It’s easy to make fried rice vegan by omitting the egg, but you have to admit, it’s not quite the same. So when I was developing this quinoa fried rice, I decided to add tofu scramble for that element of egginess! I’ve gone around the world and back with vegan scrambled egg replacements and tofu scramble is still my favourite. The colour is spot on and I love not only the flavour that it adds, but also the protein. I’m not going to say it’s IDENTICAL to eggs, but in a dish like quinoa fried rice, it’s very close. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much this recipe tastes like regular fried rice. Just like the traditional version, using day-old cooked quinoa is crucial to the flavour and texture of the finished dish. Feel free to put your own spin on this quinoa fried rice recipe and make it your own! Add some vegan chicken, extra veggies, pineapple—anything you like in takeout fried rice will work here too.
Notes on Ingredients
Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.
Tofu scramble Coconut oil Quinoa – Here’s how to cook quinoa. Make it at least one day ahead of time. Carrot Garlic Frozen peas – Not a fan of peas? You can swap in edamame! Liquid aminos – Or use low-sodium soy sauce. Rice wine Green onions
How to Make Quinoa Fried Rice
Fried rice with quinoa comes together in a few minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner! Fry the quinoa. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt a teaspoon of coconut oil in the pan, then add the quinoa. Cook, stirring constantly, until the quinoa is beginning to get brown and crispy. Add the veggies and liquids. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the carrots, garlic, peas, liquid aminos, and rice wine. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Finish. Stir in the tofu scramble and green onions, then remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Here are some pointers for perfect quinoa fried rice.
Cut down on prep time. If your grocery store has a salad bar, you can buy the carrots, peas, and green onions from there and save some time. Make sure the quinoa isn’t soggy. If your quinoa is wet, you’ll end up with mushy quinoa fried rice. It should be dry, light, and fluffy. Deglaze the pan. If the quinoa is sticking to the pan after frying it, when you add the liquids, you can deglaze the pan and scrape off the burnt-on bits at the bottom of the skillet. This will add lots of flavor to your quinoa fried rice!
Serving Suggestions
Serve quinoa fried rice alongside other Asian-inspired favourites like:
General Tso Tofu Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Wings Air Fryer Orange Tofu Vegan Potstickers (Chinese Dumplings)
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Fried rice with quinoa is great for meal prep! Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can warm up the quinoa in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of oil.
Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze quinoa fried rice for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat it from frozen or let it thaw in the refrigerator first. Enjoy friends! If you make this vegan quinoa fried rice recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
