Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice

4 servings
This tofu fried rice recipe is bursting with flavor! Tender tofu takes center stage with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce in this hearty vegan dinner.

Ingredients

  • 14-ounces firm or extra firm tofu

    cut into 3/4-inch cubes

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

    divided

  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

    divided

  • 3 tablespoons smoked soy sauce or soy sauce

    divided, or tamari for gluten-free

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion

    minced

  • 3 carrots

    peeled and diced

  • 3 cups shredded Napa cabbage

    about 1/2 cabbage

  • 3 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas
  • 3 cups cooked white rice or brown rice

    at least one day old

  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 green onion

    thinly sliced

Directions

  1. 1

    Prep the onion, carrots, cabbage, garlic and ginger as noted above. 

  2. 2

    Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch wide cubes and pat dry with a towel. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to a cold non-stick pan. Add the tofu cubes and a few pinches kosher salt.

  3. 3

    Turn on the heat to medium-high. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until the tofu is lightly browned on the bottom.

  4. 4

    Briefly remove the pan from the heat to reduce spitting. Flip the tofu with a spatula. Return the heat to medium-high and cook additional 5 to 6 minutes until browned. Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Set aside.

  5. 5

    In a large skillet, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium high heat. Sauté the onion and carrots for 2 minutes. Add the cabbage, garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until tender.

  6. 6

    Add the peas, rice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt, and turmeric. Heat for a 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until all rice is coated.

  7. 7

    Stir in the tofu and the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Garnish with sliced green onion and serve hot.

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice

4.7(3)30 min4 servings

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 3 ratings

acouplecooks.com
4.7(3 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful vegan dinner that comes together in a flash? This Tofu Fried Rice recipe is your answer for a hearty, satisfying meal any night of the week.

What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into a deeply savory and texturally exciting experience. Tender, perfectly cooked tofu combines with fluffy rice and a colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables, all brought together by an umami-rich sauce. It's a testament to how balanced flavors can create a truly comforting and complete meal.

You can expect each forkful to be bursting with flavor, from the subtle warmth of ginger and garlic to the savory depth of soy sauce, balanced by the gentle sweetness of carrots and peas. The tofu offers a delightful chew, complementing the tender bite of Napa cabbage and the distinct grains of rice. This is a robust vegan meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for satisfying your fried rice cravings without the need for takeout. The subtle earthiness of turmeric adds a beautiful golden hue and an extra layer of complexity.

This Tofu Fried Rice is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure you use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. You can also vary the rice; while day-old white rice is traditional for its texture, brown rice works beautifully for a nuttier flavor and added whole grains. If you don't have smoked soy sauce, regular soy sauce will still deliver fantastic results.

Serve this vibrant Tofu Fried Rice as a complete meal for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. Garnish generously with fresh green onions for a pop of color and a fresh, zesty finish.

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