Vegan Vegetable Thai Fried Rice

Fried rice is a staple food in our household! It is not only quick and simple to make, and the variations are endless. This vegetable Thai fried rice is our current favorite, although we also love making Manchurian fried rice and gochujang fried rice!

🍚The best rice for frying

Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent your fried rice from turning mushy and clumpy:

• Use medium or long grain rice - Basmati, brown rice, and Jasmine rice are some varieties that are perfect for frying as they fluff up perfectly without turning mushy.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking - This helps remove excess starch on the rice that causes it to clump together more. I usually rinse my rice at least 3 times or until the water is no longer cloudy.
• Cooking rice -I suggest following the cooking instructions on the package when preparing rice, as the water ratio and cooking time can vary depending on the type of rice. If the rice turns out overly soft, it's likely that too much water was added. Make a note of this and use less water next time.
• Drying them - Typically, fried rice recipes suggest using day-old rice, but freshly cooked rice is also a suitable option! The key is to spread it out on a large plate immediately after cooking and pop them into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to dry them out.
• Breaking them up - If using refrigerated rice, remember to break clumps of rice using your hands before adding it to the pan.

🌽What you will need

📃Ingredients notes and substitutions 

• Rice - I am using brown rice, but you could use Jasmine rice for a more authentic version. 
  • I highly recommend using rice that has been refrigerated overnight. 
  • If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out into a large plate and let it cool to room temperature before using. Check out the section above, ‘The best rice for frying’ for more detailed information. 
• Oyster sauce - Use vegetarians ones to keep this dish vegan. If you do not have it on hand, feel free to use more soy sauce in place.
  • I am using Lee Kum Kee ones. Although it is labeled as '' stir-fry sauce,'' it is essentially vegetarian oyster sauce and contains mushroom extracts.
  • Feel free to substitute it with more soy sauce, but you might need less of it.
• Chilies - I am using bird's eye chili that has been deseeded to reduce the spice level. However, if you want it to be super spicy, leave the seed on! 

🔪How to make 

Here is a quick rundown on the steps involved in making vegan Thai fried rice. The full detailed recipe will be in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

Heat a non-stick wok/pan. Start by frying garlic and chili until fragrant. Next, add carrot in and cook until it has softened slightly. 

Stir in corn and peas and cook for a couple of minutes before adding rice. Fry until all ingredients are hot. 

Turn off the heat, and stir in green onion and sauce. Give your vegetable Thai fried rice a taste, adding salt to taste, if needed. Serve and enjoy while warm! 

✔Helpful tips 

• Prep ingredients ahead of time, and keep them near you while cooking. Frying rice is a relatively quick process and requires constant attention. 
• I highly recommend using a non-stick wok to make this recipe. Alternatively, use a non-stick pan that is large enough to ensure that all ingredients cook properly. 
• Go light on the liquid seasoning to avoid mushy fried rice. If you find this dish too bland for your liking, I recommend seasoning with salt instead of more soy sauce/oyster sauce. 

🥕Substitutions and add-ins 

Rice - As mentioned above, you can use any kind of cooked short or long-grain rice to make this vegetable Thai fried rice. You could also substitute some of it with cauliflower or broccoli rice for a lower-carb version. 

Veggies - Feel free to substitute any veg used in this recipe with whatever you want! Some that work great in fried rice include French beans, bell peppers, or even frozen veggie mix. 

Spice-free - Simply omit the bird's eye chilies. 

Add a source of protein - To make this more filling, try adding some plant-based proteins like baked or pan-fried tofu, seitan chunks, or your favorite veggie mince. You could even scramble in some eggs if not vegan. 

Toppings - Top with toasted nuts like cashew and peanuts, chili flakes, or more chopped green onion. 

🍛How to serve 

Although this vegan Thai fried rice is pretty filling and hearty, it also pairs well with other dishes! Here are some ideas:

• Asian main dishes - Tofu sisig, Hunan tofu, or Pad Pak Thai 
• Curries - You can serve it with curries like this Chinese vegetable curry or vegan Madras curry. 
• Appetizers - Vegan lumpia, tofu egg rolls, and wakame seaweed salad are some of my personal favorites! 
• Drinks - You could serve it with Thai iced tea or herbal teas like this lemon barley water. 

❔Commonly asked questions 

🍽More vegan fried rice

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