5 minute vegetarian recipes brown rice 5 Minute Vegetarian Recipes With Brown Rice Made Easy

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you’re short on time but still crave a wholesome, filling meal, these 5-minute vegetarian recipes using brown rice are a game-changer. Brown rice, with its nutty flavor and chewy texture, serves as a nutritious base packed with fiber and essential minerals.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or just someone who loves quick meals, these recipes combine simplicity and health in one bowl. No need to fuss over complicated preparations or long cooking times—these dishes come together in a flash without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

From vibrant stir-fries to refreshing rice bowls, these recipes are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a power-packed snack. Plus, they’re versatile enough to suit any season or pantry staple.

If you’ve been looking for ways to make the most out of your pre-cooked brown rice, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into these easy, delicious recipes that prove fast food can be both vegetarian and nourishing.

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These 5-minute vegetarian brown rice recipes are perfect for anyone who wants a quick, healthy meal without the hassle. They use pre-cooked brown rice, which saves you the time of cooking rice from scratch.

The recipes are packed with fresh vegetables, plant-based proteins, and flavorful seasonings, making them both satisfying and nutritious.

Because brown rice is a whole grain, it provides sustained energy and supports digestion better than white rice. These recipes are highly customizable too—swap veggies, add your favorite herbs, or toss in nuts and seeds for extra texture.

Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping something up last minute, these dishes fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (preferably chilled or at room temperature)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, or broccoli)
  • 1/2 cup canned chickpeas or black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet or wok
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Bowl for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are tender-crisp.
  4. Add the cooked brown rice and chickpeas to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and evenly coated.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, and your choice of optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover brown rice to make meal prep a breeze. Keeping cooked rice in the fridge means you can whip up these meals any time in minutes!

  • Swap vegetables: Use whatever you have on hand—spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or frozen mixed veggies work beautifully.
  • Protein boost: Add tofu cubes, tempeh, or edamame for extra plant-based protein.
  • Flavor twist: Try a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of chili paste for a tangy or spicy kick.
  • Make it a salad: Serve the brown rice mixture chilled over a bed of greens for a refreshing summer dish.
  • Batch cook: Prepare a big batch and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 280 kcal
Carbohydrates 45 g
Protein 8 g
Fat 6 g
Fiber 5 g
Sodium 450 mg
Vitamin C 30% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

These quick brown rice dishes pair wonderfully with a side of steamed greens or a fresh vegetable salad. For a heartier meal, add a bowl of miso soup or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread.

If you want to explore more vegetarian dishes, check out our Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe for vibrant vegetable medleys, or try a comforting Bread And Gravy Recipe to complement your rice bowl.

For an energizing start to your day, don’t miss the Breakfast Wellington Recipe packed with vegetarian goodness.

More 5-Minute Vegetarian Brown Rice Recipes

Brown Rice & Avocado Salad Bowl

  • Ingredients: 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1 ripe avocado diced, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, fresh basil or cilantro.
  • Instructions: In a large bowl, combine brown rice, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil over the top, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro and serve chilled.

Spicy Peanut Brown Rice Stir-Fry

  • Ingredients: 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1 cup mixed stir-fry vegetables, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, chopped peanuts and green onions for garnish.
  • Instructions: Heat sesame oil in a skillet, add vegetables and sauté until tender-crisp. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Add rice to skillet, pour peanut sauce over, and stir well to coat. Garnish with peanuts and green onions before serving.

Mediterranean Brown Rice Bowl

  • Ingredients: 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup cucumber diced, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1/4 cup kalamata olives sliced, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, fresh oregano or parsley.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately or chilled.

Curried Brown Rice & Lentil Bowl

  • Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup cooked lentils, 1/2 cup steamed spinach, 1/4 cup diced carrots, 1 tsp curry powder, 1 tbsp coconut oil, salt to taste.
  • Instructions: Heat coconut oil in a pan, add curry powder and sauté briefly. Add carrots and lentils, cook until warm. Stir in brown rice and spinach, season with salt, and serve hot.

Asian-Inspired Brown Rice Veggie Wraps

  • Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup shredded cabbage, 1/4 cup julienned carrots, 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 4 large lettuce leaves for wrapping.
  • Instructions: Toss rice and veggies with hoisin sauce. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves, wrap, and enjoy as a light, fresh meal.

Conclusion

These 5-minute vegetarian recipes with brown rice prove that fast, nutritious meals don’t have to be complicated or bland. Using pre-cooked brown rice as a foundation, you can create a variety of dishes bursting with flavor and texture.

From hearty stir-fries to refreshing salads and wraps, these recipes offer flexibility to suit your taste and what’s available in your kitchen.

Plus, they’re perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or whenever you want a wholesome meal in minutes. With simple ingredients, basic kitchen equipment, and a handful of clever tips, you’ll find yourself reaching for these recipes again and again.

For more inspiration, explore our other delicious recipes like the Bread And Gravy Recipe or the Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe to round out your vegetarian meal ideas.

📖 Recipe Card: 5 Minute Vegetarian Brown Rice Bowl

Description: A quick and nutritious brown rice bowl packed with fresh veggies and flavorful sauce. Perfect for a fast, healthy meal any time of day.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine cooked brown rice and black beans in a bowl.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and cilantro.
  3. Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the mixture.
  4. Sprinkle ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
  5. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 55 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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