Vegan Garlic Rice Recipe

I’ve never been one to enjoy plain rice, even with something wholesome like a curry or stew, it’s just not my thing. This vegan garlic rice recipe is inspired by my mum’s method.

This simple rice recipe is simple to make, and only requires 6 ingredients:

Garlic 

Onion

Rice

Stock

Bayleaf

Olive oil

That’s literally it, it’s a simple, versatile rice recipe perfect for a go-to rice to pair well with virtually anything. You don’t necessarily need to add oil, I personally do as it helps carry the garlicky flavour for the rice.

What pairs well with vegan garlic rice?

The real question is, what doesn’t?

My personal preference is to pair it with a hearty stew, like a brown lentil stew or with something “meaty” topped with mushroom sauce. Originally before I went vegan, mama used to make me steak, garlic rice and homemade chips.

Looking back on it, I used to yam up the rice like it was the star of the show, even before I went vegan, like it was meant to be!

How long does garlic rice take to make?

Garlic rice cooks according to package instructions, so if your rice takes 10 minutes, it’ll be 10 minutes to make, if it typically takes 15, it’ll take 15, and so on. Give or take 2-3 minutes to sauté the onion and garlic.

This veganised garlic rice recipe is based on my mum’s recipe, which uses chicken stock and garlic as the main ingredients. I’ve subbed the chicken stock for veg stock and added in cilantro (coriander for brits) to enhance the garlic flavour.

Garlic rice is such an easy, tasty go-to for those looking for a cheap, tasty side dish that virtually pairs well with everything. If you give this vegan garlic rice a chance and enjoy it, be sure to share the recipe with your friends, family and loved ones!

Print Recipe
Simple garlic rice
A tasty Portuguese staple inspired by my mama.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Passive Time 40 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Passive Time 40 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Wash the cup of rice of any impurities until you rinse it and water no longer becomes cloudy, drain and set aside. Heat oil in a saucepan.
  2. Finely dice garlic on a chopping board, transfer to saucepan, sauté for 2-4 minutes, or until fragrant.
  3. Add the cleaned rice to the mix and stir within, for 1-2 minutes, on a medium heat. Coat well with garlic and oil mixture.
  4. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, crush a vegetable stock cube and stir within 1 cup of water.
  5. Once stock is dissolved, add to the rice, then add bayleaves into the saucepan; Bring to a boil.
  6. Once it is boiling, cover and simmer on a low heat for 10-15 minutes (or however long rice says on package instructions).
  7. Once water is fully absorbed, remove saucepan from heat, and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes prior to serving.
  8. Once rice is fluffy, it’s ready to serve, enjoy with your favourite entrée!
Recipe Notes

You can make this oil free, by adding a splash of water when sautéeing the garlic and rice.

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