Vegan Red Curry Fried Rice is a quick and yummy dinner option that works great with fresh or leftover rice. This recipe is customizable and full of flavor.
14 oz / 397 grams extra firm or medium firm tofupressed and water drained for 20 minutes
½cupof coconut milk
1tablespoonsoy sauce
2tablespoonsred curry pastehomemade or store-bought
1tablespoonpeanut butter
1tablespoonraw sugarOR sweetener of choice
2teaspoonstamarind pasteoptional
2teaspoonsSambal Olekred chili sauce (optional for extra spice)
Salt to taste
A handful of fresh basil leavesoptional
Instructions
Cut the pressed tofu into cubes.
Cover it with a wet paper towel and steam it for 1 minute.
You may choose to separately fry it before adding it to the rice.
Heat oil in a wide bottom pan or a wok.
Add in the veggies.
Note that the order in which you have to cook the veggies matter.
First goes the carrots for a minute, then goes beans for a minute.
Followed by zucchini and broccoli.
Cover and cook for a minute.
Now add in the red curry paste, tamarind paste, sugar, soy sauce peanut butter.
Give it a good stir.
Pour in the coconut milk, cover, and cook for a minute.
Add in cabbage and stir well.
Cook for 30 seconds.
Now add in the rice and stir to cook.
Add in the steamed tofu cube and torn basil.
Stir well, cover and cook for a minute.
Serve hot with a side of chili sauce.
Notes
Homemade vegan Thai red curry pasterecipe here.The spice level of this recipe is 4 on 5. 5 being hot.Adjust the curry paste to your taste.You may add 2 teaspoon minced ginger and garlic if desired.Quicken the process of making fried rice by pressing the tofu and cutting veggies a day in advance.
Important tips to make great tasting fried rice -
A day-old cooked and cold rice from the refrigerator works best for making fried rice.Fresh rice tends to be mushy if you try to fry it.If fried rice is unplanned, cool the freshly cooked rice in a large tray or cooking sheet for at least 2 hoursBefore proceeding with the recipe for great results.Press tofu by placing it on a colander and topping it with a heavy object like 4-5 bowls for 20 minutes.Drain as much water as you can for good tasting tofu.
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.At least use 2 veggies to keep it interesting. Choose from fresh vegetables like radish, carrots, onions, green beans, assorted color bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms, bean sprout, cabbage.Frozen veggies like carrots and peas work well.Canned vegetables like water chestnut, baby corn, and bamboo shoots are great in fried rice.Possible protein options –Firm tofu or extra firm tofu is preferred. Do not use silken tofu.Swap firm tofu with paneer or even chickpea.Which rice is best for fried rice?Basmati or Jasmine rice is my choice to make fried rice. Brown rice, sona masoori works well too.For a healthier option, cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice works well too.Do not use arborio, sushi, or sticky rice.