Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (2024)

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With just 7 ingredients, this easy vegan Cabbage Fried Rice is a perfect weeknight meal! Mix and match with whatever veggies you have on hand for the perfect take out dish at home!

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (1)

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Somedays I think about the sheer amount of meals I am cooking and it feels so overwhelming. The last day we went to a restaurant was February 22. No take out either. 3 meals a day. Seemingly constant snack requests. Food all day, every day. It’s…..a lot. Even for a self proclaimed foodie. So I’ve been trying to think of some creative new dishes to experiment with, using up ingredients that we have on hand, to keep things interesting. Enter one of our new favorites—vegan Cabbage Fried Rice. You guys—this is so good! Like….my family requests it weekly kind of good! And the best part? It’s really easy. Like, really!

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (2)

Pantry Friendly Meal

One of the great things about this vegan cabbage fried rice is that it makes use of some very freezer and pantry friendly ingredients. I use a bag of frozen veggies. Leftover rice (more on that in a bit). Tofu (though tofu has been in short supply, once you get your hands on it, it lasts in the fridge for a long time—I make it nice and crispy in my air fryer!). And cabbage! I’m always sure to add cabbage to my CSA produce box each week, as it lasts so long in the fridge, and is great both in raw dishes, like Latin Inspired Cabbage Slaw, and in cooked dishes too. I throw it all in my wok to cook, but you can also use an extra large skillet.

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (3)

Use Cold Leftover Rice When Making Fried Rice

One of the things I learned while making my fried rice at home is that it’s really important to use leftover cold rice. You can either make a large batch and save some earlier in the week. Or make the rice an hour or so before you want to make dinner. Since I’m obviously home these days I usually just make it earlier in the afternoon. I make my long grain rice in the Instant Pot, and then spread it out on a parchment lined baking sheet and let it cool on the counter before I start cooking.

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (4)

Other Vegan Asian Take Out Inspired Meals That You Will Love

This fried rice tastes just like something you’d order for take out, but it’s so quick and simple to make at home! Here are some other take out inspired favorites:

  • Sweet Chili Tofu (with Air Fried Tofu!)
  • Teriyaki Tofu
  • Almond Butter Red Curry Noodles
  • Sweet and Sour Tofu
  • Chickpea Stir Fry with Pineapple (15 Minute Meal!)
  • Fried Tofu with Hoisin and Peanut Sauce Noodles

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (5)

Let’s Make Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice

Cabbage Fried Rice has become a major staple on our quarantine dinner rotation, and I hope it will find a spot on your list too! You’re just a few minutes away from this delicious take out inspired dinner that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family! Leave me a comment (and rating) below and let me know how you like it!

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (6)

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (7)

Print Recipe

Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice

With just 7 ingredients, this easy vegan Cabbage Fried Rice is a perfect weeknight meal! Mix and match with whatever veggies you have on hand for the perfect take out dish at home!

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: pantry meal, take out, weeknight dinner

Author: Sarah

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (I use avocado oil)
  • 1 large white onion, sliced into half moons (you can use yellow or red onion if that's what you have!)
  • 4 cups finely sliced green cabbage (about a quarter of a large head of cabbage, you can use purple as well, though the color may make your whole dish purple)
  • 2 cups dry rice, prepared according to package directions (see notes for link to cook in Instant Pot)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten free tamari if needed)
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound frozen veggie mix, cooked according to package direction (I cook in the microwave)
  • sliced green onions for garnish, optional
  • 1 block air fried tofu (see notes for link)

Instructions

  • Prepare the rice, tofu, and frozen veggies before starting to make the fried rice. It's important to have all of the ingredients ready so that you can cook quickly. Slice the cabbage and onions and set aside.

  • Heat your wok over medium high heat (you can use a very large skillet if you don't have a wok).

  • Place oil in your wok.

  • Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes to get it started.

  • Add the cabbage and cook for 3 minutes more.

  • Add the cooked rice and mix.

  • Add the soy sauce and sesame oil and mix well to incorporate fully.

  • Add the cooked frozen veggies and tofu.

  • Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.

  • Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

How to Cook Long Grain Rice in the Instant Pot

Crispy Air Fried Tofu

Previous Post: « Vegan Waikiki Meatballs — Pantry Staple Meal

Next Post: More than 25 Easy Vegan Pantry Staple Recipes »

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Vegan Cabbage Fried Rice with Tofu — Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes « Fried Dandelions — Plant Based Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is fried rice healthy? ›

Fried rice is not a nutritionally balanced meal on its own, and you should enjoy it in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet. Adding a variety of vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains can help to improve the nutritional value of fried rice.

How long to refrigerate rice for fried rice? ›

Allow the pot to sit on the warm hotplate for 10 minutes to allow the steam to continue cooking the rice. Use a fork to fluff the rice grains and transfer to a large baking tray. Place the rice, uncovered, in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best though) before using for fried rice.

Can I eat fried rice during weight loss? ›

Generally, fried white rice will not help you lose weight, especially the calorie-filled, soy sauce covered take-out varieties! However, if you're eating a dish similar to our recipe, it's much lower in calories and fat with a decent amount of filling fiber, helping you eat less food during the day.

What is the healthiest oil for fried rice? ›

You can substitute any neutral cooking oil, such as avocado oil or refined sesame oil. Some fried rice recipes fry it directly in sesame oil, but since I have regular olive oil or avocado oil on hand more often, I use that and just add toasted sesame oil towards the end.

What is fried rice syndrome? ›

Fried rice syndrome is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which is present in these types of starchy foods prior to cooking. Bacillus cereus is a heat-resistant bacteria, so even recooking foods that have not been appropriately refrigerated can result in food poisoning.

Why use overnight rice for fried rice? ›

Unlike freshly cooked rice, which forms soft, mushy clumps when stir-fried, chilled leftover white rice undergoes a process called retrogradation, in which the starch molecules form crystalline structures that make the grains firm enough to withstand the second round of cooking.

What are the disadvantages of fried rice? ›

Eating high-fat food such as fried rice could cause several digestive issues such as feeling bloated, heartburn, and slow digestion. Digesting high-fat and high-caloric food is harder at night, causing the body to store the excess calories as body fat.

Is fried rice healthier than fries? ›

In summary, while both French fries and white rice are high in calories, white rice has a higher protein content, significantly higher carbohydrate content, and lower fat content compared to fries [1].

Is Chinese restaurant fried rice unhealthy? ›

Typical side dishes like fried rice, lo mein noodles, crab rangoon, and egg rolls are high in calories — and fat. Healthier choices include steamed brown rice, sautéed or steamed vegetables, spring rolls, or soups like egg drop soup or hot and sour soup.

Which rice is healthiest? ›

Of course, there are also different health benefits based on the varying types of rice. For example, whole grains are better for our health when compared to simple carbs – which is why brown rice or black rice are regarded as the healthiest options. You should certainly be looking into eating whole grain rice.

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