This tofu fried rice recipe is easy, quick, and makes vegetarian Asian recipes stand out with plant-protein power, perfectly coated rice, eggs that are never dry, and a sauce that only needs pantry staples. When you have leftover rice, this is what you make.
Table of contents
I often have tofu in my fridge and freezer (yea, using pre frozen tofu is a must for tons of good “meaty” recipes) and in addition to frequently making tofu fried rice, you’ll find me whipping up stir fry tofu, fragrant tofu satay with peanut sauce, spicing my life with kung pao tofu, and of course… finishing off with a big dessert of tofu chocolate pudding.
If you are missing tofu in your life, this is a sign to bring it on today because it’s easy to whip together, use whatever veggies you have in the fridge, and customize it to your liking.
Grab your leftover rice (because you know I eat rice daily) and fried rice with tofu is the no-nonsense solution, budget friendly, high volume, and super tasty meal that takes rice with tofu to another level of yummy.
Let’s go!
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What is Tofu Fried Rice
Tofu fried rice is a stir-fried rice dish made with tofu, pre-cooked rice, vegetables, aromatics, and a few Asian savory sauces. You can create your own version of fried rice tofu by making it vegan, vegetarian, or regular.
The tofu adds protein and texture (keeps your belly full and satisfied) while absorbing the flavor of the seasonings and sauces.
Can You Use Tofu Straight From the Package?
Yes, only if using firm or extra-firm tofu. This way the tofu stays intact and isn’t wet and mushy.
Otherwise, this tofu fried rice is the best because lightly browning and crisping the tofu adds more flavor and better texture to the entire recipe.
It definitely will make a difference to not skip this step!
You can pat it dry and cook it straight from the package, but removing excess moisture helps it brown and crisp better.
For crispier tofu:
- Press or pat dry first and remove as much moisture as you can
- Preferably, use thawed frozen tofu and squeeze out the water the cut into cubes. Freezing tofu makes it meaty, denser, and a very nice texture for stir fried recipes.
- Air fry/bake before adding to the fried rice. This will easily brown and crisp the tofu. It requires nothing but patting down the tofu, simply slicing the tofu into cubes, a light spray of avocado oil, and air-frying at 375 F for 10 minutes.
Silken tofu is usually too soft for traditional fried rice, while firm and extra-firm tofu work best. Do NOT use silken tofu for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked cold jasmine rice (day-old rice is best) – The rice needs to be leftover and cold in order to separate, have less moisture, and create a takeout-style fried rice
- 1.5 cups Firm or extra-firm tofu – This works best for browning and staying intact. Also gives a “meatier” texture and fillingness to the recipe.
- 2 tbsp Oil for cooking – Use avocado oil or high-heat tolerant oil.
- 1 egg – beaten (omit if you want a vegan recipe) – This adds more protein, flavor, texture, and color. Add another egg if you like.
- 1 cup frozen vegetables – peas, carrots, beans (Optional) – Amp up the fiber and nutrients! Frozen veggies are awesome or whatever you have on hand!
Fried Rice Seasoning Sauce:
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder – this makes it fast and easy, or use fresh and mince
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder – this makes it fast and easy, or use fresh and chop
- Small Pinch of sugar – balance flavors
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Vegan Oyster Sauce
- scallions – use as garnish
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Optional:
- Mushrooms
- Bok choy
- Chili oil – drizzle at the end; do not cook it in right away
- Sesame oil – drizzle at the end; do not cook it in right away
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels or tofu press (for drying tofu)
- Plate – for putting the tofu and eggs aside
- Small bowl – to mix the sauce
Instructions How to Make Tofu Fried Rice
- Pat the tofu dry and cut into small cubes or crumble into pieces. Absorb as much moisture as you can.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until lightly browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Do not move it around for a few minutes, allowing the sides to brown.
- Remove the tofu and set aside.
- Spray a little oil and add the beaten egg. Cook until just about cooked. Remove the egg as soon as it is firm, but still “wet” or else you will overcook the egg later.
- Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, pinch sugar, garlic and onion powder. Set aside.
- In the hot pan (medium heat and be sure has some oil), add cold cooked rice and break apart any clumps using the back of a spoon or spatula. Don’t move the rice around for a few minutes which allows it to heat up.
- Pour the sauce over the rice and start mixing, tossing frequently.
- Make some space by moving the rice aside, and add the vegetables. Toss and mix until the vegetables are cooked.
- Add in the tofu and the eggs. Mix very well. Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with scallions and serve hot. Enjoy tofu fried rice!
Best Tips
- Use cold rice for the best fried rice texture. Fresh rice will not work!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or the rice can steam instead of fry and it won’t separate as well.
- Cook tofu first so it develops texture and browns.
- Toss, toss, toss, toss…. just keep tossing. This will ensure the rice grains are perfectly coated and separated.
Foodie Elevation Tips
- Using pre frozen tofu will add the most meaty, dense, and spongy tofu to your recipe. It also has less moisture, allowing it to crisp up.
- Use your hands to break up the cold rice before adding it to the pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula so you don’t break your rice grains.
- Use a pan like carbon steel or cast iron if you can. They distribute heat evenly.
- Add a small spoonful of chili crisp or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the very end for more flavor depth and aroma.
Add-Ins and Variations
- Use brown rice for a more nutritious version
- Add kimchi for a spicy tangy version
- Toss in pineapple for a sweet-savory twist
- Add edamame for more protein
- Use dried mushrooms for extra umami and “meaty” texture
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with chili oil or chili crisp
- Pair with gyoza soup or vegan sinigang for a complete and filling family-style meal
- Top with cilantro for more zest
- Add a fried egg or jammy egg on top for more protein and flavor
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to really seal the container or else the rice will get dry.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water when reheating to add moisture.
FAQs
What tofu works for tofu fried rice?
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape during cooking.
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
No. It has too much moisture, which results in mushy fried rice.
Why is my fried rice mushy?
Usually from warm rice, overcrowding the pan, too much sauce, or your rice is not a day old and had too much moisture.
Do I have to press tofu?
Not necessarily, but it helps the tofu brown and crisp better because it releases the tofu water.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply skip the egg and use plant based alternatives such as vegan egg and vegan oyster sauce.
Is adding egg straight in the fried rice while it is cooking okay?
No. Cook it separately or push the rice to the side because you don’t want the egg to just mix into the rice thinly and make it mushy. The egg should be fluffy, not overcooked, and be in pieces.
Tofu fried rice is one of those easy meals once you know how fried rice is made properly. It’s quick enough for busy nights but still tastes like something comforting and homemade.
Make it your own and tell me in the comments how your tofu fried rice was!
Tofu Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet or wok
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- paper towels or tofu press (for drying tofu)
- plate for putting the tofu and eggs aside
- small bowl to mix the sauce
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked cold jasmine rice day old jasmine rice is best
- 1½ cups Firm or extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 egg beaten; optional
- 1 cup frozen vegetables or veggie of choice
- Salt and pepper
Fried Rice Seasoning Sauce
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder – this makes it fast and easy or use fresh and mince
- ½ tsp Onion Powder – this makes it fast and easy or use fresh and chop
- Small Pinch of sugar – balance flavors
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Vegan Oyster Sauce
Garnishes and Optional
- scallions use as garnish
- Sauteéd Mushrooms cook before adding to fried rice
- Bok choy
- Chili oil drizzle at the end; do not cook it in right away
- Sesame oil drizzle towards the end; do not cook it in right away
Instructions
- Pat the tofu dry and cut into small cubes or crumble into pieces. Absorb as much moisture as you can.1½ cups Firm or extra-firm tofu
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until lightly browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Do not move it around for a few minutes, allowing the sides to brown.Remove the tofu and set aside.2 tbsp Oil
- Spray a little oil and add the beaten egg. Cook until just about cooked. Remove the egg as soon as it is firm, but still “wet” or else you will overcook the egg later.1 egg
- Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, pinch sugar, garlic and onion powder. Set aside.½ tsp Garlic Powder – this makes it fast and easy, ½ tsp Onion Powder – this makes it fast and easy, Small Pinch of sugar – balance flavors, 2 tbsp Soy sauce, 1 tbsp Vegan Oyster Sauce
- In the hot pan (medium heat and be sure has some oil), add cold cooked rice and break apart any clumps using the back of a spoon or spatula. Don’t move the rice around for a few minutes which allows it to heat up.3 cups Cooked cold jasmine rice
- Pour the sauce over the rice and start mixing, tossing frequently.
- Make some space by moving the rice aside, and add the vegetables. Toss and mix until the vegetables are cooked.1 cup frozen vegetables , Sauteéd Mushrooms, Bok choy
- Add in the tofu and the eggs. Mix very well. Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.Salt and pepper , Sesame oil
- Garnish with scallions and serve hot. Enjoy tofu fried rice!scallions , Chili oil
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