is similar to an egg roll wrapper. Place 2 tbsp. diced vegetables, such as carrots, asparagus, bamboo shoots, onions, kale or bok choy, in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and lift up the corners so they meet at the top of the wonton. Press the corners together to seal the wonton. Deep fry vegetable wontons for 2 to 3 minutes or until the wrappers become crispy and turn golden brown.