This Vegan Fried Rice is better than take out and ready in 20 minutes! A great way to use up leftover rice and the perfect weeknight dinner when you barely have time to cook. No eggs!

bowl of fried rice with chopsticks, white background

Vegan Fried Rice is hearty enough to serve as the main dish, but can also be served on the side of Orange Tofu, Kung Pao Tofu or General Tso’s Tofu.

Or make it go further by adding more vegetables, some Marinated Tofu or Vegan Chicken!

What I love about fried rice is how versatile and quick it is to make. Make extra rice one night so you are ready to make this easy dish the next!

Ingredients for fried rice

  • Olive oil – Or you could use vegan butter, for sautéing. May use water if needed, for oil-free.
  • Tofu – You will need one block of firm or extra-firm tofu. This is for making the tofu scrambled “eggs”.
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Salt
  • Turmeric
  • Diced onion AND green onions – May omit the chopped onion if you want, but I like the added flavor.
  • Diced carrots – Or use a frozen pea and carrot mix.
  • Frozen peas
  • Cooked and chilled rice – White or brown are both fine to use, but I prefer white for a more traditional taste.
  • Low sodium soy sauce – If using regular soy sauce, use a bit less, to taste. For gluten free, use tamari instead.
  • Toasted sesame oil – This takes the fried rice to the next level! You only need a teaspoon for big flavor.

ingredients for making vegan fried rice

Overview of how to make fried rice

  1. Make your tofu scrambled “eggs”. In a large pan, crumble in the tofu and cook for a few minutes until most of the water is gone. Then add the nutritional yeast, salt and turmeric and stir constantly, cooking for a few minutes. Transfer to a pan and set aside.
  2. Back to the pan, add the onion, garlic, carrots and peas and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
  3. Now add the cooked and chilled rice, green onions and soy sauce. Fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Stir in the tofu scramble. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil, and add more soy sauce to taste. That’s it!

collage of vegan fried rice, how to make it

Frequently asked questions

  • What can I use instead of tofu? Another great option is to use a bottle of Just Egg! All you need to do is cook them in the pan as you would scrambled eggs, then set aside on a plate and continue with the recipe, stirring them back in at the end.
  • Should I use white or brown rice? I prefer white, but brown works just as well!
  • Does my rice need to be chilled first? The recipe will work better with chilled rice, but if you must use warm rice, it’s okay. Make sure it’s not really soggy, rice on the drier side will be better here.
  • How can I make sure it’s gluten free? Use gluten free tamari for a totally gluten free dish.
  • Can I add more vegetables? Yes, use what you have! Chopped broccoli, cauliflower, sliced zucchini, bell peppers, chopped kale or spinach are all good choices. Cook them along with the peas and carrots until softened.

pan full of fried rice

How to store leftovers + freezing

Leftover fried rice will keep for 3-4 days. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator, then re-warm either on the stovetop in a pot, or in the microwave.

It can also be frozen in a freezer friendly container. Let it thaw overnight if possible before reheating and serving.

How many people will it serve?

This recipe makes 4 large servings, but if you are having it on the side of another dish it will likely serve around 8-9 people.

close up of a bowl of rice with chopsticks

Want more super quick weeknight meals?

square image of a bowl of rice with veggies in it and chopsticks
5 stars (18 ratings)

Vegan Fried Rice

This Vegan Fried Rice is better than take out and ready in 20 minutes! A great way to use up leftover rice and the perfect weeknight dinner when you barely have time to cook. No eggs!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 
 

Tofu scrambled eggs

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu (14-16 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Fried rice

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced small
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas
  • 4 cups cooked and chilled rice (white or brown are both fine)
  • 2-3 green onions, sliced
  • 3-4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions 

Make the tofu scrambled eggs

  • Drain the block of tofu (no need to press it). In a large pan, heat the olive oil, then mash the block of tofu right in the pan or crumble it in using your fingers. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until most of the water is gone.
  • Add the nutritional yeast, salt and turmeric and stir constantly for 3-4 more minutes, then transfer the scrambled tofu to a plate and set aside while you make the rice.

Make the fried rice

  • To the pan, add an additional 2 tablespoons olive oil and warm over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots and peas for about 5 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables have softened.
  • Now add the cooked and chilled rice, green onions and soy sauce. Fry, stirring often, for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tofu scramble.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Add more soy sauce to taste, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. To make the recipe even easier, purchase frozen pea and carrot mix.
  2. Instead of tofu scramble, use a bottle of Just Egg instead! Scramble as you would eggs, then continue with the recipe.
  3. Add veggies: Feel free to add more veggies, such as chopped broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, kale or spinach. Cook them along with the peas and carrots, until softened.
  4. Extra protein: Serve with Marinated Tofu or Vegan Chicken (sliced or chopped). 
  5. Add soy sauce to taste; if you are using regular soy sauce you may want to add less so it doesn't end up too salty. You can also have some at the table, so people can choose to add more if they want.
  6. Fried rice will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 days, and can be frozen.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 4 servings | Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 6222IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 3mg
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Author: Nora Taylor
Did you make this recipe?Mention @nora_cooks_vegan_ or tag #noracooks!

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Comments

  1. Hello Nory!!
    Cheers for the recipe, we really had a good one Nory (this is your new nickname, i hope you like it because you have no say in the matter).
    First of all, we had just eaten a bunch of sushi so were not feeling too hungry (shuk is a brilliant chef). sorry about that Nory, Shuk is a tad egocentric.

    Anyways, moving on, we started by making the rice, where we ran into a few issues, as Shuk’s grandma would not allow us to cook any rice! i’m sure you can see the problem here, as we were trying to make vegan fried RICE. However, we managed to cook our own rice by utilising the microwave.
    So, in the end we ended up with THREE whole sets of rice which we will now list: the rice that had already been cooked on the table, the rice that we cooked that took ages, and the rice that Shuk’s grandma cooked. So lots of rice!! We made the amazing and bodacious decision to combine two of your recipes together, as we also made the teriyaki tofu – what a treat, two Nory recipes in one!! Ed improvised on the tofu and stuck some stuff together – bakers ho i guess. But in some strange twist of fate the tofu actually turned out to be bodicular – Ed worked their magic fr.
    so like anyways, mia was telling me how nice and wet it was (she loves it moist). it really was sick though, literally the best tofu we’ve eaten, and we’ve both eaten A LOt of tofu. Thanks so much, you’re literally our go to cook fr 🙏🙏.
    Anyways moving on from whether it was wet or not, we also wanted something sweet so we made another epic decision to make your chocolate pie recipe, another banger i have to say. But we will post another review for that in due time (rating pending) – hope you’re as excited as we are Nory!!

    We must apologise profusely for it being such a long time since the last review – im sure you’ve missed Shuk&Ed a lot. We were a bit busy with things and this review got put on the back burner a bit lolz. We still never forgot you the whole time though Nory!!

    Lastly, we would just like to say we love you Nory and we hope you love us too !!

    Have a good one won’t ya Noru!

    1. HI NORA (nory),

      we are looking forward to your reply (Ed is pacing back and forth eagerly awaiting)
      we have have been waiting for a week straight and have not slept in days because we kept on thinking you might reply.

      we love the food by the way (and you)
      shuk & Ed (again)
      p.s please reply

      1. Oh hello Shuk and Ed! Many apologies that I haven’t responded! I SO adore your comments and cooking adventures. Thank you for loving my recipes and having so much fun cooking and baking! Please keep the reviews coming! Sounds like the fried rice turned out well in the end, and that chocolate pie is incredible isn’t it!? It’s a favorite around my house. Thanks again (hopefully now you can get some sleep)! 😉

    1. Hi Karin. Thank you for you great feedback and review! I appreciate you using my recipes, and am glad you love them!

  2. This is such an easy delicious meal to their together during the week! Even loved by my picky preschooler. Thanks for the recipe Nora!!

    1. You are welcome! I’m glad you are all enjoying the fried rice! Thank you, Larissa, for sharing your great feedback and review!

  3. Very easy and turned out great.  It was even better after it sat for a little while.  My teen son ate ALL of it.  

  4. I followed the recipe exactly but subbed quinoa for rice. 10/10 very simple and so delicious! The tofu scramble in this is definitely the best I’ve ever tried!

    1. Thank you so much Kayla! I appreciate you taking time to share your fantastic review and comments! I’m thrilled you love the recipe! Wishing you lots of happy cooking!

  5. This fried rice recipe is great! Its delicious and by far the fastest/easiest recipe I’ve tried. My family eats this at least once a week and it pleases even our picky toddler!
    I use frozen mixed peas and carrots and add a little extra garlic and soy sauce. Top it with Sriracha! Yum!

    1. I’m so glad you guys are loving the fried rice, Meg! I’m thrilled it’s part of your weekly meal rotation! Thank you for sharing your review and comments! I appreciate you!

  6. Great dish. The Just Egg is a nice touch. The best part is that it’s so easy! We had a couple of the Trader Joe Dumplings with it as well, definitely a keeper. Your recipes are always so user-friendly, thank you, Nora!

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the fried rice! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, and for using my recipes!

  7. Delicious! My son and I both loved this.
    This will be a new staple in our home.
    Can’t wait to make it again.
    (I did use very small pieces of broccoli instead of peas.)

  8. I made this dish the other night and it was absolutely delicious! I added a side of sauteed spinach (wanted a few more greens). Nora, thank you so much for supplying such great, easy to make recipes. I appreciate you and your efforts to help with meal ideas. Onward we go!

  9. What a great recipe! So quick and versatile. An easy way to use up leftover rice with whatever is in your fridge. I added some diced seitan and used onions, carrot, and zucchini as my veg.

    1. I think it would be okay, yes. Not quite as good and the rice may stick together somewhat without any oil, but it will still taste good.

  10. This recipe tastes so much like the real thing! I have tried so many different veganized versions of fried rice over the last few years, but they all tasted more like stir fry than fried rice. My whole family love this recipe!

  11. Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce or tamari? Wheat and soy allergy here. Coconut aminos tends to be on the sweeter side, so should I adjust anything to compensate? Thanks! 

    1. I think you could, yes. I’m not super familiar with the taste of coconut aminos, but I would just add it to taste until you are satisfied. I don’t think I’d adjust anything else. Thanks!

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