Brown rice has a reputation for being the healthy-but-boring grain, but it doesn't have to be! With a little help from beans, veggies, herbs, and spices, that chewy, nutty whole grain becomes the star of the plate.

From cozy pilafs and stuffed squash to burgers, bowls, and stir-fries, we've rounded up our best vegan brown rice recipes. Whether you're cooking a batch from scratch or using up leftover rice from last night's takeout, there's something here for every meal.
Tasty Brown Rice Recipes
Nutty brown rice gets topped with black beans, creamy avocado, and caramelized oven-baked sweet plantains. It is a colorful, filling bowl with an authentic Cuban touch.
Earthy beets and chewy brown rice team up in a hearty veggie burger with a secret splash of red wine vinegar. Stack one on a bun with pickled onions and you have a burger that tastes like so much more than the sum of its parts.
A no-cook main-dish salad that turns leftover brown rice into something special. Beans, avocado, lime, and warm southwestern spices make it a fast, satisfying lunch or dinner.
A vegan take on the classic Southern dish of black-eyed peas and rice, made with vegan sausage or tempeh bacon. Traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck, it is hearty enough to enjoy any night of the year.
Spicy bits of vegan sausage give this Creole-Cajun classic an authentic flair, and brown rice soaks up all of the savory flavor. Serve it with coleslaw and fresh corn bread for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Chewy wild rice and tender brown rice give this pilaf plenty of texture. Spinach, parsley, and toasted almonds make it a welcome side dish for everyday meals or special occasions.
Earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice meet brown rice in a pilaf that is just as good warm as it is at room temperature. It is a perfect side for the Thanksgiving or Christmas table, though you need not wait for a holiday.
A bright, savory rice dish with pigeon peas, peppers, and warm spices inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled, and use red beans if you cannot find pigeon peas.
Brown rice, plenty of broccoli, and fresh parsley are baked with vegan cheddar for a wholesome casserole that is a little bit addictive. Cook the rice ahead of time and the whole thing comes together in a snap.
Delicata squash halves are filled with a savory brown rice and quinoa pilaf full of sauteed onion, garlic, bell pepper, and fresh herbs. It is a cozy main dish, or a side if you serve smaller portions.
Thyme-scented brown rice, toasted pecans, and a savory bread stuffing fill tender roasted squash halves. It is a showstopping vegan main or side dish for the holiday table.
This hearty pilaf is packed with white beans, baby spinach, and shiitake mushrooms. It is loaded with nutritious flavor and works as either a main dish or a side.
Vegetable broth, garlic, mushrooms, and a bit of scallion turn plain brown rice into a side dish that is a treat in its own right. It is an easy way to dress up a simple grain.
Filled with lots of veggies, this easy stir-fried rice is a great way to use up leftover brown rice. Serve it alongside your favorite Asian-style vegetable and tofu dishes.
Brown rice, crisp golden tofu, and peanuts come together in a simple main-dish stir-fry with peas and red bell pepper. Have the rice cooked ahead of time and dinner is a breeze.
This Thai restaurant classic is easy to make at home with brown rice, pineapple, and veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. It is colorful, lightly sweet, and made luscious with a little coconut milk.
Cuban-inspired black beans, seasoned with garlic and a splash of cider vinegar, are spooned over brown rice and finished with fresh diced pepper. It is packed with plant-based protein and ready in about 30 minutes.
A quick version of the Jamaican favorite known as rice and peas, made with small red beans, brown rice, and light coconut milk. Thyme, scallions, and a pinch of curry powder round out the flavor.
Diced eggplant takes the place of the traditional dirty ingredients in this super-satisfying vegan version of a Louisiana favorite. Brown rice, paprika, and fresh thyme keep it hearty, and hot sauce is passed at the table.
Large collard green leaves make amazing wrappers for a hefty helping of yellow rice and black beans. Topped with red sauce, these are a fun, fresh twist on enchiladas.
Rice and beans are usually served alongside burritos, but wrapped inside the tortilla they make a filling meal on their own. Serve with a simple salad, tortilla chips, and salsa.
Crisp teriyaki-flavored tofu bites are perched atop nori-flecked short-grain brown rice. It is a lively combination of cooked and raw ingredients in one invigorating bowl.
Brown rice, brown lentils, and rutabaga simmer together with rosemary in a single pot, with only about 10 minutes of hands-on time. It is a hearty, cozy dish made from pantry staples.
Cooked brown rice and cauliflower are tossed with aromatic curry seasonings, ginger, and sweet raisins. Finish with toasted cashews or sesame seeds for a quick pilaf that is full of flavor.
A light and lilting rice side dish inspired by an old New Orleans Creole recipe. Orange juice, orange zest, and tiny orange sections add a symphony of citrus notes to nutty brown rice.
And if you love these brown rice recipes, here are a few more collections worth bookmarking:








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