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Vegan Fried Rice with Tofu

5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Yield 5 ½ cups (5 servings)
Category Main Dish
Cuisine Asian
Author Lauren Grant

Description

Easy, savory and full of plant-based protein, this fried rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Quick, easy and the perfect way to use leftover rice!

Ingredients

  • 1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon grapeseed oil divided
  • 1 ¼ cup diced carrots
  • 1 ¼ cup green peas
  • 1 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice cooled
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce gluten-free if needed
  • 1 tablespoon vegan mushroom sauce or oyster sauce *
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds to serve, optional

Instructions

  • Make sure you have 3 cups cooked brown rice. If you don’t, cook 1 cup rice according to these instructions, for brown rice, or cook according to package instructions if cooking white rice. 
  • Heat oven to 400ºF (204º C).
  • Cut tofu horizontally into 3 planks, wrap tofu in a clean absorbent kitchen towel and set something heavy on top (like a cast iron skillet), let tofu press for 15 minutes.
  • Dice tofu into ½-inch cubes; toss with 1 teaspoon grapeseed oil to coat; arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheet and season with salt. Bake tofu until golden brown and firm to touch, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat a 12-inch sauté pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil and swirl to coat; once shimmering add carrots, peas, and half of the green onions; cook until carrots are tender, about 5 minutes; season lightly with salt and black pepper. Transfer vegetables to a bowl. 
  • Add remaining tablespoon grapeseed oil to now empty sauté pan over medium heat and heat until shimmering, add garlic and ginger and cook 15 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rice, breaking up any clumps, and press into an even layer; cook, without moving, for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir rice, scraping bottom of pan as needed, reduce heat to medium, and stir fry until rice is golden brown, 4–5 minutes. 
  • Stir in tofu, cooked vegetables, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, and vinegar and fry for 2 more minutes. Off heat, stir in sesame oil and remaining scallions; season with additional soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste. 
  • Finish with sesame seeds and serve with extra chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in a sauté pan over medium heat or in the microwave.

Video

Notes

*if you, or the people you're cooking for, do not follow a strict vegan/vegetarian diet, I highly recommend using oyster sauce. If you’re vegan use mushroom sauce as listed.
If you aren’t vegan and want to bulk this up more, add an over-easy egg to each serving. 
To make this gluten-free, use tamari in place of the soy sauce. It's saltier than soy sauce so use just 2 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Serving: 11/3 cupCalories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 705mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7g
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