Are you craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s both plant-based and incredibly easy to whip up? Look no further than the best vegan fried rice, a recipe designed to bring vibrant taste and nourishment to your table with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, leftover-friendly lunches, or simply when you need a comforting and delicious meal that’s good for you and the planet.
Key Ingredients for The Best Vegan Fried Rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed (optional, for added protein)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice, chilled (day-old rice is best!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
How to Make The Best Vegan Fried Rice
This best vegan fried rice is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special. In under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s bursting with savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy notes, all while being incredibly versatile. The secret lies in perfectly cooked, separated rice and a quick, flavorful sauce that coats every grain. Get ready for a satisfying meal that’s both wallet-friendly and immensely flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu (If Using): If you’re adding tofu, ensure it’s pressed to remove excess water. Cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (along with the sesame oil, if you didn’t use it for the tofu) to the same skillet or wok. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. The kitchen should start smelling wonderfully aromatic at this point!
- Incorporate the Frozen Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots mix and frozen corn to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.
- Introduce the Rice: Add the chilled, cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir to combine everything evenly. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to get the rice heated through and slightly toasted, which adds a wonderful texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Whisk and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), vegan oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sriracha (or chili garlic sauce). Pour this sauce mixture over the rice and vegetables in the skillet. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly.
- Combine and Finish: If you’re using tofu, add the cooked tofu back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – you might want a little more soy sauce for saltiness or sriracha for heat.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of your delicious homemade vegan fried rice!
Why You’ll Love This The Best Vegan Fried Rice
This best vegan fried rice is an absolute game-changer for plant-based eating. Its star feature is undoubtedly the incredible depth of flavor achieved with simple, accessible ingredients, creating a satisfying and savory experience that rivals any takeout version. Plus, making this at home is a fantastic cost-saver, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome and delicious meal without breaking the bank, especially when using day-old rice, which is often a byproduct of other meals. The flavorful toppings like fresh cilantro, a hint of sriracha, and optional sesame seeds elevate each bite, making it a truly special dish that’s as good for your wallet as it is for your taste buds.
Forget those bland, mushy vegan dishes; this fried rice boasts a perfect texture and a symphony of savory and slightly sweet notes that will have you coming back for more. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional fried rice, proving that you don’t need animal products to achieve incredible flavor and satisfaction. So, why not ditch the delivery apps and give this easy, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious best vegan fried rice a try tonight? You won’t regret it– prepare to be amazed by how simple and rewarding plant-based cooking can be!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Once your delicious best vegan fried rice has cooled down, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a perfect candidate for meal prep, ensuring you have healthy and tasty lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week.
To reheat, you have a few great options:
- Stovetop (Recommended): For the best texture, reheat the fried rice in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water or a teaspoon of oil to help prevent sticking and to rehydrate the rice. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly heated. Be aware that microwave reheating can sometimes result in a slightly softer texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your vegan fried rice. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using the stovetop or microwave method, or reheat directly in the microwave on a lower power setting, stirring more frequently until heated through.
Final Thoughts
The best vegan fried rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly adaptable dish that proves plant-based cooking can be both simple and spectacular. Give this recipe a go for a satisfying meal that’s kind to your wallet and your body – happy cooking!
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The Best Vegan Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Tofu (If Using): If you’re adding tofu, ensure it’s pressed to remove excess water. Cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 cup firm or extra-firm tofu
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (along with the sesame oil, if you didn’t use it for the tofu) to the same skillet or wok. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent.1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 large yellow onion
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. The kitchen should start smelling wonderfully aromatic at this point!3 cloves garlic, 1 inch fresh ginger
- Incorporate the Frozen Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots mix and frozen corn to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, 1 cup frozen corn
- Introduce the Rice: Add the chilled, cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir to combine everything evenly. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to get the rice heated through and slightly toasted, which adds a wonderful texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- Whisk and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), vegan oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sriracha (or chili garlic sauce). Pour this sauce mixture over the rice and vegetables in the skillet. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly.2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha
- Combine and Finish: If you’re using tofu, add the cooked tofu back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – you might want a little more soy sauce for saltiness or sriracha for heat.1 cup firm or extra-firm tofu, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of your delicious homemade vegan fried rice!fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, scallions