Vegan Thai Fried Rice is easier than take-out! Brown rice, peas, carrots, and pineapple are sautéd in a spicy sauce and topped with fresh scallions! Ready in 30 minutes!
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For the longest time, I thought fried rice was reserved for the occasional take-out night. I never tried making it on my own. It’s not the healthiest option with all the added oil, salt, MSG, and carbs.
When I started making it at home, I realized how easy it is to whip together for a quick meal!
Pineapple fried rice is a traditional Thai recipe. The difference between Chinese fried rice and Thai fried rice is that Thai fried rice is traditionally made with fish sauce, while Chinese fried rice is usually made with soy sauce.
This vegan Thai fried rice recipe calls for vegan fish sauce. However, you can substitute soy sauce or tamari if you don’t have this.
Making this infamous Thai take-out dish at home allows you to alter the ingredients to improve the health benefits and reduce the fat and calories! The result is a super flavorful, high-fiber, nutrient-rich version of a take-out favorite!
Why You’ll Love Vegan Thai Fried Rice
Vibrant Flavor: The combination of sweet, tangy pineapple with savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and fragrant Thai basil creates a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a delightful balance of sweet and savory that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Quick and Convenient: This recipe offers a delicious Thai-inspired meal without the need for extensive preparation or cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal on the table quickly.
Satisfying and Filling: This fried rice is hearty and filling, thanks to the combination of rice, pineapple, and any additional vegetables or protein you choose to add. It’s a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Ingredients and Notes
Brown Rice: Use 1 cup of dried brown rice or 3 cups of cooked brown rice. For a shortcut, make the rice the day before, or use your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi to make the rice in minutes. Another option is to use a brown rice freezer bag. They cook in the oven for about 3 minutes.
Pineapple: Depending on the season, use fresh or canned pineapple. If using canned pineapple, buy pineapple chunks in juice. Drain and rinse the pineapple chunks before adding to the pan.
Spices: A combination of curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Thai chili paste, and vegan fish sauce adds flavor and color to the fried rice.
Vegetables: Diced onion, garlic, peas, carrots, and scallions add color and flavor to the dish.
Cashews: Add crunch, texture, and protein. I prefer to use raw whole cashews that I chop to sprinkle on top.
Variations and Substitutions
Added Protein: Add extra firm tofu to add additional protein.
Gluten-Free: Most vegan fish sauces are gluten-free. However, I recommend reading the label to be sure. Another gluten-free option is tamari.
No vegan fish sauce: No problem! Simply sub soy sauce or tamari.
Tools and Equipment
This super simple recipe is a one-pot meal! You only need a large fry pan to sauté the rice and vegetables.
How to Make Vegan Thai Fried Rice
- Cook brown rice according to package directions. One cup of dried brown rice will produce 3 cups of cooked rice. You can also make the rice a day in advance to save you time! Making the rice the day you plan to serve will take 35-45 minutes to prepare. Or you can also use a brown rice steam bag to save time!
- Add diced onions to a large pan on medium-high heat—Sauté for 3 minutes or until soft. Add the minced garlic, and sauté an additional minute.
- Add cooked brown rice. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Add curry powder, onion powder, garlic powder, vegan fish sauce, and Thai chili paste. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Stir in veggies and chopped pineapple. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until peas and carrots are cooked through.
- Place fried rice in serving bowls. Top with chopped cashews and scallions or fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Fried rice tastes best when made with day-old rice. This also cuts down on total prep time!
- Use fresh ripe pineapple or canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup). If your pineapple isn’t ripe, you’ll have a bitter flavor.
- Use water or soy sauce if you don’t have vegetable stock to sauté the onions and garlic.
FAQS
Thai fried rice typically combines seasonings that include soy sauce, fish sauce (though vegan versions substitute with soy sauce or vegan fish sauce), garlic, shallots, and often Thai chili paste or fresh chili peppers. These seasonings give Thai fried rice its distinct savory, umami-rich flavor with a hint of spiciness.
Their ingredients, seasonings, aromatics, and cooking techniques differ, resulting in distinct flavor profiles representative of their culinary traditions. Thai fried rice is typically cooked quickly over high heat. Chinese fried rice is stir-fried with aromatics in a wok so that the flavors meld together while maintaining a fluffy texture. Thai fried rice often incorporates aromatic herbs like Thai basil and cilantro, while Chinese fried rice includes aromatics such as garlic and ginger.
Long grain rice varieties like Jasmine rice and Basmati rice are popular choices for fried rice. They have a distinct fragrance, remain separate and fluffy when cooked, and hold up well to stir-frying.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro, or Thai basil to add freshness and aroma to the dish and fresh lime wedges.
Crispy Tofu: Add some crispy tofu cubes or slices as a protein-rich topping. The crispy texture contrasts nicely with the softness of the rice.
Mango Salsa: Top the fried rice with a fresh mango salsa made with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a burst of fruity flavor.
Storage
Make Ahead: Prepare the brown rice ahead of time!
Refrigerator: Allow the Thai fried rice to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: Transfer the fried rice to a freezer-safe container. Make sure all of the air is out of the bag before sealing. Label with the contents and date. It will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Reheat: If reheating from the refrigerator, add a touch of water to a microwave-safe container and warm in the microwave or stovetop. The water will bring back the moisture to the rice. If reheating from frozen, transfer to a frying pan. Add a few tablespoons of water, and heat until warmed through.
Video
More Vegan Rice Recipes!
Recipe
Vegan Thai Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice 3 cups cooked
- ¼ cup vegetable stock
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup pineapple cut into bite sized pieces
- ¼ cup raw cashews chopped
- 2 tablespoon vegan fish sauce or soy sauce or tamari
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Thai chili paste
- 2 scallions chopped
Instructions
- Cook brown rice according to package directions. One cup of dried brown rice will produce 3 cups of cooked rice. You can also make the rice a day in advance to save you time! If making the rice the day you plan to serve, it will take an additional 35-45 minutes to prepare the rice. Or you can use a brown rice steam bag to save time!
- Add the diced onions to a large pan on medium-high heat. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, and sauté an additional minute.
- Add the cooked brown rice. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Add turmeric powder, onion powder, garlic powder, vegan fish sauce, and Thai chili paste. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and chopped pineapple. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until peas and carrots are cooked through.
- Place fried rice in serving bowls. Top with chopped chopped cashews and scallions. Enjoy!
Notes
- Fried rice tastes best when made with day-old rice. This also cuts down on total prep time!
- Use fresh ripe pineapple or canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup). If your pineapple isn’t ripe, you’ll have a bitter flavor.
- Use water or soy sauce if you don’t have vegetable stock to sauté the onions and garlic.
Mariah
Yummy! I made it tonight. Loved seeing this recipe because it was different than the usual stir-fries I make. I am wondering though – you have curry in the recipe but then it says turmeric later on. Which is it? Thanks! I’ll be making it again!
Anjali
Pineapple fried rice is one of my favorite takeout orders, but with this recipe I can recreate that takeout feel at home!! This turned out to be super flavorful, was really easy to make, and my whole family loved it!
veenaazmanov
This fried rice is surely special and unique. Love the combination of Pineapple and cashew making this fried rice a little different and superior too. My kids to love it.
Vicky
What an amazing recipe with such a variety of flavors!
Patty at Spoonabilities
I love the brown rice in this recipe and the combo of flavors and pineapple! My new favorite fried rice has arrived!
Beth
Yummy! My hubby is going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to give this a try! Looks so delicious and tasty!