This Tofu Fried Rice is packed with flavor, crispy tofu, and tender vegetables. This plant based dinner is healthy, vegan, and easily gluten-free.
Until I made my air fryer tofu, I was never a fan, but now that I’ve made tofu that’s crispy AND flavorful, I can’t get enough. This tofu fried rice is packed with the crispy tofu, tender veggies, perfectly cooked rice, and a flavorful sauce. Vegan or not, you’re gonna love it!
Ingredients
My 4 ingredient sauce of soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, hoisin, and chili garlic sauce is what makes this fried rice extra special!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – a high quality unrefined oil that’s used to cook the veggies. It has a fairly low smoke point, so be sure to not turn your heat too high. Feel free to substitute with whatever oil you have on hand such as coconut oil, avocado oil, canola oil, etc.
- Yellow Onion, Carrot, and Frozen Peas – my go-to veggie blend for any fried rice which adds color, texture, and nutrients. There is some flexibility with the veggies. Try swapping the yellow onion for shallots or red onion or the peas for edamame. You could also add in additional vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and bell peppers; be sure to cook them along with the onions and carrots until tender.
- Minced Garlic – gives a subtle kick of nutty flavor. Use pre-minced jarred garlic for easy prep. If fresh is all you have on hand, you’ll need about 3 large cloves to equal the 1 tablespoon called for.
- Ground Ginger, Black Pepper, and Salt – a simple trio of seasonings that adds another layer of earthy, spicy flavor to the sauce. If you’d like to use fresh ginger instead of powder you’ll need 1/2 tablespoon freshly minced ginger to replace the 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger.
- Unseasoned Cooked Rice – whatever leftover rice you have on hand will be fine, but a medium-grain white rice (such as Jasmine rice) is preferred. Whatever rice you use be sure it’s chilled to achieve a crispy fried rice texture.
- Soy Sauce, Seasoned Rice Vinegar, Hoisin Sauce, and Chili Garlic Sauce – makes a salty, sweet, spicy sauce that gives this dish extra flair! Replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten free. The rice vinegar adds a tangy flavor, the hoisin adds sweetness, and the chili garlic sauce adds spice. Sensitive to heat? Omit it!
- Air Fryer Tofu – you’ll need 1 batch of my air fryer tofu for this recipe. It only takes 15 minutes to prep! No air fryer? No problem! My recipe includes baking instructions. The tofu adds a crispy, yet chewy texture to the fried rice.
- Sesame Oil – adds a rich, nutty flavor. Less is more with sesame oil so go easy and add more as needed.
- Cilantro, Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, and Sriracha – for garnish, if desired. I highly recommend at least adding the cilantro and green onions, because they provide a bright, fresh flavor to balance out the rich, umami flavors of the fried rice.
Pro tip
Prep the rice and tofu in advance to save time!
How to make
With just a little prep, this plant based dinner comes together in no time!
- Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium/medium-high heat, then add in onion, carrot, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Cook until the veggies are tender.
- Add in rice, then stir in soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, chili garlic sauce, and peas. Cook until everything is heated through.
- Stir in air fried/baked tofu and sesame oil, then serve and enjoy!
Pro tip
Leftover rice is best, but if you’re low on time, cook some rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, then chill it in the freezer for 30 minutes!
How to prepare tofu for fried rice?
You’ll need baked or air fryer tofu for this recipe. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook!
- Drain, press, then cut tofu cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oil, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and maple syrup.
- Transfer the sauce to a gallon-sized ziplock baggie, then add in tofu cubes. Seal and gently shake until the tofu is evenly coated. Sprinkle in cornstarch, then seal and shake again.
- Air fry or bake for 15 minutes, sprinkle with salt, and enjoy!
What rice to use
Use cooked and chilled medium or long grain jasmine or white rice for the best results. Both varieties have enough bite to achieve a nice and crispy fried rice texture. Brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa can also be used!
Pro tip
Don’t forget to chill the rice first. This allows it to dry up so it can get crispy.
is fried rice gluten-free?
To make your fried rice gluten-free, simply sub the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety such as tamari or coconut aminos.
Pro tip
As always, be sure to check that all of your ingredients are certified gluten-free before using them.
Tips
- Dice your veggies. Make sure to dice your veggies evenly so they cook all the way through and are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
- Use leftover/chilled rice. This helps dry it up so it can achieve that classic crispy texture.
- Chill the rice quickly. If you’re low on time, cook your rice, then spread it out on a baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Use high heat. Also helps the rice crisp up nicely.
Variations
- Add egg. Mix in some scrambled eggs (or egg subtitute) for some extra flavor and added protein.
- Use other veggies. Try mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, edamame, zucchini, bean sprouts, you name it.
- Try another base. Brown rice, quinoa, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
- Add pineapple. Add fruity sweetness and extra texture by mixing in some diced pineapple.
What to serve with tofu fried rice
This tofu fried rice is delicious as-is but you can also bulk up your meal with a couple of sides!
- Egg Rolls (don’t forget the sweet and sour!)
- Asian Roasted Broccoli
- Egg Drop Soup
- Healthy Asian Lettuce Wraps
- Potstickers
How to store
Leftover fried rice will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave or warm on the stove until heated through.
– Jennifer
Tofu Fried Rice
This Tofu Fried Rice is packed with flavor, crispy tofu, and tender vegetables. This plant based dinner is healthy, vegan, and easily gluten-free.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 people
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow onion diced
- ½ cup diced carrot
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups leftover unseasoned cooked rice chilled
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten free alternative such as coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- ½ tablespoon chili garlic sauce more or less to taste
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 batch air fryer tofu recipe includes baking directions
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium/medium-high heat.
- Add in onion, carrot, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Cook, stirring regularly, until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add in rice, then stir in soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, chili garlic sauce, and peas.
- Cook until everything is heated through, stirring regularly.
- Stir in air fried/baked tofu and sesame oil, then taste and re-season, if necessary.
- Serve with optional garnishes and enjoy!
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STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:5-7 Days
Freezer:3 Months
Reheat:Microwave or warm on the stove
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Tofu Fried Rice
Amount Per Serving (1 person)
Calories 470 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 1284mg56%
Potassium 397mg11%
Carbohydrates 55g18%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 2814IU56%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 77mg8%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Keywords: air fryer tofu, healthy, plant based dinner, vegan