This quick dinner idea is perfect for weeknights! It’s a tasty vegetarian fried rice with a special touch of turmeric oil and some crispy bits. Are you excited to try a new, tasty, and easy-to-make dish for your weekday dinners? Check out this amazing Tofu Fried Rice recipe! It’s a fun vegetarian version of the classic fried rice that everyone loves.
This recipe mixes great flavors and textures. You’ll get the warm taste of turmeric, the fresh zing of garlic and ginger, and the crispy bits of rice. It’s like the regular fried rice but with a twist, inspired by the flavors of biryani and tahdig. Whether you love tofu or just want a different rice dish, you should definitely give this a go. It’s full of flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight meal and also great for weekend get-togethers. Get ready for a delicious and fulfilling meal that’s easy to put together!
Ingredients For Tofu Fried Rice:
- 1 pack of firm tofu (14 oz.), drained
- 6 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
- 2 Tbsp. garlic, thinly sliced (from 4 large cloves)
- 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. ground turmeric
- 1/2 cup raisins (split into two parts)
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice (like basmati), no clumps
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Optional: Plain yogurt (dairy or nondairy) for topping
Instructions For Tofu Fried Rice:
- Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and press to get rid of extra water. It’s okay if the tofu breaks a bit. Crumble it into small pieces in a bowl.
- In a large nonstick pan, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and 1/4 cup of raisins. Cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic softens, stirring often.
- Add the crumbled tofu to the pan. Stir it constantly for about 30 seconds, until it soaks up the turmeric oil.
- Put the rice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan. Stir everything together well. Spread the rice evenly in the pan and let it cook without stirring for about 3 minutes until the rice and tofu get a bit crispy.
- Stir the rice and press it down again into an even layer. Cook without stirring for another 3 minutes to get more crispy bits.
- Take the pan off the heat. Mix in the cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and the rest of the raisins.
- Serve it with a drizzle of yogurt on top if you like.
- The total cooking time for the Tofu Fried Rice recipe is approximately 25 minutes.
Using Leftovers:
- Rice: This recipe is perfect for using leftover long-grain rice, like basmati. Leftover rice, especially when it’s a day old, fries up better, becoming more crispy and less sticky.
- Tofu: If you have any leftover tofu from another meal, feel free to use it. Just make sure to crumble it well.
Storing Ideas:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a little oil or water if necessary to prevent sticking. Microwaving also works, but the rice may not retain its crispiness.
- Freezing: Although freezing is possible, it may change the texture of the rice and tofu. If you choose to freeze it, use it within 1 month for the best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
| Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Firm tofu (14 oz.), drained | 1 pack | Wrap in a towel and press to remove excess moisture. Crumble into small pieces. |
| Olive oil (divided) | 6 Tbsp. | Use 1/4 cup to cook garlic, ginger, turmeric, and 1/4 cup raisins. Add 2 tbsp later. |
| Garlic, thinly sliced (from 4 large cloves) | 2 Tbsp. | Cook with turmeric until softened. |
| Fresh ginger, finely chopped | 1 Tbsp. | Plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) for topping (optional) |
| Ground turmeric | 1 Tbsp. | Cook with garlic and ginger. |
| Raisins (divided) | 1/2 cup | Add to the skillet with tofu, and cook until crispy. |
| Cooked long-grain white rice (like basmati), no clumps | 3 cups | Add with garlic and turmeric, and cook until softened. |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1 cup | Stir in after cooking. |
| Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) | 1 Tbsp. | Stir in after cooking. |
| Kosher salt | 1 1/2 tsp | Stir in after cooking. |
| Plain yogurt (dairy or nondairy) for topping (optional) | – | Optional, for topping after cooking. |
Enjoy your delicious homemade tofu fried rice!
