When you adopt a vegan diet, it can make going out for meals with friends and family a little more challenging. There is usually one option on the menu which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and hungry.
Tofu is a vegan staple, but I’m sure you already know that. Ma Po Tofu consists of crispy tofu that is served in a sticky and spicy red chili sauce. The dish is plated on a bed of crunchy steamed broccoli.
Although the meal is a main dish you may want to bulk it out with some rice or extra steamed vegetables to make a more filling meal.
2. Buddha’s Feast
Another tofu dish, Buddha’s Feast uses five-spice on the protein for a distinct Chinese flavor. Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and green beans are served alongside the tofu which is all coated in a savory sauce.
This vegan-friendly stir-fry is packed full of protein and flavor. Pair with some brown rice for a warm and filling comfort meal.
3. Stir-Fried Eggplant
If you’re a fan of eggplant, then this is the perfect dish for you. Here, eggplant is cooked in a Chinese style and served with a sweet chili soy glaze, some green onions and plenty of garlic. The perfect mixture of sweetness and spice is found in this dish.
4. Chili-Garlic Green Beans
Perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish to your main meal, the chili-garlic green beans are delicious at P.F. Chang’s! A blend of fiery red chili sauce, fresh garlic, and preserves from the Sichuan province in China are used to flavor the vegetables.
If you can’t handle the heat then get a glass of milk at the ready.
5. Edamame
Edamame beans are extremely popular in Asian cuisine. These beans are immature versions of soybeans, they are harvested when young and green. Usually, these are steamed and served in their pods.
At P.F. Chang’s they are steamed to order and tossed with a healthy coating of kosher salt for a perfect level of crunchy goodness.
6. Vegetable Spring Rolls
There is a debate as to whether or not these are completely vegan as it is unclear if the spring roll batter itself contains traces of egg. P.F. Chang’s offers a range of spring rolls, including their vegetable version which is filled with julienned vegetables such as carrots and cabbage.
The rolls are served with a sticky sweet chili dipping sauce that has a little heat to it. If you are concerned with the ingredients of the spring rolls, your server will be able to tell you whether or not they are suitable for a vegan diet.
7. White And Brown Rice
Another wholesome and reliable staple in the vegan dining world is rice. P.F. Chang’s offers white and brown rice options which are completely vegan and extremely useful to fill you up.
It isn’t the most exciting thing on the menu but it can certainly be a savior when eating out as a vegan.
8. Signature Lo Mein Noodles
The Signature Lo Mein noodles can be made vegetarian, simply ask your server when ordering and you’ll be given a vegetarian version of the dish.
Lo mein noodles contain an array of vegetables such as broccoli, sugar snap peas, cabbage, carrots, onions, shiitake mushrooms, togarashi bean sprouts, and celery. Garlic, sesame oil, and a vegetarian dark sauce are added to the ingredients to create a smoky, nutty flavor.
9. Chang’s Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps
The vegetarian lettuce wraps are a famous Chang’s dish. Their website doesn’t give off any information other than it’s a ‘secret family recipe’, which is rather unhelpful to the vegan diner.
Upon further inspection, the vegetarian wraps contain minced vegetables, a healthy portion of garlic, scallions, sesame oil, and a lime wedge. This filing is contained in a crispy iceberg lettuce cup for easy eating.
Vegetarian Options At P.F. Chang’s
As with many restaurants, P.F. Chang’s can’t guarantee that their products will be completely vegan as they are prepared in kitchens that may have traces of dairy or eggs.
Though they will never contain meat ingredients, they may have traces of dairy-products which is something to consider when ordering your meal.
The Bottom Line
Vegan options at mainstream restaurants are slowly increasing, P.F. Chang’s is one that is starting to introduce more plant-based options to their menus. Always ask your server for their recommendations as they may be able to accommodate other dishes to suit a vegan diet.
Hi, I’m Eve Mason and I’ve been a vegan since almost five years now.I can honestly say that veganism has changed my life for the better.The past few years I’ve been on a quest to find affordable vegan friendly food.Fortunately, meat-free alternatives have now become available in most supermarkets, which has made my life a lot easier.
I love cooking at home, but for those who don’t like cooking at all, there are more and more restaurants that offer vegan options as well nowadays.
I hope you enjoy my website and have fun preparing your own homemade vegan meals.
