Delicious Vegan Fried Rice
Experience the perfect blend of crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce in this easy-to-make stir-fry. A delightful dish that promises both texture and taste, perfect for a hearty dinner or a special lunch.
YIELDS 1 Serving
Quarter (0.25 Servings)Half (0.5 Servings)Default (1 Serving)Double (2 Servings)Triple (3 Servings)
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PREP TIME 15 mins
COOK TIME 1 hr
TOTAL TIME 1 hr 15 mins
For the Rice & Vegetables:
 1 cup extra-firm tofu (approximately 8 ounces)
 1 cup brown rice (long or short grain, rinsed well)
 4 garlic cloves, minced
 1 cup green onions, chopped
 ½ cup peas
 ½ cup carrots, finely diced
For the Sauce:
 3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce (adjust to taste)
 1 tbsp peanut butter
 23 tbsp organic brown sugar, muscovado sugar, or maple syrup
 1 garlic clove, minced
 12 tsp tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional; can substitute with peanut or avocado oil)
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light non-stick spray.
2
Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top, like a cast iron skillet, to extract excess moisture.
3
Once the oven is ready, cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 26-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the texture is firm. For a softer texture, bake for 26-28 minutes. For crispier tofu, bake the full 30 minutes.
4
As the tofu bakes, cook your rice. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil, add the rinsed rice, and let it boil uncovered for 30 minutes. Strain the rice and let it steam in a covered pot off the heat for 10 minutes.
5
Prepare the sauce by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the flavor as needed. Once the tofu is baked, marinate it in the sauce for 5 minutes.
6
In a hot skillet, add the marinated tofu using a slotted spoon, leaving most of the sauce in the bowl. Cook until the tofu is deep golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
7
In the same skillet, sauté garlic, green onions, peas, and carrots for 3-4 minutes. Season with tamari or soy sauce.
8
Combine the cooked rice, tofu, and the remaining sauce in the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
9
Serve hot, garnished with extra chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or crushed peanuts/cashews. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days.
Notes and Pro Tips:
- Tofu Type:Â Always opt for extra-firm tofu for stir-fries. It holds its shape better during cooking and absorbs flavors more effectively.
- Rice Rinse:Â Rinsing brown rice thoroughly before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can make your rice sticky. It also helps improve the texture of the final dish.
- Sauce Customization:Â The sauce can be easily adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter profile, add a bit more maple syrup or brown sugar. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce.
