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Stir-Fried Rice With Vegan "Chicken"

Stir-fried rice with brown rice and mixed vegetables
by Aly Michell Dated: February 11, 2020 Last Modified: August 28, 2023 Leave a Comment
665 shares
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Jump to:
  • How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken  
  • What Veggies Can Be Used? 
  • Tips To Making Tofu Taste Good
  • Tips For Vegetable Stir-Fry 
  • Stir-Fried Rice With Vegan Chicken

Got rice and vegetables begging to be cooked up? Fried rice with vegan “chicken” is a no-brainer. 

Using ingredients you love and have, this recipe is insanely flexible, affordable, and accessible. The main ingredients for this recipe include cooked rice, soy sauce, and tofu. The rest can be customized. 

Instead of using chicken, we’re using tofu. I know, I know, that sounds a bit...different, but I promise that once you nail down how to make tofu taste like chicken, you’ll be using it in just about everything. 

Really into fried rice? Check out our spring vegetable fried rice recipe.

How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken  

Making tofu taste like chicken is easier than it sounds. There are two parts to the magic: 

  1. Make the tofu firm and chewy. 
  2. Use a marinade that reflects the flavors we associate with chicken. 

To get the tofu firm and chewy, it’s important to first freeze the block of tofu, then defrost. Freezing the tofu block will help give it a nice, chewy bite. 

Additionally, this step will help create pours in the tofu, which is made by ice crystals expanding within the block. These pours will make it easier to drain and press the water out from the block and it’ll allow the marinade to effectively penetrate the tofu.  

Pro-tip: opting for a firm or extra-firm tofu will also help to get a chewier texture. 

What Veggies Can Be Used? 

Just about any vegetable can be used for stir-fried rice. However, just keep in mind that different vegetables may need different cook times. For example, potatoes taking longer to cook than garlic. 

But here’s a few ideas for vegetables that can be used in a stir-fry: 

  • Carrots 
  • Cabbage 
  • Onion 
  • Bell peppers 
  • Peas 
  • Corn 
  • Green beans 
  • Mushroom 
  • Broccoli 
  • Brussel sprouts 
  • Leafy greens
  • Edamame 
  • Squash

Get creative and use what you have and love! 

Tips To Making Tofu Taste Good

Remember, tofu is mild in flavor. It needs to take in a new flavor to be palatable and enjoyable. This is where the ingredients like soy sauce, Edward & Sons Not Chick’n Bouillon Cubes, and seasonings come in. 

Tofu also has a lot of water in it, so it’s important to drain and press the water as much as possible to allow new flavors to come in. 

To press the tofu, you can either use a tofu press or carefully press the tofu block with the back of two plates. A tofu press will be more efficient. 

Tasty Food Photography

Tips For Vegetable Stir-Fry 

Equipment:

Using a wok or a cast-iron pan works best since they are great at maintaining even heat. However, if you are unable to get your hands on one, a non-stick skillet will work too. 

Oil:

Use an oil with a high smoke point. Olive oil just won’t work for this, due to its low smoke point. Examples of oils that are suited for high temperatures include avocado oil, canola oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil. 

Stir often: 

This will prevent your ingredients from undercooking or overcooking. You want to make sure everything in that pan gets their chance to roll around in the heat. 

Be Prepared: 

Have all of your ingredients washed and prepped before making this recipe. If you start your stir-fry while waiting for the rice to cook, well, you’re going to burn your vegetables. Stay organized and have everything laid out. 

Note - you’ll need to have your vegan, tofu “chicken” cooked and prepped before you begin this stir-fry recipe. 

Learn more about how to use frozen tofu with 7 Things To Know About Frozen Tofu.

Now, let's get to why we're here. Here's the Stir-Fried Rice With Vegan "Chicken" recipe you've been waiting for.


Bowl of stir-fried brown rice with mixed vegetables and tofu "chicken"
Bowl of stir-fried rice with tofu and mixed vegetables

Stir-Fried Rice With Vegan Chicken

Aly Michell
Delicious, plant-based stir fry rice using tofu, rice, and vegetables. A great dinner dish that's affordable, with approachable ingredients.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 12 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 5 people
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed, minced
  • 2 cups tofu chicken 
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 3-4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions
 

  • First, make the tofu chicken. 
  • Set a large non-stick pan skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion, stir and cook for 2 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the frozen vegetable directly to the pan. Stir and cook for 4 minutes.
  • Increase temperature to high and add 1 tablespoon of oil, cooked brown rice, cooked tofu chicken, and low-sodium soy sauce.  
  • Constantly stir and cook everything together for 3-5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and serve. 

Notes

  1. For best results, use a wok. It helps distribute heat more evenly and can handle a large volume of food, or in this case, rice. 
  2. Have everything prepped and ready before the recipe. 
  3. The first step to this recipe is to make tofu “chicken.” It only requires two ingredients, but it does have a few steps to get it right. 

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal
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665 shares
Category: All, Dinner, Entrees, Lunch

About Aly Michell

Over 10+ years of plant-based eating and cooking on a budget!

Previous Post:Cocoa bran muffins with peanut butterChocolate Oat Bran Muffins
Next Post:Vegan Teriyaki "Chicken" Stir FryVegan teriyaki chicken stir fry with plant-based ingredients

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Hi, My name is Aly Michell! I create plant-based recipes that are easy, accessible, using everyday cookware.

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