Lemongrass fried rice is a savoury and aromatic dish that features the fragrant and citrusy flavour of lemongrass. It is a popular Thai and Vietnamese dish that has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique and delicious flavour profile. The dish is made by stir-frying cooked rice with a variety of ingredients, including lemongrass, onions, garlic, vegetables, and seasonings.
The lemongrass adds a bright and refreshing taste to the rice, while the other ingredients add depth of flavour and texture. Vegan lemongrass fried rice is a variation of the traditional dish that is made without any animal products. It features a combination of plant-based ingredients and seasonings that come together to create a delicious and flavorful dish.
How to Make Vegan Lemongrass Fried Rice?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably cooked a day in advance)
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, white part only, finely minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs worth of vegan egg substitute (optional)
- 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir-fry for about a minute or until fragrant.
- Add the finely minced lemongrass to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until it is fragrant and begins to soften.
- Push the onion, garlic, and lemongrass mixture to the sides of the pan to create a well in the centre.
- Pour the vegan egg substitute into the well and scramble them until cooked through. If not using an egg substitute, skip this step.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots (if using) to the pan and stir-fry for about a minute until they are thawed and heated through.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and black pepper. Stir-fry the rice for a few minutes until everything is well combined and the rice is heated through.
- Finally, add the chopped scallions to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until they are fragrant and slightly softened.
- Serve the vegan lemongrass fried rice hot, garnished with extra scallions or chopped cilantro if desired.
In vegan lemongrass fried rice, eggs are replaced with vegan egg substitutes or can be omitted altogether for a completely vegan version. Additionally, hoisin sauce is used instead of oyster sauce to add a savoury and sweet flavour to the dish.
Are Vegan Fried Rice Healthy?
Vegan fried rice can be a healthy and nutritious dish, depending on the ingredients used and how it is prepared. Here are some factors to consider:
- Whole grains: Fried rice is typically made with white rice, which is refined and stripped of many of its nutrients. To make vegan fried rice healthier, you can use brown rice, quinoa, or other whole grains that are higher in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
- Vegetables: Adding plenty of vegetables to your vegan fried rice can increase its nutritional value. Vegetables are high in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being. Some good options for fried rice include carrots, peas, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and onions.
- Protein: If you are concerned about getting enough protein in your diet, you can add some plant-based protein sources to your vegan fried rice. Some good options include tofu, tempeh, edamame, or even beans or lentils.
- Fat: Fried rice is typically cooked with oil, which can be high in calories and saturated fat. To make vegan fried rice healthier, you can use a small amount of healthier oils, such as olive or coconut oil, or use a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil needed.
- Sodium: Soy sauce is a common ingredient in fried rice, but it is also high in sodium. To make your vegan fried rice healthier, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, or use other seasonings such as herbs, spices, or citrus juice to add flavour.
Overall, vegan fried rice can be a healthy and nutritious dish that provides a range of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and plant-based protein. By using whole grains, plenty of vegetables, and healthier cooking methods and seasonings, you can make this dish a regular part of a balanced and nutritious diet.
Do I Need to Use Leftover Rice?
This dish works best with leftover rice since the grains harden and are simple to separate. Due to its ease of breaking up when added to the pan, this creates ideal fried rice. The rice grains will thus remain separate, preventing the formation of sticky, clumpy, or gummy fried rice.
If you don’t have any leftover rice, you can prepare some new rice, put it out on a baking sheet, and freeze it until it is thoroughly chilled. (This only takes 15 to 30 minutes typically.) But it’s best to buy chilled rice.
Can I Make this Dish with Less Oil?
You can theoretically use less oil, your fried rice might adhere to the pan more. If your skillet is truly nonstick, you can use less oil or cooking spray and you shouldn’t experience any issues. Oil is tasty, and it’s what gives fried rice its “fried” flavour, but it won’t taste quite as restaurant quality!
Can I Make my Fried Rice with Different Vegetables?
To this recipe, you can add whatever vegetables you choose! Whatever you desire, including broccoli, zucchini, peppers, baby carrots, mushrooms, etc. You only need to prepare fresh vegetables for a brief period before adding them to the rice if you’re using them.
The best method to accomplish this is to prepare your tofu, set it aside, stir-fry all of your vegetables in one skillet, and then set those veggies away as well. Simply add them when you would typically add frozen vegetables.
What are the Healthy Plant-Based Fried Rice Toppings?
Delicious and adaptable, fried rice can be eaten as a side dish or as a main course. You may top your fried rice with some wholesome plant-based toppings to increase its flavour and nutritional value. Vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbs are just a few examples of the many different plant-based foods that make excellent toppings for fried rice.
You can make your fried rice more flavorful and nutritious by adding vegetables. For crunch, you can add sliced bell peppers or onions; for sweetness, julienned carrots or zucchini; or for umami flavour, fresh mushrooms. To make the dish more full, you can also add some cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, or edamame beans.
Another delectable fried rice topping is nuts and seeds. The meal gains texture and nutty flavour from the addition of chopped cashews, almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds. You may also top your fried rice with hemp hearts for more protein and good fats.
Additionally, herbs are fantastic fried rice toppings. Fresh herbs give the food a bright colour and flavour, like cilantro and basil. If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can alternatively use dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Finally, for a cheesy flavour without any dairy products, you can sprinkle nutritional yeast flakes or vegan cheese shreds on top of your fried rice.
These are just a few examples of wholesome plant-based toppings you may add to enhance the flavour and nutritional value of your fried rice. Find the ideal topping by experimenting with various ingredient combinations until you find one that matches your palate.
Vegan Snacks to Compliment Lemongrass Fried Rice
Edamame: Edamame is a quick snack that goes great with stir-fried dishes of all kinds. It is a fantastic source of nutrition for vegans because it is high in protein and fibre. For a filling and tasty lunch that is rich in nutrients, serve edamame on the side with your fried rice.
Tofu Nuggets: If you want something crunchy to go with your fried rice, tofu nuggets are ideal. Most grocery stores sell tofu nuggets that have already been prepared, but you can also create your own at home by covering cubed tofu in breadcrumbs and baking it after marinating it in soy sauce.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: When served with fried rice, vegetable spring rolls are a wonderful alternative. Your fried rice will taste better thanks to the range of flavours that are created by the marriage of crisp vegetables and savoury sauces. You may either buy pre-made spring rolls from most grocery stores or create your own at home with fresh vegetables.
Seaweed Snacks: When it comes to vegan snacks, seaweed snacks are frequently disregarded, yet they are rather tasty! Seaweed is a great addition to any dish because it is rich in minerals like iodine and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the distinct flavour of seaweed harmonises beautifully with the savoury flavours of fried rice.
Kimchi: Kimchi is a common side dish in Korea prepared from radish and cabbage that has been fermented. It has a powerful flavour that complements dishes made with fried rice as well as other Asian cuisines like sushi and noodles. Kimchi is a great vegan snack to have with fried rice since it has a bit of heat to counteract the savoury flavours in your dinner.
Conclusion
Fried rice is a vegan dish that goes well with many different sides. There are countless alternatives for what to serve with fried rice, from classics like stir-fried vegetables and tofu to more inventive options like vegan tempeh or seitan. If you want to increase the meal’s satiety and nutritional value, think about serving it with a side salad or other vegetable dish.
You can be confident that whatever item you choose to serve with your vegan fried rice will be delectable and satisfying. It’s no surprise that this well-known recipe has remained a mainstay in many vegan households for years given its blend of flavours, textures, and ingredients!
