Vegan Fried Rice – Food Faith Fitness

Enjoy a vegan-friendly version of a classic Chinese side dish that’s just as tasty as the original.

As a long-time lover of Chinese food, fried rice has always been one of my favorite dishes. I usually order it as a side dish whenever I’m in a restaurant or order takeout. Over the years, I noticed that my vegetarian and vegan friends often missed out on fried rice because it is traditionally cooked with egg and usually comes with chicken or shrimp. That’s why I was grateful to come across this recipe for vegan fried rice. I think it’s just as delicious as traditional fried rice, while also being vegan-friendly.

Needless to say, the vegan version of fried rice leans heavily into vegetables. After all, something has to replace the chicken or shrimp that’s usually found in fried rice. If you’re a fan of veggies, you’ll probably enjoy the texture and flavor from the peas and carrots. Plus, you still get the same delicious combination of garlic and ginger that you get in standard fried rice. You’ll also be able to enjoy the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil that helps give vegan fried rice the same savory taste we’ve come to expect from traditional fried rice.

Is Vegan Fried Rice Healthy?

With the inclusion of the vegetables in this recipe, vegan fried rice is full of vitamins and minerals that help to make it a healthy side dish. Brown rice is a whole grain and a good source of fiber. While soy sauce is high in sodium, it is easy to substitute for tamari or a low-sodium variety. I also recommend trying different veggies, like broccoli, zucchini and spinach. They’re a great addition (or substitute for peas and carrots, if you prefer).

Pack On The Protein

If vegan fried rice feels like it’s missing something protein-rich without chicken or shrimp, consider tofu as an option. Tofu is vegan-friendly and adds taste, texture, and a source of protein to the dish. My suggestion would be to sauté the tofu and add it at the same time you add the cooked rice to the vegetables.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 3 cups cooked brown rice, preferably chilled
• 2-3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

FAQs & Tips

Serving Suggestions

If you choose not to include tofu in the vegan fried rice itself, a tofu-based dish as the main course is a great way to complement vegan fried rice. If you want to replicate a Chinese meal as much as possible, I suggest either General Tso’s Tofu or Broccoli Tofu Stir-Fry. You can also keep things simple with Crispy and Healthy Baked Tofu or Tasty Tofu Tacos.