Vegan Fried Rice

Name: Vegan Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 1 yellow onion (diced); ¼ block tofu (hand crumbled); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 package frozen mixed vegetables (with peas, corn, and carrots); ½ cup snow peas (cut diagonally); ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 3 cups cooked white rice (leftover jasmine is the best!); 4 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ½ teaspoon pepper (white or black); 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste); pinch red pepper flakes (optional, use more if desired); scallions (sliced, optional, for garnish)

If you’re craving a quick, tasty meal, this vegan fried rice is exactly what you need! It’s packed with crispy tofu, colorful veggies, and a punch of savory flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover white rice or want something new for dinner, this recipe is the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something delicious.

The best part? You can mix and match veggies based on what you have on hand, and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a budget-friendly, protein-packed option that works for busy weeknights or meal prep. Once you try it, this easy fried rice will be a regular in your dinner rotation!

What makes this recipe even better is how flexible it is. You can easily swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, a pop of protein (perhaps with szechuan tofu?)or add extra toppings like sliced scallions or a drizzle of hot sauce. Believe us, this delicious dish will knock your socks off and absolutely save you money from buying take-out.

It’s time to give this vegetable fried rice recipe a try!

Table of Contents

Why You Should Make This Fried Rice Recipe

This veggie fried rice recipe is a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal. It’s loaded with protein, veggies, and bold flavors that make it a hit any night of the week. Plus, it’s super customizable and budget-friendly, making it an easy go-to recipe! Here are more reasons to give it a go:

Packed with Plant-Based Protein. Tofu adds a hearty dose of plant-based protein, making this dish both filling and nutritious. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal without any meat.
Great for Leftovers. Have leftover rice or veggies? This recipe is ideal for using them up and turning them into a fresh, tasty meal that feels brand new.
Quick and Convenient. Vegan fried rice is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick and homemade.
Delicious Flavor. With savory soy sauce, a hint of sesame, and a touch of spice, this dish has bold, mouth-watering flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Budget-Friendly. Tofu, rice, and vegetables are affordable staples, so this recipe is light on your wallet while still being big on flavor and satisfaction.

Vegan fried rice in the pan with lots of vegetables including peas, carrots, corn, and snow peas.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Get ready to explore the must-have ingredients that make vegan fried rice so yummy! We’ll break down what each ingredient does and share some fun swaps if you want to get creative. No matter if you’re using what’s in your kitchen or sticking to the classics, you’ll be all set to whip up a delicious meal!

Gathered ingredients to make vegan fried, measured out into individual bowls with labels.

Tofu: It absorbs flavors from the dish, enhancing the overall taste and providing a hearty texture and extra protein. Use tempeh instead of tofu for a firmer texture and nuttier flavor, or chickpeas for a different protein source that also adds a bit of nuttiness.
Cooked White Rice: Using day-old rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy and allows for better frying. Substitute for brown rice or quinoa for added nutrients and fiber, though the texture will be different.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. It also lends a true depth of flavor to the rice. Adding peanut oil or another neutral oil is an option, but they won’t taste quite the same.
Veggies (Onion, Corn, Peas, Carrots): These veggies bring color, texture, sweetness, crunch, and freshness to the rice. Feel free to substitute with any mix of veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas or whatever you have on hand.
Soy Sauce: This sauce adds an umami and salty flavor to the dish. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative with a slightly different flavor.
Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and salty flavors with a touch of sweetness. Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar, agave nectar, or maple syrup for a different sweetener option.
Spices (Garlic and Scallion): Garlic adds warmth while scallions provide a fresh, slightly sharp bite to the dish. Garlic powder can used if you’ve run out of fresh garlic. Use chives or shallots in place of scallions.

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Fried Rice Vegan

Making Chinese vegetable fried rice with tofu is super simple and delicious. You’ll get crispy tofu, tasty veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice all in one easy dish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and turn it into a quick, satisfying meal. We’ll share how to fry rice the authentic way!

Diced onion, crumbled tofu, and minced garlic cooking in a large wok.

Step 1: Sauté the Tofu and Onion – Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, crumbled tofu, and garlic, and let the tofu brown, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Frozen veggies added to the large wok with onion, tofu, and garlic.

Step 2: Stir Fry the Veggies – Add the second tablespoon of oil, along with the frozen vegetables, snow peas, and iceberg lettuce. Stir fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender.

Cooked rice added to the large wok filled with vegetables and tofu.

Next, Step 3: Add the Rice – Stir in the cooked rice and fry for 2 more minutes, or longer if you like a crispier texture.

The sauce added to the vegan fried rice mixture in the wok.

Step 4: Season and Finish – Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes, then pour it over the rice. Stir fry for a few more minutes, mix well, and garnish with sliced scallions.

Serving Tips and Suggestions for Vegan Tofu Fried Rice

Get ready to take your vegetable fried rice to the next level with a few of our favorite tasty serving tips! These fun ideas will add flavor, texture, and a little flair to your dish, making it even more enjoyable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these suggestions will help you create a meal that’s sure to impress:

Serve with Savory Stir Fry Veggies: Add a side of vegetables with peanut sauce, sizzling Szechuan string beans, or air-fryer broccoli florets for extra fiber power and delicious flavor.
Top with Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or cashews over the finished dish. They provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
Accompany with Fresh Vegetables: Serve your warm fried rice alongside a crisp vegetable for a refreshing contrast. A mix of salad greens, a tangy cucumber salad, or some mixed pickled vegetables pairs perfectly with the warm rice.
Drizzle with Hot Sauce: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. It brings an extra layer of flavor that many find irresistible! Even crushed red or cayenne pepper would do the trick.
Offer A Different Sauce on the Side: Provide a small dish of homemade eel sauce, vegan oyster sauce, peanut sauce, or extra coconut aminos for those who like a little extra seasoning.

Two bowls of vegan vegetable fried rice next to a bowl of sliced scallions.

FAQs

I don’t like tofu. Can I still make this veggie fried rice recipe?

You sure can! Instead of tofu, consider adding in crispy marinated tempeh, vegan chicken, or just tons more veggies. How about adding a bit of scrambled vegan egg? It’s totally up to you!

How do I store leftover vegan vegetable fried rice?

Add any cooled remaining rice to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze any leftover tofu fried rice in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight and then sauté in a pan over medium-high heat until desired temperature. You could also microwave the rice for a minute or so.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This easy vegan fried rice recipe is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. All of the other ingredients are free of gluten.

Is fried rice vegan?

Conventional fried rice is usually not vegan. Even the vegetable fried rice will probably contain eggs and a sauce that includes animal products. Many include meat, even if it’s not in the title of the recipe or menu item. If you’re dining out, make sure to double check.

A bowl of vegan chinese vegetable fried rice, topped with scallions and snow peas.

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