If you are craving fried rice that rivals the traditional egg fried rice at Chinese restaurants, this is a recipe for you.
Vegan fried rice is fabulously delicious and is also an excellent way to turn leftover rice – and leftover vegetables – into something special.
No more need for restaurant takeout with this recipe!
This recipe can serve 4 people as a side dish or two as a main.
Ingredients
· 3 cups cooked white rice (white basmati or sushi rice both work well)
· 1 block (14 ounces) firm or extra-firm tofu
· 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or coconut oil)
· 4 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos if you eat gluten-free)
· ½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar
· ½ tablespoon sugar
· 1/2 medium onion, diced
· ½ cup frozen or fresh peas, or corn kernels
· ½ cup frozen or fresh carrots (finely chopped)
· ½ cup frozen or fresh shelled edamame
· 2 tablespoons furikake seasoning (optional, as a topping, see FAQs)
· 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (optional, as a topping)
Method
If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, cook it according to the package’s instructions while you prep the remaining ingredients.
Let your rice cool before using it in the recipe. Otherwise, take it out of your fridge.
This recipe actually works even better with rice that has been cooked the day before!
Remove your tofu from the container and drain the excess water.
It’s very important to drain your tofu before cooking it so that it absorbs the flavors of the sauce more effectively.
You can either press your tofu between two plates with a weight on top (for 30 minutes) or use a tofu press (for 5 minutes).
Leave the tofu to drain while you continue with the recipe.
Chop the vegetables if you haven’t done so already. Now in a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, soy or tamari, and sugar.
Put the vegan butter or coconut oil in a wok and turn on the heat to high.
When the butter has melted, and the wok is hot, cook the diced onion for 2 minutes.
Add the rest of the chopped vegetables and cook for another few minutes.
Now stir in the stir fry sauce that you prepared earlier. Crumble the drained tofu into the wok (do this with your hands for best results).
Add the rice (breaking up clumps) and stir evenly to coat everything with the sauce.
Remove from heat and serve topped with the furikake seasoning, if using, or sliced green onions.
Vegan Fried Rice Recipe FAQs
Where does fried rice come from?
Fried rice first appeared in China during the Sui Dynasty, and is a dish that traditionally uses leftover ingredients.
It is common street food in Asia, sold with a selection of optional extras and side dishes.
There are many varieties of fried rice, each with its own preferred ingredients.
In addition to different versions of fried rice in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand, fried rice has made its way into Latin American cuisine.
There are variations on fried rice in Ecuador (chaulafan), Peru (arroz chaufa), Cuba (arroz frito), and Puerto Rico (arroz mamposteao).
Many American restaurants offer fried rice as a side dish for all different kinds of cuisines.
Does the rice have to be cold?
For best results, you will want to use cold rice because it will be drier and crispier.
However, if you are using freshly cooked rice, you can spread it on a baking tray with parchment paper and refrigerate it for 20 minutes. Sorted!
What can I serve with vegan fried rice?
Here are some suggestions for vegan dishes to serve alongside your fried rice:
- Any vegan stir-fry, such as sweet and sour tofu, seitan in black bean sauce, etc.
- Any vegan curry, like tofu coconut curry, mushroom and spinach curry, etc.
- Vegan ‘egg’ or spring rolls
- ·Steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli with cashews, green beans, and garlic, etc.
What is furikake seasoning?
Furikake seasoning is Japanese and is usually made with a mixture of nori flakes, toasted sesame seeds, sugar, and salt.
Sometimes furikake also contains chili flakes, poppy seeds, shiitake powder, or bonito flakes (it varies from region to region of Japan.)
If you wish to make your own furikake seasoning, you can.
What other ingredients can I add to my vegan fried rice?
You can add nuts such as peanuts, cashews, or almonds.
Try different vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, snow peas, mushrooms, red cabbage, or bok choy.
To save time, you could use a package of mixed frozen vegetables.