When life is hectic, there’s nothing better than having a few go-to meals that you can throw together in just 20 minutes. But let’s be honest—quick meals can sometimes feel rushed, thrown together, and lacking in flavour. Not to mention, trying to create a balanced and filling meal on the fly can leave you reaching for the same old ingredients.

That’s where these 20-minute vegan meals come in—delicious, nutritious, and super quick. Whether you're looking for a flavour-packed dinner, a fuss-free lunch, or even meal prep ideas, these recipes will become your new go-to options when you need a quick yet tasty meal. And, if you’re someone who loves having convenient vegan meals delivered to your doorstep, you can also find inspiration for easy, nutritious options to whip up at home.

With the back-to-school and work season in full swing, life can feel overwhelming. Between school runs, meetings, and evening activities, getting a proper meal on the table can seem impossible. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with vegan meal ideas that are full of flavour, and, best of all, are ready in 20 minutes. You can even stock up on plant-based staples at ALDI, so you won’t have to worry about running around the supermarket in a panic.

Tips for Saving Time in the Kitchen

Let’s be honest: no one has time for endless chopping and prepping every night. That’s why investing in the right kitchen tools can save you so much time.

1. Mandoline slicer – If you're prepping vegetables for a salad or slaw, a mandoline will make slicing, julienning, and shredding a breeze.
2. Food Processor – Perfect for making sauces or shredding vegetables quickly. Swap out the S-blade for a slicing disc to save even more time.
3. Garlic Press – If you cook with garlic as often as I do, a garlic press is a real lifesaver. It saves you time compared to mincing by hand, especially when you're in a rush.

Don’t forget the power of multitasking. While your tofu is crisping up, for example, you can be prepping your slaw or making a quick sauce. Not only does it help speed things up, but it also reduces the number of pans and tools you’ll need to clean up afterward.

Recipe 1: Crispy Tofu Slabs with Peanut Sauce and Cabbage Slaw

This meal is rich, flavourful, and packed with plant-based goodness. Crispy tofu meets a creamy peanut sauce and crunchy slaw, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet healthy. The best part? No need to press your tofu! Just slice it, fry it, and you’ll have crispy, golden tofu in no time.

• Tip for saving time: Shred your veggies and make the peanut sauce in advance. This meal comes together quickly if you prep these elements ahead of time, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Ingredient spotlight: The tofu and peanut butter in this recipe are made by brands like Simply Nature and are available at ALDI, giving you a cheap and tasty option for a quick vegan dinner. Plus, you can find affordable vegan food delivered to your home if you want even more convenience.

If you're new to cooking with tofu, don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds! The secret is using extra-firm tofu, which holds its shape better and crisps up beautifully when fried.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/2 small cabbage (green or red)
• 2-3 medium carrots
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Simply Nature Organic Peanut Butter

Instructions:

1. Slice the tofu into slabs, and fry in hot oil for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
2. While the tofu is cooking, shred the cabbage and carrots for the slaw.
3. Whisk together a simple peanut sauce with peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
4. Assemble the slaw by tossing the shredded veggies with the dressing.
5. Once the tofu is crispy, serve with the slaw and drizzle with the peanut sauce.

In no time at all, you’ll have a delicious, plant-based meal on the table. You can easily modify the recipe by adding some vegan meal ideas like rice noodles or a side of sautéed greens.

Recipe 2: Spiced Chickpea Tacos with Cilantro Pesto

Taco night is always a hit, and with this quick vegan recipe, you can make it in just 20 minutes. The pan-fried chickpeas add a satisfying crunch and spice, while the creamy, citrusy cilantro pesto ties everything together. It’s a great option for those nights when you want cheap vegan food without sacrificing flavour.

Ingredient spotlight: Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and work wonders in various dishes. Whether you’re making a quick stir-fry, a stew, or tacos, they’re affordable and pack a punch in terms of nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 small avocado
• 6 corn tortillas
• Salsa of choice
• Roasted cashews, cilantro, garlic, and lime for the pesto

Instructions:

1. Cook the chickpeas in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, salt, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder until crispy.
2. For the pesto, blitz roasted cashews, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, and lime juice in a food processor.
3. Char the corn tortillas (optional but adds a lovely smoky flavour).
4. Assemble your tacos by adding the spiced chickpeas, a dollop of cilantro pesto, diced avocado, and salsa.

If you’re short on time, you can always order vegan food delivered to your door, but making these quick tacos is just as easy. Plus, you get the joy of customizing each taco to your liking.

Recipe 3: Lemon Olive Oil Pasta with Green Beans

This refreshing pasta dish is light and zesty, with a bright lemon sauce and crisp green beans. It’s an easy, healthy meal that won’t weigh you down. Plus, it's easily customisable with whatever veggies you have on hand, so you can always keep it interesting.

Tip for saving time: Cook the pasta and green beans in the same pot! Not only does it save on dishes, but the pasta water helps create a silky sauce for the noodles.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• Green beans, cut into pieces
• Olive oil, garlic, scallions, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and green beans in a large pot. Be sure to save some pasta water before draining.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté scallions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add some pasta water and toss the cooked pasta and green beans with the oil and garlic mixture.
4. Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper.

In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a light yet satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can swap in other veggies like asparagus or broccoli if you prefer.

Vegan Meals That Keep on Giving

With these recipes, you can enjoy healthy, convenient vegan meals that come together quickly and without fuss. If you’re someone who needs a bit more help getting dinner on the table, you can even turn to services that offer vegan food delivered straight to your door.

Finding ways to fit delicious, nutritious meals into your busy schedule doesn’t need to be a challenge. Whether you're batch cooking over the weekend or throwing together a quick dish after a long day, these meals are perfect for anyone looking for vegan meal ideas that won’t break the bank or your schedule.

For those days when you simply can’t be bothered to cook, having cheap vegan food options readily available is a game changer. From fresh ingredients to frozen meals, there are plenty of plant-based options to keep you satisfied throughout the week.