This vegan fried brown rice is a hearty and comforting meal that is packed with so much flavor. A mild twist to classic fried rice by using brown rice, and trust me, you won't know the difference!

With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, this simple recipe of vegan fried brown rice is a complete meal that's perfect for not just vegans but anyone who loves rice.
Made from scratch with a mix of vibrant veggies- green beans, fresh green peas, carrots, and onion, dunked with soy sauce and flavored with garlic and Indian spices, this vegan version of fried rice is going to be your family's favorite.
The best way to use your favorite veggies or leftover rice to make vegetable stir fry rice- this recipe is customizable.
Team it with Shahi Paneer, Punjabi Chana Masala, Lentil Meatballs, or yogurt, or have it as is for a quick lunch or dinner.
Find More Brown Rice Recipes: Brown Rice Pulao, Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
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Ingredients
See Recipe card for the exact ratio of ingredients.
- Brown Rice-I use Basmati rice- India Gate brand. You can use any type of rice with a good quality brand. While one may use leftover rice, this recipe uses raw brown rice and is made from scratch.
- Olive oil- Any vegan cooking oil works best- sesame oil,
- Fresh Veggies- Green beans, green peas, Onion, fresh garlic, and carrot are used. Feel free to use the frozen veggies of your choice- spring onions, red cabbage, red bell pepper, etc.
- Green Chilies- I love adding freshly chopped green chilies to my recipes. Adjust the heat as per your personal preference.
- Soy Sauce- Adds a tangy flavor and a brown tinge to the rice. You may use Gluten-Free tamari sauce as well
- Salt and Spices- Red chili powder, normal salt and lemon juice.
- You may add Tofu, cashew nuts, sesame seeds for variations.
How To Make Vegan Fried Brown Rice
Step 1 Prep the Ingredients and soak Brown Rice
Soak brown rice for 30 minutes after washing them till the water is clean. The soaking time of brown rice is more than that of white rice.
while the rice is soaked, you may chop the onion, garlic, and veggies.
Step 2. Temper Veggies for Fried Rice
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the mixed veggies. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Pour the soy sauce or tamari and rice vinegar (if using) over the cooked veggies
If using tofu, add the cubed and lightly pan-fried crispy tofu or scrambled tofu to the pressure cooker and mix well.
Step 3. Add the Brown Rice
Add the soaked brown rice (after draining the soaked water) Stir well to ensure the rice and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Add water to the fried rice. (For brown rice: the ratio is 1 cup rice and 2.5 cups water).
Note- If using already boiled leftover brown rice (cold rice) , you may use any large skillet or pan for tempering, and a pressure cooker is not needed.
Step 4. Pressure Cook
Pressure Cook for two whistles on full and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Let the pressure release on its own.
Step 5. Serve It.
Top with chopped green onions, cilantro leaves and fresh lemon juice and Serve hot. Enjoy your delicious vegan fried brown rice!

Expert Tips
- The soaking time of brown rice is longer than white rice. Soak the brown rice for at least 30 minutes.
- The ratio of rice to water is 1 cup of brown rice to 2.5 cups of water.
- Brown rice takes more time to cook. I won't suggest tempering them in a wok. Make sure to use an instant pot or pressure cooker for perfect fluffy rice.
- The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container with a lid for about 2 days in the refrigerator.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, brown rice is vegan
I find both white and brown rice great for any rice recipe.
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More Vegan Recipes:
- Idli Podi Recipe
- Amla Avocado Dip- Indian Style
- Chaat Masala Recipe
- Easy Roti Recipe- Best Indian Chapati
- Authentic Garam Masala Recipe
- Cucumber Radish Salad
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Easy Vegan Fried Brown Rice
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker
- 1 Large Bowl soaking brown rice
- 1 Chopping board
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups Brown rice raw brown rice of any good brand. I have used India Gate Basmati Brown Rice
- 2 medium onions
- 1 medium carrot
- 10 piece green beans can add more
- 1 cup green peas I have used fresh, can use frozen
- 2-3 cloves Garlic can use garlic powder
- 1 small green chili optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 8-9 cups water for pressure cooking
- salt as per taste
Instructions
- Soak brown rice for 30 minutes after washing them till the water is clean. The soaking time of brown rice is more than that of white rice.while the rice is soaked, you may chop the onion, garlic, and veggies.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the mixed veggies. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.If using tofu, add the cubed and lightly pan-fried crispy tofu or scrambled tofu to the pressure cooker and mix well.
- Add the soaked brown rice (after draining the soaked water) Pour the soy sauce or tamari and rice vinegar (if using) over the rice. Stir well to ensure the rice and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Add water to the fried rice. (For brown rice: the ratio is 1 cup rice and 2.5 cups water).Note- If using already boiled leftover brown rice (cold rice) , you may use any large skillet or pan for tempering, and a pressure cooker is not needed.
- Pressure Cook for two whistles on full and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Let the pressure release on its own.
- Top with chopped green onions or cilantro and fresh lemon juice and Serve hot. enjoy your delicious vegan fried brown rice!
Video
Notes
- The soaking time of brown rice is longer than white rice. Soak the brown rice for at least 30 minutes.
- The ratio of rice to water is 1 cup of brown rice to 2.5 cups of water.
- Brown rice takes more time to cook. I won't suggest tempering them in a wok. Make sure to use an instant pot or pressure cooker for perfect fluffy rice.
- The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container with a lid for about 2 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Serving size: 1 large bowl | |
Servings: 8 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 358 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 4.2g | 5% |
Saturated Fat 0.7g | 4% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 135mg | 6% |
Total Carbohydrate 72g | 26% |
Dietary Fiber 6.4g | 23% |
Total Sugars 2.5g | |
Protein 8.7g | |
Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
Calcium 61mg | 5% |
Iron 3mg | 14% |
Potassium 446mg | 9% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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