Vegan Fried Rice Recipe: How to Make Vegan Fried Rice

Vegan fried rice is a type of fried rice that does not contain any animal products or byproducts. This Chinese dish usually involves stir-frying leftover rice fried with aromatics, vegetables, and protein (typically meat or seafood and egg) until crispy and fluffy.

You can serve vegan fried rice, which is packed full of colorful vegetables, as a side dish with various plant-based Asian dishes or a main dish for a carbohydrate-packed meal that’s ready in just twenty minutes.

Whether you’re well versed in vegan recipes or just starting to experiment with plant-based cuisine, these tips will help you make the most delicious rice stir-fry possible:

1. 1. Use chilled rice. You can use any type of rice—including long-grain, short-grain, white, or brown rice—to make this recipe. It’s possible to make fried rice with warm, freshly-cooked rice, but chilled day-old rice is optimal because frying fresh rice may result in a mushy dish.
2. 2. Load on the veggies. You can modify this hearty dish to include just about any vegetables you have in your fridge. Simply chop the veggies into small, bite-sized pieces and cook them in vegan butter or oil before adding the rice. Broccoli is a great option because it sautés well and contains vitamin C and vitamin A. Bell pepper, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, zucchini, green beans, kale, and asparagus are all also tasty additions to this dish.
3. 3. Incorporate vegan proteins. Add in a vegan scrambled egg alternative, marinated firm tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative like seitan or tempeh for some protein. Add quinoa into the mixture, which contains protein.
4. 4. Make it gluten-free. Make a gluten-free version of the dish by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
5. 5. Incorporate spices and seasonings. Alter the flavor of this versatile dinner recipe to suit your palate by working in different spices and seasonings. Onion powder adds extra flavor. Turmeric brings depth and curry-reminiscent flavor. A drizzle of sriracha lends some heat.
6. 6. Store properly. Vegan fried rice will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer-term storage, transfer the cooked and cooled fried rice to an airtight freezer-proof container and freeze for up to six months. Thaw the frozen fried rice overnight before reheating.