How to Create the Best Vegetarian Cantonese Dishes

National Vegetarian Week (14 - 20 May 2018) is the perfect occasion for foodies to give exciting new vegetarian dishes a try and embrace a veggie lifestyle for the week.

In the spirit of National Vegetarian Week, the chefs at Royal China have revealed their tops tips for how to create delicious, meat-free Cantonese dishes.

Fresh is best
Using the freshest ingredients means that half the work is done for you. Asian vegetables such as pak choi, Chinese broccoli, shiitake mushrooms, beansprouts and lotus root have a unique, clean flavour. Cooking with new ingredients that are out of your comfort zone can really take a dish to a whole new level.

Tasty Tofu
Tofu is a great substitute for meat as it is full of protein, meaning you stay fuller for longer. Marinate some tofu in soy sauce, chilli flakes, honey, lemon zest and oil for 2 hours. Cook in a pan on a medium heat until the tofu is golden brown, before topping with the remaining marinade which will act as a sticky glaze.

Some like it hot
Spices lend themselves well to vegetables, tofu and stir-fries, so vegetarian dishes don’t have to lack flavour. Enjoy the fresh heat of garlic, ginger and chilli by adding them to a stir-fry. Alternatively, the aromatic hum of Chinese five-spice can add extra seasoning to tofu and vegetables.

Souper Broth
Chinese broths are the perfect opportunity to pack your dinner full of vegetables. Vegetable stock, dried mushrooms, spring onion and fresh red chilli can really add an extra dimension to your soup, making it the perfect hearty lunch or light dinner.

Sweet Treats
If you are daunted by veg-heavy dishes, then perhaps something sweet would be more up your street. A tropical fruit platter, full of fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, melon and kiwi, is simple but will be a hit with friends and family.

The Royal China Group consists of six of London’s most authentic and prestigious Chinese restaurants, including the luxurious and critically-acclaimed Royal China Club. Based in prime areas of London, the restaurants are centrally located on Baker Street, as well as in Bayswater, Fulham, Harrow-on-the-Hill and Canary Wharf.

The Royal China restaurants offer traditional Hong Kong Chinese dishes, while the Royal China Club provides an exclusive experience combining European ingredients within the authentic Chinese cuisine.

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