Description
This One Pot Veggie Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make vegetarian meal featuring jasmine rice cooked with a mix of colorful vegetables, smoked tofu, and a savory soy-hoisin sauce blend. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a comforting dish packed with umami and texture, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Grains
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or white rice, dry)
- 1 cup water
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots and peas mix (frozen)
- ½ cup broccoli florets (chopped small)
- Green onion (chopped, for garnish)
Proteins
- 375 grams smoked tofu (one large block, cut into cubes)
Sauces & Oils
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Other
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Combine rice and liquids: Add the jasmine rice to a medium-sized pot along with the water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend all the ingredients and ensure the sauce is evenly distributed with the rice.
- Layer the vegetables and tofu: Carefully layer the frozen carrots and peas mixture, chopped broccoli florets, and cubed smoked tofu on top of the rice and sauce mixture in the pot. Do not stir the layers so that the rice can cook evenly underneath the toppings.
- Cook the rice: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook undisturbed for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Rest and combine: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish the cooking process. Then, uncover the pot and gently fold the contents together to mix the vegetables, tofu, and rice evenly.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and, if desired, add more hoisin sauce or rice vinegar to enhance the flavor. Serve garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Using jasmine rice or white rice will yield the best texture for this recipe.
- Do not stir the pot during cooking to ensure the rice cooks properly without becoming mushy.
- Smoked tofu adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can substitute with firm tofu if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of soy or hoisin sauce according to your taste preferences, especially if you want it less salty or sweeter.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
