23 Best Vegan Rice Recipes (+ Easy Dishes)

If you’re looking for some delicious vegan rice recipes, then you’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re wanting something simple and healthy or something a little more indulgent, I have you covered.

As a carb queen, I rely on rice, potatoes, and pasta as a base for all of my dishes. But how much can I do with rice without getting bored?

The answer is a TON! Vegans have mastered rice dishes. T

here are plenty of diverse and flavorful combinations that will leave you questioning if you need meat at all.

If you’re new to veganism or just simply ready to eat less meat, this list will come in handy! Here are 23 unique vegan rice recipes.

1. Easy Vegan Fried Rice 

Fried rice is known for being filled with eggs, and a variety of meats and seafood, making it a hard pass for vegans.

This dish is perfect for a late-night craving! 

Enjoy baked tofu and peas, carrots, and spring onion in a homemade sauce that’s the perfect substitute for takeout.

2. Vegetarian Rice Pilaf 

This simple rice pilaf is the perfect addition to a quick dinner after a long day. It saves you time without skipping out on flavor.

This pilaf uses long-grain white rice and has mushrooms, peas, carrots, onion, almonds, and golden raisins.

Pair it with a simple kale salad for some crunch!

3. Lebanese Mujadara 

There’s something so nurturing and revitalizing about lentils that always picks me up when I’m feeling down.

Mujadara is not only heavenly, but it also has only three ingredients, making it a weekly staple in my house!

4. One-Pot Cajun Rice 

Louisiana might be known for crawfish, but their red beans and rice is also signature.

Indulge in all the Cajun flavor this Creole-inspired dish has to offer.

It’s a one-pot recipe full of kidney beans, bell peppers, onion, celery, and cilantro to garnish.

Cool your palette with a nice sazerac to create the full experience.

5. Teriyaki Peanut Tofu with Stir-Fried Veggies & Brown Rice 

If you’re missing the nostalgic scent of peanut butter chicken, this meal will satisfy your desires.

Its sweet and spicy peanut sauce covers crispy pan-fried tofu, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.

It’s served over a bed of brown rice for a true vegan delight.

6.  Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice

You might not choose this for an anniversary meal, but it’s definitely Netflix and chill-worthy.

This dish shines with just a few staple items for a zesty and fresh flavor that’s a great companion to an enchilada soup or taco salad.

7. One-Pot Spinach Rice 

This dish is like your favorite little black dress, one pair of clothing that accessorizes itself! 

Get your energy boost with the greens, your protein with the pinto beans, and your carb fill up with this deliciously seasoned rice.

To keep it vegan, be sure to use vegetable stock.

8. One-Pot Spicy Vegetable Rice 

This is biryani’s American-raised cousin.

It’s brimming with chunky roasted vegetables like red and yellow peppers, peas, and tomatoes with turmeric yellow rice.

9. Veggie-Packed Spanish Rice 

Whether you’re making a burrito, tacos, enchiladas, or a burrito bowl, this rice works in any Mexican-inspired dish.

Blended with corn, peas, onion, and carrots in long-grain white rice hits the spot every.single.time. 

Kick it up a notch with a scoop of sour cream and salsa on the side!

10. Instant Pot Thai Basil Fried Rice 

Have you ever tasted something that left you speechless? This creamy, crunchy, and savory dish will do just that.

Enjoy this Thai basil fried jasmine rice with ginger, cashews, onion, bell pepper, and cilantro in an incredible sauce for a meal that needs no words.

11. Build-Your-Own Buddha Bowl 

I am praising the gods because this bowl of pure goodness is heaven-sent.

Inspired by a Buddha’s ritual to eat scraps he collected in a bowl, this dish has evolved into one of the most popular meals on the internet.

This colorful rendition showcases short grain brown rice, snap peas, edamame, broccoli, avocado, and red cabbage in bright dressing.

Be sure to follow the vegan option while making the carrot-ginger dressing.

12. Tofu Edamame Buddha Bowls 

Looking for a heartier bowl with a more rich dressing? This rice bowl is a wonderful experience.

This recipe transforms the experience of the dish by baking the tofu, red cabbage, and edamame.

It creates warmer tones with hints of raw carrot that hold up beautifully with the nut butter-based dressing.

13. Rainbow Vegetable Edamame Bowls with Teriyaki Sauce 

Show off to your friends with this exquisite rainbow rice bowl.

Nothing says, “I know my way around a kitchen” more than homemade teriyaki sauce lathered in the most scrumptious veggies of all time. 

Revel in a mix of sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, spring onion, carrot, and snap peas in brown rice.

14. Easy One-Pot Mexican Rice with Black Beans and Corn (Vegan) 

Chipotle has nothing on this black bean and veggie Mexican rice bowl. 

The difference is how well it pairs itself with other sides, making it an absolute top-tier experience.

Dig into carefully charred corn on the cob and sweet potato chunks. Enjoy fresh guacamole on the side to enjoy a well-rounded and gratifying rice bowl.

15. Farmers Market Fried Rice  

Ready to use all your leftover veggies that are wilting in the fridge? This recipe is here to save the day.

The definition of adulting is being able to successfully consume all the groceries you buy. Let’s consider this dish to be a check on our to-do list.

This robust dish creates magic with tofu scramble, leftover white rice, and a long list of favorites such as leeks, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots.

The vegan version uses tofu instead of meat.

16. Smoky Vegan Pumpkin Chipotle Fried Rice 

Get ready to impress and possibly horrify your dinner guests with this unconventional side dish for the upcoming holiday season.

Using an Instant pot, prep time is a breeze. Toss your long-grain rice, pumpkin puree, jalapeño, and chipotle chili blend in all at once.

You’ll have a thrilling addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

17. Spanish Vegan Paella

This delicious vegan paella is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily adapted to your preferences.

So what are you waiting for? Give it a try!

18. Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice 

Throw this in an old takeout container and it could pass for the real deal.

Take a page out of Iron Chef with this dish by using gochujang. 

Paired with smoked tofu, premade kimchi, and white rice, this dish fools anyone into thinking it took hours to prepare with its depth in flavor.

19. Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms & Pecans 

Find solace in this wild rice pilaf combined with soft mushrooms soaked in red wine and topped with finely chopped pecans.

You can’t beat the combination of flavors, and this is the perfect dinner side dish.

20. Roasted Veggie Rice Bowls 

When it comes to veggie dense dishes, cauliflower seems to always be the last pick.

However, it’s an underdog that scores the winning home run for its versatility.

This dish features hunks of cauliflower along with broccoli, carrot, garbanzo beans, and brown rice for an unlikely all-star team.

21. Creamy Vegan Rice Pudding 

Have dinner covered? Rice is here to remind you it can master desserts, too.

You’ll adore this creamy and sweet rice pudding filled with medium white rice and raisins. It’s seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of orange zest.

22. Jollof Rice 

Just like New York and Chicago are known rivals for pizza, Ghana and Nigeria go head to head when it comes to Jollof rice.

And with good reason, because this West African dish is far from flat!

Cooked in a stew, this rice seeps in garlic, tomato puree, chili, and garlic, and is generously seasoned with curry powder and cayenne pepper.

23. Easy Turmeric Rice 

If you love flavorful and aromatic dishes, then you need to try making turmeric rice.

It’s a wonderfully easy dish to make, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Plus, it’s loaded with healthy antioxidants and nutrients that are great for your overall health.

Turmeric is the star of this dish and is an ideal partner for roasted vegetables or curried chickpeas.