Vegan Stir Fry Rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and a savory sauce that will have you coming back for more. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and can be on the table in under 30 minutes!
A colorful spread of fresh vegetables, tofu, and spices laid out on a table, ready for making vegan stir fry rice.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Stir Fry Rice Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory sauce and fresh veggies is simply irresistible.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables, protein, and fiber, it’s a well-balanced meal.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe utilizes pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Cubed tofu being pan-fried in a skillet until golden brown for a vegan stir fry recipe.
How to Make Vegan Stir Fry Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps it crisp up nicely in the stir fry. Cut the tofu into small cubes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add Aromatics: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the Rice and Tofu: Add the cooked rice and tofu to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
A delicious plate of vegan stir fry rice topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Vegan Stir Fry Rice
- Press the Tofu: For the best texture, press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This will help it crisp up beautifully when cooked.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables just until they are crisp-tender. You want them to retain their color and crunch.
- Use High Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat will help to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, and snap peas would all be delicious additions.
- Add a Kick: If you like your stir-fry spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
“A good stir-fry is all about balancing flavors and textures,” says Chef Anya Sharma, renowned vegan chef and author. “The crispy tofu, tender vegetables, and savory sauce in this recipe create a symphony of flavors in every bite.”
Vegan Stir Fry Rice: FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great, healthier alternative to white rice and will work perfectly in this recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook than white rice.
What can I use instead of tofu?
If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute it with other plant-based protein sources such as tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Be sure to double-check that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftover vegan stir fry rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I freeze vegan stir-fry rice?
While it’s possible to freeze stir-fry rice, it’s not generally recommended. The rice tends to become mushy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
This easy vegan stir fry rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that you can feel good about eating. It’s packed with nutrients, bursting with flavor, and comes together in minutes. This is sure to become a new favorite in your weekly meal rotation. If you’re looking for more quick and healthy vegan meals, be sure to check out our recipes for 5 ingredient vegan recipes, low carb vegan dinner, and quick vegan meal ideas.
