Broccoli and Rice Recipe Vegan: Easy, Healthy, and Tasty

Looking for a wholesome, comforting, and easy-to-make vegan meal? This Broccoli and Rice recipe is exactly what you need!

It’s packed with vibrant, nutritious broccoli and fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, combined with flavorful seasonings to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly menu.

It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and versatile enough to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some extra greens while keeping things simple.

Perfect as a main dish or a side, this vegan broccoli and rice recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a cozy weekend dinner. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing?

Let’s dive into this flavorful, nutritious, and easy vegan delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Broccoli and rice is a classic combination that offers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. Here’s why this vegan version stands out:

• Nutritious: Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while rice provides a satisfying source of complex carbohydrates.
• Simple and Quick: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks.
• Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or add-ins like tofu or nuts for extra protein.
• Comforting: Warm, hearty, and filling, it’s a perfect vegan comfort food.
• Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a nuttier flavor)
• 2 ½ cups water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color and mild flavor)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon, optional, for brightness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or strainer (optional, for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (or 40 minutes for brown rice) until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered to steam for 5 more minutes.
3. Sauté the aromatics: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground black pepper, and turmeric. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5. Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to coat with the spices and oil. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Combine rice and broccoli: Once both components are ready, add the cooked rice to the skillet with the broccoli mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
7. Season and finish: Add the soy sauce and salt to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
8. Add fresh lemon juice and garnish: Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, and sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.
9. Serve warm: Transfer to plates or bowls and enjoy your nutritious vegan broccoli and rice meal!

Tips & Variations

“For an extra protein boost, stir in some cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes right before combining the rice and broccoli. You can also swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option!”

• Add nuts or seeds: Toasted almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for some heat and smoky flavor.
• Use frozen broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen works well too – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan yogurt for a creamy twist.
• Herb swaps: Try basil, dill, or chives instead of parsley for different fresh notes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan broccoli and rice dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and meals.

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light, balanced meal.
• Pair with a protein-rich side like roasted chickpeas or vegan meatballs to up the protein content.
• Top with a drizzle of tahini or your favorite vegan sauce for extra flavor.
• Enjoy as a filling lunch with a side of steamed edamame or grilled vegetables.

If you love easy, wholesome recipes, be sure to check out our Harvest Hash Recipe or the flavorful Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for more plant-based inspiration.

Conclusion

This vegan broccoli and rice recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based dishes to their rotation without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

The combination of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices makes each bite a comforting experience.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is sure to satisfy. Plus, its adaptability means you can make it your own with a variety of add-ins and seasonings.

For more easy and tasty vegan recipes, don’t miss our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe – a fresh and vibrant dish that complements this broccoli and rice meal beautifully. Enjoy cooking and eating healthy!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Broccoli and Rice Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and nutritious vegan dish combining tender broccoli and fluffy rice. Perfect as a wholesome main or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup long-grain brown rice”, “2 cups water”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 cups broccoli florets”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse rice under cold water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring water to boil in a pot, add rice, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and saut\u00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika; cook for 5-7 minutes until broccoli is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “7 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}