20 Easy Vegan Rice Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
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Rice is one of those ingredients that works with just about anything. It’s cheap, it’s filling, and it takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with. These vegan rice dinner recipes cover fried rice, curry bowls, rice and beans, pilafs, and more. Every one of them works as a full meal or a hearty side. Jump to the section you need:
Vegan Fried Rice Dinner Recipes
Fried rice is the best way to use leftover rice. Day-old rice actually works better than fresh since the grains are drier and get crispier in the pan. All of these come together in under 20 minutes.
Mushroom Tofu Fried Rice – Daily Vegan Meal
Crispy pan-fried tofu with mushrooms, peas, and carrots over fried rice. This is a protein-loaded vegan rice dish that works as a side or a full meal. Quick enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough that you won’t need seconds (but you’ll want them).
Brussels Sprout Fried Rice – Daily Vegan Meal
Shredded Brussels sprouts add a nutty, slightly charred flavor to fried rice that you wouldn’t expect. A simple vegan rice recipe that turns an underrated vegetable into the star of the dish.
Pineapple Fried Rice – Recipes From A Pantry
Sweet pineapple chunks with tender vegetables over fried rice. Ready in 15 minutes and a solid way to use up leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have in the fridge.
Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice – Okonomi Kitchen
Kimchi adds a fermented, spicy kick that transforms plain rice into something really flavorful. Done in 15 minutes and gluten-free friendly. One of the quickest vegan rice dinners you can make.
Vegan Filipino Garlic Fried Rice – Sweet Simple Vegan
Only 3 ingredients: rice, garlic, and oil. This is the simplest vegan rice recipe on the list, and it’s a classic Filipino breakfast dish. The best way to bring day-old rice back to life.
Crispy Tofu Spicy Fried Rice – That Spicy Chick
Crispy pan-fried tofu with Lao Gan Ma chili crisp sauce over fried rice. Bold, spicy, and customizable with your favorite vegetables. If you like heat in your food, this is the fried rice to try. For more vegan Asian-inspired dishes, check out our vegan Asian recipe roundup.
Vegan Rice Bowl & Curry Dinner Recipes
Rice bowls and curries are where vegan rice recipes get really interesting. The rice acts as a base for bold sauces, spiced vegetables, and protein-rich legumes.
Vegan Butter Chickpeas with Brown Rice – Daily Vegan Meal
A creamy, spiced butter sauce over chickpeas served on brown rice. Packed with protein and flavor. This is one of those healthy vegan rice dinner recipes that feels indulgent but isn’t.
Chickpea & Tofu Curry with Spinach and Brown Rice – Daily Vegan Meal
High-protein comfort food with chickpeas, tofu, and spinach in a curry sauce over brown rice. Filling, nutritious, and the kind of meal you can prep on Sunday and eat all week.
Sticky Chili Lime Tofu with Coconut Rice – Plantifully Based
Sweet, spicy, tangy tofu over fluffy coconut rice, topped with fresh cucumber and peach salsa. The coconut rice alone is worth making this recipe for.
Asian Mushroom Rice – The Garden Grazer
Savory mushroom rice with garlic, onion, and tamari. Simple enough as a side dish, or add tofu, tempeh, or edamame to turn it into a full meal. Gluten-free and oil-free.
Vegan Rice & Bean Recipes
Rice and beans is one of the most nutritious combinations in plant-based cooking. Together they form a complete protein, and every culture has their own version. These are some of the best.
Beyond Vegan Rice and Beans – Daily Vegan Meal
This goes beyond basic rice and beans with extra vegetables, spices, and layers of flavor. A simple, budget-friendly vegan rice dish that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well.
Cuban Rice and Beans – Contentedness Cooking
A classic Cuban combination that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and easily customizable. Top with sriracha for a spicy kick. If you enjoy easy vegan meals, our vegan Instant Pot recipes are another great resource.
Vegan Fiesta Rice – Ugly Vegan Kitchen
Black beans and brown rice with Mexican-inspired spices. Hearty, flavorful, and inspired by traditional Spanish rice with a few creative additions.
Vegan Dirty Rice – Healthier Steps
A plant-based take on the classic Southern comfort dish. Vegan ground protein with rice, seasoned with onion, celery, bell peppers, and Creole seasoning. Bold Cajun flavors without any meat.
Vegan Rice Pilafs & Side Dishes
Sometimes rice is the main event, sometimes it’s the supporting player. These pilafs and side dishes add enough flavor to stand on their own or complement whatever else you’re serving.
Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole – Daily Vegan Meal
A creamy broccoli and rice casserole with a sauce made from nutritional yeast. This started as a side dish but it’s filling enough to eat as a main. One of the simplest vegan rice dinner recipes for feeding a crowd. For more casserole ideas, see our vegan casserole roundup.
Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries – Veggie Society
Nutty wild rice with sweet cranberries, leeks, and fresh herbs. Festive enough for a holiday table, simple enough for any weeknight. The cranberries add a tart sweetness that works really well with wild rice.
South Indian Nutty Lemon Rice – Mrishtanna
A tangy South Indian rice dish that comes together quickly with minimal prep. Peanuts and curry leaves add texture and aroma. A healthy vegan rice dish that’s different from the usual stir-fry approach.
Greek Spinach Rice (Spanakorizo) – Cooktoria
An authentic Greek dish with fresh spinach, dill, chives, and lemon juice over rice. Simple, bright, and fresh. Works as a side or a light main meal.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice – Simply Happy Foodie
Restaurant-style Mexican rice made in the Instant Pot. Quick, flavorful, and the ideal side for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired meal.
Lebanese Mujadara – Feel Good Foodie
Just three ingredients: rice, lentils, and caramelized onions. The deeply fried onions on top make this dish. A traditional Lebanese comfort food that’s naturally vegan and incredibly satisfying.
That’s 20 vegan rice dinner recipes covering fried rice, bowls, rice and beans, and side dishes. Rice is one of the most versatile ingredients in plant-based cooking, and every one of these easy vegan rice recipes proves it. Pick one, make it tonight, and save the rest for the week ahead.
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