Minimalist Baker

Easy Vegan Fried Rice

Friends, do you know how long it’s been since I had fried rice? Far, too, long.

This recipe is my solution to that problem and you should totally get on board because it’s quick, easy and super delicious.

This fried rice requires just 10 ingredients and easy, fool-proof methods.

Including cooking the rice, the whole dish comes together in a little over an hour and feeds two generously as an entrée boasting 22 grams of protein!

Now we’re talking…

It starts with my favorite crispy, baked tofu marinated in a simple 5-ingredient sauce and sautéed to crispy perfection.

Next comes a generous helping of vegetables tossed with the remaining sauce and perfectly tender brown rice.

The result? Fried rice perfection. It’s:

Hearty
Flavorful
Satisfying
Loaded with vegetables
Topped with crispy tofu
Subtly spiced

Make this as an entrée or a side dish when a serious Chinese takeout craving strikes! I reckon it’s far healthier and more satisfying than anything you’ll find at a restaurant.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment and rate it, and don’t forget to take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! We’d love to see how what you come up with. Cheers, friends!

Easy Vegan Fried Rice
Print Friendly Version
Prep time 15 mins
Cook time 1 hour
Total time 1 hour 15 mins
Easy, 10-ingredient vegan fried rice that's loaded with vegetables, crispy baked tofu, and tons of flavor! A healthy, satisfying plant-based side dish or entrée.
Author: Minimalist Baker Recipe type: Entree, Side Cuisine: Vegan, Asian Serves: 2 as entree, 4 as side
Ingredients RICE VEGETABLES
  • 1 cup (~250 g | 8 ounces) extra firm tofu*
  • 1 cup (185 g) long or short grain brown rice*, rinsed thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer
  • 4 cloves (12 g) garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped green onion
  • 1/2 cup (72 g) peas
  • 1/2 cup (64 g) carrots, finely diced
SAUCE
  • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) tamari or soy sauce, plus more for veggies to taste
  • 1 Tbsp (16 g) peanut butter
  • 2 -3 Tbsp (27-41 g) organic brown sugar, muscovado sugar, or maple syrup
  • 1 clove (3 g) garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce (more or less depending on preferred spice)
  • optional: 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (or sub peanut or grape seed oil)

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly grease with non-stick spray).
  2. In the meantime wrap tofu in a clean, absorbent towel and set something heavy on top (such as a cast iron skillet) to press out the liquid.
  3. Once the oven is preheated, dice tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and arrange on baking sheet. Bake for 26-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a texture that’s firm to the touch. The longer it bakes, the firmer and crispier it will become, so if you’re looking for softer tofu remove from the oven around the 26-28 minute mark. I prefer crispy tofu, so I bake mine the full 30 minutes. Set aside.
  4. While the tofu bakes prepare your rice by bringing 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add rinsed rice and stir. Boil on high uncovered for 30 minutes, then strain for 10 seconds and return to pot removed from the heat. Cover with a lid and let steam for 10 minutes*.
  5. While rice and tofu are cooking, prepare sauce by adding all ingredients to a medium-size mixing bowl and whisking to combine. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more tamari or soy for saltiness, peanut butter for creaminess, brown sugar for sweetness, or chili garlic sauce for heat.
  6. Once the tofu is done baking, add directly to the sauce and marinate for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Heat a large metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, use a slotted spoon to scoop the tofu into the pan leaving most of the sauce behind. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown on all sides (see photo). Lower heat if browning too quickly. Remove from pan and set aside.
  8. To the still hot pan add garlic, green onion, peas and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, and season with 1 Tbsp (15 ml) tamari or soy sauce.
  9. Add cooked rice, tofu, and remaining sauce and stir. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  10. Serve immediately with extra chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat (optional). Crushed salted, roasted peanuts or cashews make a lovely additional garnish. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, though best when fresh. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave.

Notes *If you don't like tofu, you can sub 1 cup fresh or frozen edamame - add in with vegetables.
*For the rice, you can also substitute a comparable amount of quinoa.
*Rice cooking method from Saveur! Literally, the perfect brown rice.
Nutrition Information Serving size: 1/4 of recipe Calories: 290 Fat: 5.8 g Saturated fat: 1.1 g Carbohydrates: 49.6 g Sugar: 7.8 g Sodium: 750 mg Fiber: 4.4 g Protein: 11.7 g
3.3.3077
Loved this recipe? Check out our cookbook, 31 Meals Here!
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