5 Easy Veganuary Meal Ideas

If you’re currently taking part in Veganuary, you may be starting to struggle with meal ideas. One of the most common issues people face when swapping particular aspects of their diet is learning how to create new and exciting dishes that are easy to prepare, and, of course, still taste great.

For vegetarians partaking in Veganuary, creating a meal plan for the week may be a little easier, as it’s likely that you’re already familiar with various swaps and cooking methods. As a vegetarian myself, I know that there are a lot of products available on the market that make swaps a bit easier, for example, using vegan mince and sausages. If you’re a meat eater looking to try some new and exciting animal-product-free recipes during January, however, meal planning for yourself or your family may be trickier.

No matter what your current diet looks like, if you’re looking to finish the month of January with a diet that doesn’t contain any animal products, these 5 easy Veganuary meal ideas are for you! Take a look at the following meal ideas and start creating your meat-free meal plan today.

5 Easy Veganuary Meal Ideas That Taste Great

So, let’s incorporate some plant-based goodness into your daily meals with these tasty and hassle-free recipes that not only align with Veganuary but also promise a burst of flavour and nutrition in every bite.

1 Sweet and Sour With Tofu (Air fryer)

If you’ve never cooked with Tofu before, it may seem daunting, but honestly, it’s really not! To make this Veganuary meal, all you need to do is make some batter using 60g of plain flour, 60g of cornflour, 1/2 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt, along with some water. Gradually add water (about 150ml) whilst whisking until you get the right consistency, then dip your raw tofu pieces in the batter before placing them in your air fryer for 10-12 mins. Meanwhile make your sweet and sour sauce (white vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar and corn flour) and stir-fry your veggies of choice until tender. Pour the sauce over your veggies and stir, before serving with your crispy tofu and noodles.

2 Vegan Fajita

This is a really quick and easy Veganuary meal that’s ideal for those nights when you want something comforting and quick! To make this vegan recipe, pick up your preferred brand of vegan chicken-style pieces (Quron, Squeaky Bean etc), some vegan tortilla wraps, fajita seasoning, and of course the veggies and sauces of your choice.

In a pan, heat up some oil on high heat and throw your veggies in (onions and bell peppers are great), then reduce to medium heat and add your vegan chicken-style pieces. Make sure everything is cooked to perfection and then serve with salad, guacamole, salsa, jalapenos, and lime slices!

3 Mediterranean Puff Pastry Parcels

Make sure that you select a vegan pastry before you start on this next Veganuary recipe. These Mediterranean parcels are great with a flavourful rocket side salad, plus they’re extremely easy and quick to make. Lighty fry some tofu (basil infused if you can find it), with some of your favourite Mediterranean vegetables such as olives, tomato, mushroom, and pepper. Use a few tablespoons of passata to make the mixture moist and leave to cool whilst you cut your pastry into 4 equal squares. Once the veggie mix is cooled, place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture into the middle of the puff pastry sheets and sprinkle with some vegan feta cheese if desired. Next, simply fold the pastry up over the mix however you want to and brush with olive oil, before placing it in the oven at 180 degrees Celcius for around 30 minutes.

4 Vegan Chilli Con Carne

Vegan chilli is another easy Veganuary meal that’s perfect for those midweek evenings. You can make the whole process a lot quicker if you opt to use a store-bought chilli mix (either powdered or from a jar), just ensure you check the ingredients to make sure that there are no animal products used. For his recipe, I recommend using good old Uncle Ben’s chilli con carne sauce. You’ll also need to get your hands on some vegan mince which you’ll want to gently fry alongside onions, bell peppers and kidney beans. If you’re using a powder packet of chilli mix, you’ll need to follow the instructions detailed – often this includes adding some tinned tomatoes and some water. Serve with rice and tortilla crisps.

5 Veganuary Pizza

Just because you’ve chosen to cut out animal products from your diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice pizza! You can either opt to purchase vegan pizza dough or make your own pizza dough easily enough by combining 500g strong flour, 1tsp dried yeast, 1tsp caster sugar, 1 1/12 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt and enough warm water to bring it all together. From there, it’s just a matter of choosing your favourite toppings and switching out dairy cheese for vegan alternatives, such as Violife.

Delicious And Accessible Veganuary Meals For The Whole Family

Navigating Veganuary may initially pose challenges, especially if you’re exploring a plant-based lifestyle for the first time or transitioning from a vegetarian diet. As we explored these 5 easy Veganuary meal ideas, it’s evident that embracing a meat-free diet can be both delicious and accessible. Whether you’re savouring the crispiness of Sweet and Sour Tofu from the air fryer, enjoying the comforting warmth of Vegan Fajitas, relishing the Mediterranean flavours in Puff Pastry Parcels, indulging in a hearty Vegan Chilli Con Carne, or satisfying your pizza cravings with a Veganuary Pizza, these recipes offer a diverse range of tastes to suit every palate.