Bela If you’re looking for a fast, plant-based dinner, this vegan fried rice is perfect. It’s ready in just 20 minutes. You’ll have a tasty, vegetable-filled dish ready for weeknight meals.
This recipe uses leftover rice and fridge leftovers. It makes 4 large portions or 8-9 servings as a side. You can even freeze it for later, making it a great option to keep on hand.
Why This 20-Minute Vegan Fried Rice Will Become Your Go-To Meal
This 20-minute vegan fried rice recipe is a quick, easy, and versatile meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal-prepping. It’s sure to become your favorite plant-based dish.
This vegan fried rice is simple and can be customized. With basic ingredients and a few cooking tricks, you can make a flavorful dish. You can add your favorite veggies, proteins, and seasonings to make it your own.
One great thing about this recipe is turning leftover rice into a tasty dish. Using day-old rice gives it the right texture. It’s also a smart way to use up any rice you have.
This 20-minute vegan fried rice is great for dinner or lunch. It’s quick, easy to clean up, and tastes amazing. It’s set to become your go-to meal.
“This vegan fried rice is an absolute lifesaver on busy nights. It’s so quick and easy to make, but the flavors are out of this world. I can’t get enough of it!”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Fried Rice
To make perfect vegan fried rice, you need the right ingredients. From rice to vegetables and seasonings, each part is key. Let’s look at what makes this 20-minute vegan fried rice a favorite.
Day-Old Rice Options
The base of fried rice is the rice. Choose day-old cooked white or brown rice for the best texture. Day-old rice is drier and firmer, making it perfect for frying without becoming mushy.
Best Vegetables to Use
Fried rice is a great way to use different vegetables. Frozen peas, carrots, corn, and green beans are great for their color and ease. For fresh, try diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers for flavor and texture.
Sauce and Seasoning Components
The secret to great vegan fried rice is in the sauces and seasonings. Soy sauce or tamari gives a savory taste, while toasted sesame oil adds a nutty smell. A bit of sweetener like agave or maple syrup balances the flavors. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Choosing the right vegan fried rice ingredients, plant-based seasonings, and best rice for fried rice will lead to a delicious vegan fried rice. It will soon become your favorite dish.
Key Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Style Texture
Creating an authentic vegan fried rice with a crispy texture is all about the right techniques. Start with day-old or chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, leading to a less crispy fried rice.
The dryness of the rice is more important than its age. So, use rice that’s been in the fridge for a day or two. This ensures the rice is dry enough for a crispy texture.
Cooking the rice over high heat is another key step. This method helps achieve crispy edges and caramelized bits, just like in restaurant-style fried rice. Use a large skillet or wok to cook the rice in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and crisping.
Let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute or two. Resist the urge to stir constantly. This helps the grains develop the desired crispy fried rice texture.
The type of oil you use also matters. Choose a neutral, high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed oil. This helps the rice crisp up without adding unwanted flavors. Also, avoid adding too much sauce or liquid ingredients. Excess moisture can ruin the crispy fried rice texture.
By using these simple fried rice techniques, you can make delicious authentic vegan fried rice at home. Impress your family and friends with your crispy fried rice skills!
Step-by-Step Vegan Fried Rice Recipe
Making tasty vegan fried rice is simple! You can make a delicious plant-based dish in just 20 minutes. Follow these easy steps to make your favorite vegan fried rice.
Preparing the Vegetables
Begin by chopping your veggies. Use frozen peas and carrots for ease, and add other favorites like broccoli or zucchini. Make sure they’re finely chopped so they cook well.
Cooking the Rice
For the best vegan fried rice, use cold, day-old rice. It’s firmer and won’t stick together. If you have fresh rice, chill it for 30 minutes to an hour before using.
Adding Seasonings and Final Touches
Whisk together soy sauce, agave, sesame oil, and spices in a bowl. Add garlic powder, ginger, and white pepper for flavor. Heat a skillet or wok with vegan butter or oil. Sauté the veggies until tender, then add the rice and sauce. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until crispy and flavorful. Finish with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
That’s it! Now you can enjoy a tasty vegan fried rice dish at home. Serve it with your favorite protein or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Customization Options and Veggie Variations
This 20-minute vegan fried rice recipe is super versatile. You can boost the protein, add more veggies, or change the flavors. There are endless ways to make it your own.
For a protein-rich meal, add tofu scramble or “Just Egg” to your fried rice. The eggy taste goes well with the other ingredients. Try different veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, or kale. Frozen mixes can save you time too.
Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha. For a sweet twist, mix in hoisin or sweet chili sauce. The options are endless for customizing your vegan fried rice.
Personalizing your fried rice is all about having fun and being creative. With a bit of experimentation, you can create your own tasty plant-based dish. Enjoy!
How to Make Tofu Scramble for Your Fried Rice
Looking to add protein to your vegan fried rice? A simple tofu scramble is the answer. This tofu scramble for fried rice has a great “egg-like” texture and is very nutritious. Tofu is a top vegan egg substitute, full of plant-based protein for a fulfilling meal.
Seasoning Your Tofu
For a tasty tofu scramble, focus on the seasoning. Crumble firm or extra-firm tofu in a pan with olive oil. Add nutritional yeast, salt, and turmeric. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor, and turmeric makes it golden, like scrambled eggs.
Proper Cooking Technique
To get a crispy texture, cook the tofu scramble over medium heat. Stir it now and then until it browns. This makes the edges crispy and the inside soft, just like vegan egg substitute.
When the tofu scramble is done, mix it into your fried rice. It adds more plant-based protein to your meal. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast dish or add it to your vegan fried rice.
“The tofu scramble adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the fried rice, making it a complete and satisfying plant-based meal.”
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep Strategies
As a busy home cook, I know how valuable time-saving tips and meal prep strategies are. They help make a delicious vegan fried rice dish quickly. By planning ahead and using simple tricks, you can enjoy this healthy meal any night without stress.
One big time-saver is cooking extra rice earlier in the week. Day-old or frozen rice means you don’t have to wait for it to cool. Another tip is using frozen veggies like broccoli, carrots, and peas. They’re as nutritious as fresh and save you from chopping. Prepping the sauce mixture in advance also makes a big difference, as does using pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix.
For meal prep, I cook the fried rice in larger batches for leftovers. This way, I can quickly reheat and serve it all week. I store the rice, veggies, tofu, and sauce separately until I’m ready to mix everything together.
With a bit of planning, this meal prep vegan fried rice becomes your go-to for quick vegan dinner ideas and efficient cooking tips all week. Your future self will really appreciate these simple time-saving tips.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying homemade vegan fried rice is a delightful experience. But what about leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got easy storage and reheating tips. These will keep your plant-based meals fresh and flavorful.
Your leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, there are a few reheating options:
- On the stovetop: Heat the rice in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through and the rice regains its texture.
- In the microwave: Transfer the rice to a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon or two of water and cover. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
For the best results, reheat your vegan fried rice in a skillet on the stovetop. This method re-crisps the rice and gives it a restaurant-quality texture. Just add a little moisture if it seems dry.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy your vegan fried rice for days. This minimizes food waste and makes your homemade meals more convenient.
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information
Enjoy the tasty flavors of our vegan fried rice without losing out on health. This dish is not only yummy but also full of nutrients. It’s great for nourishing your body.
Protein Content
Our vegan fried rice, with tofu, has 60g of protein. That’s 107% of what you need daily. It’s perfect for anyone wanting more protein, whether you’re active or just want a balanced diet.
Complete Nutritional Breakdown
In one serving (1.5 cups) of our vegan fried rice, you get 1574 calories. It’s 50% carbs, 35% fats, and 15% protein. This makes it a filling and satisfying meal.
It’s also high in dietary fiber, with 27g. That’s 95% of what you should eat daily. Plus, it’s full of vitamins and minerals like iron, copper, magnesium, and manganese.
If you’re vegan or just want a healthier fried rice, our recipe is perfect. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that will keep you full and energized.
Serving Suggestions and Complementary Dishes
My easy vegan fried rice is super versatile. It’s great as a main dish or a tasty side. I pair it with baked or pan-fried tofu, or vegan chicken cutlets for a fuller meal. It’s also good with steamed veggies or a light salad to balance the taste.
For a full Asian-inspired meal, try adding other vegan dishes. Orange cauliflower, vegetable stir-fries, or air-fried dumplings or egg rolls are all great choices. These dishes take just 5 to 20 minutes to make, making your meal quick and easy.
To make the dish look and taste better, I add green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This simple step makes the dish look and taste amazing. With so many vegan dinner ideas and plant-based pairings, you can make delicious Asian-inspired meals for everyone to love.
