An Asian-inspired vegan Veggie Fried Rice recipe with beautiful rainbow colored vegetables. This makes an easy weeknight meal - just add some edamame or tofu on the side!

This vegan Veggie Fried Rice recipe is like a beautiful plant-based rainbow!
There are so many vibrant colors. (But of course feel free to include your own favorite vegetables or whatever is in season.)
It's an easy family-friendly meal that works great for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Rainbow Fried Rice
For this recipe you will sauté in a wok or pan on the stove:
- Brown rice: It is best to cook the rice ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge before preparing the fried rice. I use organic brown basmati rice, but you could also use white rice if desired.
- Carrot
- Red bell pepper: Or yellow bell pepper or orange bell pepper.
- Red onion: Or substitute white onion or yellow onion, but I use red onion for the purple color since this is a rainbow fried rice.
- Peas: I use frozen green peas for this recipe.
- Sweet corn: Either frozen, canned, of cooked fresh.
- Garlic cloves
- Toasted sesame oil
- Tamari: Or substitute soy sauce, but I use tamari for gluten-free. Coconut aminos also works great.

Tips for Better Fried Rice
- Use cold rice. If you cook the rice ahead of time, it's not only an awesome time-saver, but it makes the fried rice much less soggy. Just make the rice in advance and cool it in the fridge for at least a couple hours or overnight.
- Use minimal oil and liquids while cooking. I enjoy the taste of sesame oil so I'm always tempted to pour more, but for fried rice less is better. I find 1 teaspoon is plenty to get all my veggies cooking while not weighing it down and turning it to mush. The same goes for tamari/soy sauce. Use just a little while cooking, and add more to taste right before serving.
- Thoroughly let it fry. Make sure you take some time to thoroughly fry the rice at the end to achieve the beautiful light golden brown color. This also gives a chance for all the flavors to combine.
Customizing
Flavors: Change up the taste how you see fit. Add freshly grated ginger, more garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, or anything else that sounds good.
Vegetables: Change up the veggies based on your own favorites or what is in season. Include snow peas, cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, etc.
Add a protein: Serve this with cashews or peanuts, tempeh, edamame, tofu, vegan egg, vegan chicken strips, vegan beef, etc. We enjoy a flavorful tofu dish on the side like this Asian Garlic Tofu, Teriyaki Baked Tofu, or Easy Baked Tofu.
Garnish: Top your bowl with sriracha hot sauce, green onions (scallions), or sesame seeds before serving if desired.

For more inspiration, also browse all Asian-inspired recipes.

Rainbow Veggie Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice (uncooked)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1 1/2 cups peas (I use frozen)
- 1 cup sweet corn (I use frozen)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the rice ahead of time according to package instructions. When cool, transfer to a sealed container in the fridge to chill for a couple hours/overnight.*
- Dice carrots, bell pepper, onion, and mince garlic.
- In a large wok or pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tsp. sesame oil. Let heat for a minute.
- When oil is hot, carefully add onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Stirring often, sauté for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add peas and corn. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add rice and 3 Tbsp. tamari (more/less as needed). Stirring occasionally, cook for about 5 minutes. Serve with additional tamari or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
If you are enjoying this Vegetable Rainbow Fried Rice recipe, also check out:
- Broccoli with Asian Garlic Sauce
- Vegetable Lo Mein
- Asian Garlic Green Beans
- Quinoa Veggie Stir-Fry
- Asparagus and Mushroom Stir-Fry
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Unknown
Hi, do you defrost the frozen vegetables before adding to the rice? Keep up the good work.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hi and thanks! No need to defrost the veggies first - I just toss them in frozen! Hope you enjoy!
Anonymous
Thank you very much for this recipe, I am going to make this for my vegan wedding, colorful is my theme. Even my dress is embroidered with colorful flowers
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
That's absolutely amazing! Fun to hear this rice will make an appearance. Congratulations and enjoy your special day!
Lauren W.
This was delicious! I added a couple of eggs to the mix and some vegetarian mandarin chicken. Yummyyy
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thanks for sharing!