Vegan Fried Rice

Listen, leftover rice is boring. It is never as fluffy and perfect the next day no matter how you reheat it. It never hurts to have a great recipe like this easy vegan Fried Rice to make your leftovers appetizing again. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make this rice as a main course or a side dish in just 30 minutes.

For more delicious vegan rice dishes, try this Instant Pot Brown Rice Risotto or Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice.

For more easy vegan Asian-inspired dishes, try this Kung Pao Tofu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable – This is such a versatile recipe. You can add any protein you want as well as change up the veggies to make it your own. 
• Main dish or side – This fried rice is hearty enough to be a main dish, but also goes well as a side dish (like when paired with my Crispy Sesame Tofu).
• Quick & easy – Just 30 minutes and very minimal effort. It’s perfect for a last-minute weeknight dinner.
• Stretch your leftovers – This recipe is such a great way to make sure you don’t let those boring day-old rice leftovers go to waste. 

Ingredients

• Leftover white rice – Honestly, this recipe works with whatever leftover rice you have. If you want to make this rice fresh, try a long grain rice variety like jasmine rice or basmati, though this is not the traditional choice for this dish.
• Carrots & celery – Diced finely, carrots add some nice color to this dish and the celery adds a nice crunch. You can use any fresh vegetables you want. This dish also goes great with bell pepper, peas, green onions, 
• Onions – The onions will get somewhat caramelized during the sautéing in this recipe, adding a nice sweet flavor to balance to acidity of the soy sauce.
• Toasted sesame oil – This is so important for flavor! You can swap for a high heat vegetable oil, but the flavor will not be the same. 
• Soy sauce – Can’t go without this classic for Asian-inspired dishes. Use regular soy sauce, swap for light soy sauce for less sodium, or swap for coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. 
• Salt & black pepper – Use this to taste. If you are using a regular sodium soy sauce, you may not need any salt. This is personal taste preference. 
• Optional garnish: Crushed red pepper flakes, spring onions, or white sesame seeds.

Helpful Equipment

​In addition to measuring cups and spoons, the following equipment is helpful for this recipe:

• Large pan or wok
• Spatula
• Chef’s knife

How to Make Vegan Fried Rice

​This is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make this recipe including photographs. For the quick version, skip ahead to the recipe card below!

If you are not starting with leftover rice, your first step should be cooking your rice.

Rice Cooking Methods

Instant Pot

Use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio and set the Instant Pot to 4 minutes of pressure cooking (for white rice). Different rice varieties will have different cooking times or water ratios. Check your Instant Pot manual to make sure you are choosing the correct settings.

This usually takes a total of about 14 minutes – 10 to come to pressure and then 4 minutes at pressure.

Rice cooker

Use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio.

This typically takes about 20-30 minutes but machines will vary.

Stove

2:1 water-to-rice ratio.

Bring water to a boil then add in the rice. Lower to a simmer and cook covered for 15-25 minutes.

Prep the Veggies

Next, wash and dice your veggies and add them to a large sauté pan or wok. Add the sesame oil and soy sauce and stir until the veggies are evenly covered. Sauté on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the veggies from sticking to the pan during the cooking process. 

Add in the Rice

After about 15 minutes, the veggies should be fork-tender. Add in the cooked rice and stir to combine. Then, allow the mixture to sit and cook undisturbed for a few minutes so the rice gets crispy on the bottom.

That’s it! Top with your favorite garnishes, serve and enjoy!

Variations

• Add eggs or “eggs” – To make this recipe vegan, I simply removed the traditional egg. If you are not vegan, feel free to add a scrambled egg or two while sauteing the veggies. If you are vegan but still want the egg vibe, try a vegan egg replacer like JUST Egg. 
• Use frozen veggies – Make this recipe quicker by using frozen veggies. Cook them per package instructions before adding to the pan to sauté. 

How to Store Vegan Fried Rice

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

More Tips

• Not Vegan? Add an egg to the pan with the veggies and cook fully before adding the rice.
• Gluten Free? Opt for tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
• Want more protein? Serve this with my Crispy Sesame Tofu or your protein of choice – chicken, shrimp, etc.

FAQ