Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice

Just a few months ago, I moved to a new apartment in a totally different neighborhood than where I had been living before. To be honest, the hardest adjustment wasn’t learning where the closest subway station was, which gym was nearby or what time to take my dog on a walk to avoid the winding lines at the elevator. Instead, the biggest challenge for me was learning to navigate the new grocery store across the street.

Even though the layout is totally different than I’m used to, the aisles are thinner and they don’t carry all of the same brands that I’m familiar with, they do have a lot of new and unique products that I’ve never tried cooking with. And today while I was stocking up on the usual tofu and tempeh in the vegetarian aisle, I spotted a new ingredient that definitely wasn’t at my last grocery store: kimchi!

Without a second thought, I grabbed a jar and was already salivating at the recipe I was planning to make. This vegan kimchi fried rice is not only delicious, but it’s also great for gut health and loaded with the essential nutrients that you need to help feel your best.

The star ingredient in this tasty recipe is kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine that is made from fermented veggies like cabbage, garlic and ginger. Not only does it add a pop of flavor to this delicious dish, but it’s also incredibly nutritious and packed with powerful probiotics.

Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in the gut that have far-reaching effects on health. Not only can probiotics help optimize digestion, but some research shows that they can also enhance immune function, bump up fat-burning and promote mental health as well. And what’s more, emerging research continues to unearth more and more benefits of this power-packed ingredient every day, giving you all the more reason to fill up on fermented foods like kimchi.

Besides kimchi, this recipe also features plenty of other nutrient-packed ingredients. including broccoli, tofu and avocados, providing the perfect mix of proteins, fats and fiber. And best of all, this vegan kimchi fried rice is easy to make and includes just a few simple staples, many of which you may already have on hand.

Ready to get going? Fire up the stove, start chopping and get ready to enjoy this delicious and nutritious vegan kimchi fried rice!

Print Recipe

Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice

This vegan kimchi fried rice is packed with probiotics to promote gut health, plus the perfect ratio of healthy fats, protein and fiber.

Course

Main Dish

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice, dry
• 1 14-oz package firm tofu
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (divided, sub tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 floret broccoli, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 16-oz jar vegan kimchi, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped (optional)

Course Main Dish Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Servings servings Ingredients 2 cups rice, dry 1 14-oz package firm tofu 1/2 cup soy sauce (divided, sub tamari for gluten-free) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 floret broccoli, chopped 1/2 red onion, chopped 1 16-oz jar vegan kimchi, chopped 1 avocado, sliced (optional) 1 bunch cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. To make the rice, add 4 cups of water to 2 cups of white rice over high heat and cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until most water is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes.
2. While the rice is cooking, cut the tofu into 1" cubes and add to a skillet over medium heat. Allow tofu to sear 3-5 minutes on each side until golden. Then add 1/4 cup of soy sauce and continue cooking another 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally to coat both sides evenly.
3. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to a pan over medium heat and add chopped broccoli and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until broccoli and onions are cooked.
4. Add cooked tofu to the pan along with rice, chopped kimchi and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve topped with cilantro and sliced avocado and enjoy.

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