40 Vegan Rice Recipes from Around the World

Rice- The Global Staple

Rice- short grained, long grained, brown or white- it’s a simple ingredient, but one that finds itself at the heart of many different food cultures. It is the seed of grass species, and is enjoyed around the globe, at it’s highest concentrations across Asia. Nutritionally, rice is high in carbohydrates and contains almost no fat- depending on the type of rice, it contains different micronutrients. It is the most important and consumed human crop, uniting the globe. We all eat rice, and we all love rice, and most countries across the globe have long-loved food traditions featuring rice. We wanted to share something special with you all- vegan rice recipes from around the globe.

40 Vegan Rice Recipes From Around the World

Here is a collection of 41 vegan rice recipes, all inspired by different countries or regions from around the globe. Some are authentic, some more whimsical, but all of them feature that commonality in our food- rice.

China

Tofu Fried Rice by My Darling Vegan

This Chinese-inspired dish is not only delicious, but it’s a sneaky way to get kids to eat their vegetables. Even with all the delicious add-ins, rice is still the star.

Vegan Brown Rice Congee (Savory Rice Porridge) with Jackfruit and Mushrooms by Very Vegan Val.

When you’re under the weather in the U.S., the suggestion is a bowl of chicken noodle soup. In China, rice congee is a more common dish. This savory rice porridge is silky and comforting.

Golden Fried Rice with Scrambled Tofu by Nora Cooks

If you’ve got leftover rice, you’ve got a great reason to make this golden fried rice! It’s great when vegan rice recipes use something you might have thrown out otherwise.

France

One Pot Ratatouille Rice by Yup It’s Vegan

This rice version of the traditional French stew might not be exactly the same recipe that has been cooked in French cottages for generations, but it holds the same flavors in a new, rice-based remix.

Germany

Baked Sauerkraut with Brown Rice and Prunes by Jasmin Cook Book

Talk about a creative vegan rice recipes, this one takes the cake!

Greece

Vegan Rice Stuffed Dolmades by Strength and Sunshine

This Mediterranean classic is filled with rice, olives, eggplant, spices, and herbs. Although often filled with meat, this version looks much tastier as it’s completely cruelty-free!

Dolmas by Eat the Vegan Rainbow

Okay, these are both dolma recipes, but they’re not the same! Plus you can never have too many rice-stuffed grape leaves. I actually have a version of my own, using fresh grape leaves, for any foragers out there!

India

Vegan Kedgeree with Jackfruit and Lentils by Quite Good Food

This dish is actually a little Indian, and a little British. Traditionally made with fish, this vegan rice recipe was made to cater to the British during India’s time as a British colony.

Rice Pudding by The Belly Rules the Mind

Rice pudding hails from many different cultures, and it’s hard to find one that you can say is the single founder of the sweet dessert rice dish. This rice pudding is inspired by the Indian version of the dish, Kheer, but its made in the most modern of cooking instruments, the Instant Pot!

Idli (Fermented Rice Cakes) by My Cooking Journey

Soft and spongy, these fermented rice cakes are as easy on the stomach as they are pleasant on the tongue. As far as vegan rice recipes go, this one is a little more involved and requires time to let the batter ferment. But good idli will come to those who wait!

Indonesia

Vegan Indonesian-Style Fried Rice by The Circus Gardener’s Kitchen

This classic Indonesian-style street  food is a great breakfast, dinner, midnight snack, or anything in-between. Topping it with crispy shallots was enough for this vegan rice recipe to get my vote!

Israel

Basmati and Wild Rice with Chickpeas, Currants, and Herbs by The View from Great Island

This stunning rice pilaf is hearty, filling, and protein-packed. As far as vegan rice recipes go, this one is an A+ for it’s aesthetics, and includes wild rice (which is actually a grain) alongside the basmati rice.

Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit by Veggies Saves the Day

This recipe hits that delicate balance between sweet and savory, is fruity and fragrant, and a delicious Israeli vegan rice recipe. With some added chickpeas. this makes a delicious and filling meal.

Fragrant Israeli Rice by Delightful Vegans

Lentils, pepitas and sultanas are added to this turmeric-golden rice for a fragrant and filling dish you won’t want to stop eating. Just make sure you save a little room for some of these other vegan rice recipes!

Italy

Mushroom Risotto with Saffron and Sage by Quite Good Food

One of the dishes that defines Italian cuisine might be the creamy and silky risotto, that long-stirred rice dish that is so favored by professional chefs and home cooks alike. This vegan version ties in kale and mushrooms, for a unique take on the Italian classic.

Vegan Sausage, Red Pepper, and Brown Rice Casserole by Tinned Tomatoes

Rich red pepper rice and hearty vegan sausage, this is a filling meal the whole family can enjoy. Made in one-pot for simplicity, this is a great vegan rice recipe for a hurried weeknight!

Farro and Black Rice Salad by Veggie Society

Firstly, I want to say something. Black rice isn’t rice, it’s a grain. But in appearance, culinary uses, and name it pretty much is rice, so we were happy to share this Italian-style rice salad with all of you. All the citrus looks amazing!

Jamaica

Pigeon Pea Rice by Fried Dandelions

When Caribbean flavors go vegan, recipes like this are the delicious result. This recipe actually comes from a whole book of Caribbean Vegan recipes, and this rice-centered one is a sure winner.

Jamaican Rice and Peas by Healthier Steps

If Pidgeon peas aren’t in your pantry, this recipe offers a simple alternative, while still getting the Jamaican flavors- kidney beans! A great, Island vegan rice recipe.

Japan

Vegan Rice Casserole by Rhian’s Recipes

This creamy vegan casserole is inspired by a Japanese dish, Doria, which uses rice, seafood and vegetables in creamy sauce. The vegan version of this rice recipe uses an almond béchamel, and fungi and flora to achieve that same creamy rice bake.

Teriyaki Instant Pot Rice by A Virtual Vegan

A little bit of Japan, a whole lot of easy, instant dinner. This is one of those vegan rice recipes you want in your pocket for when you need a quick, one pot meal without a whole lot of wait.

Vegan Onigiri with Smoked “Salmon” by Slavic Vegan

Firstly, how adorable are these onigiri? Although carrots aren’t exactly the traditional salmon ingredient, I feel like these vegan rice bundles of cuteness would feel right at home in Japan.

Korea

Kimchi Fried Rice by V Nutrition

There is no food I find more Korean than kimchi- the spicy, fermented cabbage dish that captures so many of the flavors of Korean cuisine. This fried rice brings in all of those flavors, and (for those of you looking for something a little healthier) it’s not actually fried!

Mexico

30-Minute Black Beans and Rice by My Darling Vegan

Mexican-style rice (and a whole meal!) in just 30 minutes? Yes please! Thank goodness for vegan rice recipes, making dinner easy and delicious!

Cheesy Vegan Mexican Rice Casserole by Thyme and Love

This cheesy vegan rice casserole looks AMAZING, and I would never have believed that (discluding water, salt, and pepper) it is only 5 ingredients! Time to dig into this cheesy goodness!

Mexican Green Rice with Fideo by Thyme and Love

This second variation of Mexican rice from Thyme and Love brings in all things green- spinach, poblano, cilantro- as well as a pasta, while still allowing the rice to be the star.

Morocco

Moroccan-Inspired Vegan Lentil and Rice Casserole by Bear Plate

Tomato, mint, raisin, and orange? With all of those great sounding flavors, this hands-off, one-pot, rice supper is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied, and give you a little taste of Morocco at the same time.

Persia

Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit by Veggies Save the Day

Just because you’re not an empire anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t inspire cuisine! This Persian (Middle Eastern) inspired pilaf is a delicious vegan rice recipe is filled with dates and raisins, to add a sweet touch to your rice.

Spain

Roasted Red Pepper Vegan Paella by Very Vegan Val

With untraditional ingredients, by lots of traditional techniques and flavors, this vegan paella is sure to take any thought of “boring” or “unexciting” from your mind when it comes to vegan rice recipes. Roasted red peppers, edamame, artichoke hearts, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh parsley make a delicious and stunning rice-based meal.

Vegan Spanish Rice by Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen

Filled with rice and tomatoes, this simple Spanish-style vegan rice is a great side dish and can be made quickly and easily. It is true to the rice, and makes it the star.

One-Pot Spicy Vegetable Rice by A Virtual Vegan

This one-pot rice dish started as a fishy paella, but over the years it was veganized into this hearty, cruelty-free, Spanish-inspired vegan rice dish. The colors alone are making me think of sunny Spain!

Thailand

Thai Green Curry Rice by Rhian’s Recipes

We’ve all had curry on rice, but this rice is flavored with curry paste. This Thai-inspired vegan rice recipe elevates your average bowl of rice into a green and flavorful experience!

Sticky Rice with Mango by Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen

This Thai version of rice pudding uses sweet rice, coconut milk, sesame, and mango to instill the warm flavors of Thailand into this vegan rice dessert recipe.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice by Vegan Heaven

Talk about a party in a bowl! Or a pineapple, actually. This pineapple fried rice celebrates the simple ingredient, in an elaborate, sunny, Thai style.

United States

Vegan Jambalaya by Cilantro and Citronella

This vegan take on a Cajun classic comes from the bright food culture located primarily in the southern state of Louisiana. Although the cuisine tends to be seafood heavy, this vegan rice recipe will make you like you’re in the “big easy”.

Easy Gluten-Free Homemade Rice-A-Roni by Strength and Sunshine

Rice-a-roni is a pasta and rice pilaf, with seasoning packages. A quick, instant meal that started in San Francisco, CA but has spread across the globe since then. This homemade version is a fun take on the original.

Thanksgiving Wild Rice by Veggie Society

Wild rice (while not actually rice) is a crop native to the Americas, and tribes up in the Great Lakes region have been utilizing it for generations. This rice dish, then, is truly inspired by the Americas.

Vietnam

Vegan Vietnamese-Style Fried Rice by Circus Gardener

For all of you fried rice lovers out there, here’s another great recipe for you all! This Vietnamese-style fried rice has crispy shallots, Thai basil, mint, lemongrass, coriander- and several more ingredients. It’s a wonderful addition to this collection of vegan rice recipes!

West Africa

Jollof Rice by Recipes from a Pantry

Part of every special occasion, this West African favorite has tons of different variations. This simple recipe stays true to the classics, and even includes a variation that can be made in the instant pot.

Let’s hear from you…

• What is rice as an ingredient to you?
• What different countries and cultures come to mind when you think of rice? What different vegan rice dishes do you love?
• What other dishes should be included in this collection of vegan rice recipes? (we know we can’t get them all!)

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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