Whether you're following a vegan diet, or just looking to add more high-protein plant-based meals to your week, these satisfying recipes are packed with ingredients that deliver both flavour and protein – think tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas and nuts. From hearty curries to burgers, pasta bakes to salads, these high-protein vegan recipes are designed to satisfy.
Adam Liaw channels classic ingredients of Spain into a robust one-pan meal ideal for weeknights and lunchbox leftovers. Smoked paprika, cumin and capsicum bring depth, while a handy can of four-bean mix adds protein and fibre. Serve with green olives for a hit of briny contrast. You won't miss meat at all!
Credit: Jiwon Kim
This comforting vegan bake recipe layers al dente penne pasta with a double hit of creaminess: mashed chickpeas with hummus, and a soy milk bechamel. Chia seeds sneak in extra protein, while the herbed breadcrumb topping gives golden contrast, oven-finished until golden and bubbling.
Chickpea pasta bake. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey.
Rajma is North Indian comfort food at its best: protein-packed kidney beans simmered slowly in a tomato and spice gravy until the flavours meld and the beans soften into perfection. This is one of the most satisfying vegetarian recipes to whip up for a weeknight meal.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Socca, the chickpea flatbread from Nice in France, becomes the base for a meal that’s equal parts filling, fresh – and an ideal light meal for entertaining. A blended tofu-herb dressing adds extra protein and punch, transforming a side salad into something special.
Credit: Mary Makes It Easy
This vegan ramen gets its savoury depth from dried shiitake mushrooms and kombu simmered in vegetable stock. A tahini-soy-chilli oil sauce sits at the base of the bowl, adding richness with every stir. Topped with smoked tofu, garlic oil, and seared bok choy, it’s an easy yet layered noodle soup that’s deeply satisfying.
Vegan ramen. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
These bean-based balls are a versatile addition to your meal rotation. Simmered in a robust tomato sauce, they pair well with spaghetti, crusty bread, or polenta. Packed with protein and flavor, they're a crowd-pleaser for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
When the craving for comfort hits, this creamy mushroom stroganoff delivers. Earthy mushrooms are simmered in a rich, dairy-free sauce, creating a hearty dish that's perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Credit: Mushrooms Australia
Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, the tofu absorbs the rich flavours, offering a satisfying alternative to traditional meat dishes. Serve it over rice with a side of kimchi for an authentic touch.
Korean bulgogi tofu Credit: Smith Street Books
Hearty, meaty and entirely plant-based, this walnut ragu proves you don’t need beef to make a bold pasta sauce. The blitzed nuts absorb flavour beautifully and create a texture similar to a slow-cooked mince.
Rich walnut ragu with pasta. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
This hearty curry combines tender cauliflower with protein-rich split peas in a fragrant coconut milk base. Infused with spices, it's a comforting dish that's both nourishing and flavorful. Perfect for a cosy night in, it pairs well with rice or naan.
Credit: Plum Books / Jeremy Simons
Hearty and wholesome, this plant-based chilli makes for a vegan protein-packed meal. Spiced to perfection, it's a warming dish that's ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Top with avocado and coriander for freshness.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
This soupy dhal gets its richness from coconut milk , yellow split peas and an aromatic freshly made curry paste. Soothing, gently spiced, high in protein and low on fuss – it’s a warming bowl you’ll want to make on repeat.
Tony Tan's dhal. Credit: Mark Roper / Murdoch Books
Buckwheat soba bring nutty depth to this cold noodle salad tossed in creamy peanut dressing. Add crunchy greens and tofu, and it’s lunch that energises or dinner that nourishes. Cool, crunchy, and quick to assemble.
Veggie soba noodles with peanut dressing Credit: Desiree Nielsen
This dairy-free twist on carbonara uses blended cashews to mimic the creamy richness of the original. Smoky shiitake "bacon" adds a savoury depth that plays perfectly with the silky sauce and al dente pasta.
Chickpeas and breadcrumbs form the base of these golden, pan-fried croquettes, but the surprise? A sharp-sweet pickle centre that cuts through every bite.
Pickle-filled chickpea croquettes. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
Ful medames – Egypt’s beloved fava bean breakfast – is rich and satisfying, with a garlicky tahini drizzle over slow-simmered fava beans. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, it also makes an excellent anytime bowl of sustenance.
Ful medames (slow-cooked broad beans with tarator, dill and pickled cucumbers) Credit: Andrew Dorn
These vegan chilli dogs don’t hold back on boldness – veggie hot dogs are topped with bold and smoky bean chilli, a cashew-based velvety vegan cheese sauce, and all the classic hot dog condiments to deliver satisfaction without the meat.
Credit: Mary Makes It Easy
This Indonesian vegetable curry with tempeh is gentle, grounding and generous. Think of it as your midweek meditation in a bowl: creamy coconut broth, earthy tempeh, soft veg and a whisper of spice.
Need a reliable dinner that hits the spice, fibre and protein trifecta? This chickpea masala comes together with pantry staples and a bag of spinach – no fuss, no meat, just depth and comfort.
Credit: Parveen's Indian Kitchen
Think tofu’s boring? Not when it’s deep-fried and drenched in sweet-savoury peanut sauce – this beloved Indonesian street snack is ready in minutes and vanishes even faster. Serve it with cucumber or bean sprouts for crunch. A crowd-pleaser, every time.
Deep-fried tofu with peanut sauce Credit: China Squirrel
A staple across Turkish households, mercimek köftesi are vegan, protein-rich and perfect for an appetiser for entertaining, for lunchboxes and picnics. Serve with cos lettuce leaves to wrap and lemon wedges to squeeze over.
Credit: Sharyn Cairns
Dubu jorim is Korean comfort food at its simplest: tofu simmered in a punchy soy-garlic broth until every piece soaks up the savoury-sweet glaze. Delicious warm or straight from the fridge.
Credit: Billy Law
These are freezer-friendly, flavourful, and packed with vegan protein from walnuts and lentils. A party hit or a smart lunch prep move.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
Forget faux meat – this dish leans on umami-rich portobellos and silky bean mash for a main that feels indulgent and satisfying. The kind of food you want to linger over.
Credit: Ebury Press
This two-patty vegan high-protein burger does more than mimic – it delivers. With a zippy 'secret sauce', shredded lettuce and plenty of veg-protein oomph and sesame seed bun, it’s a nostalgic nod that doesn’t compromise on flavour, crunch or cheeky joy.
Credit: Zacchary Bird
Marinated in plant-based buttermilk and dredged in seasoned flour, this fried tofu delivers crunch, spice and serious satisfaction. A must-try for anyone sceptical about tofu’s potential. Pair with your favourite hot sauce.
Crispy southern fried tofu. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
