This easy vegetable tofu fried rice is faster and better than a take out. With tips to make the best vegan fried rice without eggs. Variations included. Vegan and gluten free.
3cupscooked ricei.e leftover or cold rice of choice.
2tablespoonscooking oil
2teaspoonsSesame oil
½cupchopped onions
5-6garlic mincedOR 1 tablespoon paste
2teaspoongrated ginger
1carrot cubed
1zucchini cubed
2cupsred cabbage
½cupfrozen peas
1package extra firm tofupressed & cubed
To whisk in for the Sauce mixture
3tablespoonslow sodium Soy sauceOR tamari
1tablespoonrice vinegarOR lemon juice
1tablespoonsambal olekOR any hot chili sauce of choice
2teaspoonssugar or agave
1tablespoonpeanut butteroptional
Couple twists of pepper
Salt not neededadd only after tasting the rice
¼cup roasted peanuts optional
Instructions
Start by pressing the tofu for 10 minutes as mentioned above to take out excess water if you prefer so.
Chop desired vegetables into small cubes.
Whisk up the ingredients for sauces in one bowl and have it ready to go.
Heat both oils in a pan or a wok.
Fried rice is made on high heat.
I suggest making it somewhere between medium and high heat.
I cook it at number 8.
Once warm add in onions and cook until translucent. Add in ginger garlic and saute until golden brown.
Now add in the veggies.
Tough vegetables like carrots go first. It will take around 2 minutes for it to cook.
Add in the whisked sauce mixture.
Followed by zucchini, cabbage, and peas that take a minute to cook.
Throw in the cubed tofu and give it a gentle stir to coat the tofu.
Cook it for 30 seconds.
Add in the rice and mix well. Cook covered for a minute.
Taste it with a spoon and adjust the seasoning if needed. The sauces contain enough sodium so add it towards the end after tasting.
Top it with roasted peanuts and serve hot.
Notes
Leave out peanut butter and peanuts if you are allergic or do not prefer it.If you need extra spicy fried rice you may add in more hot sauce.I like to keep it mild as my son loves this fried rice. We add in sauces later at the dinner table if needed.
Expert tips on making the best Vegan Fried Rice-
• Always use completely cooled rice preferably chilled in the fridge or a bowl of day-old rice.• Do not overcook the vegetables.• Always make fried rice or a stir fry between medium to high heat. I make it on number 8.• Use some Sesame or Peanut oil for authentic tasting Asian Fried Rice.• The Asian sauces like soy and chili sauce have enough sodium, add salt to the recipe if needed towards the end after tasting.• Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Silken tofu will turn into a mush.
Possible Substitutions that works to make fried rice -
This Fried Rice recipe is highly customizable.What vegetables to use for fried rice?
You can add any vegetables of your choice to make fried rice.
Carrots, onions, beans, bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, zucchini, peas, mushrooms, bean sprout, cabbage are my favorites.
Canned vegetables like baby corn, water chestnut, and bamboo shoots are great in fried rice.
What protein to add in fried rice instead of eggs?Firm Tofu is a great choice.You can add it cubed or scrambled.If you consume dairy then Paneer is a good option.Which rice is best for fried rice?Basmati or Jasmine rice is my choice to make this vegetable tofu fried rice.Brown rice works well too.
How to store leftover fried rice?
Leftovers make a great lunch for the next day.Just store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.