Vegan Spanish Rice recipe - This double protein dish (tofu + beans) packs a fun punch of flavor with smoked paprika as the seasoning.
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Vegan Spanish Rice
This dish came about after I was researching recipes that used smoked paprika. This double protein dish (tofu + beans) packs a fun punch of flavor with smoked paprika as the seasoning. Vegan Spanish Rice is a family favorite at our house!
This is one of those weeknight meals that I know is going to be a hit every single time. We love the smokey flavor and texture of this dish!
And rest easy knowing that it's super simple to make, too. With very little effort, you can easily create a delicious meal for everyone in your family to enjoy. We've made this as our go-to meal so many times, I've seriously lost count. (but I can tell you that no matter how many times we've made it, it's always delicious and always a hit!)
Vegan Spanish Rice is a Classic Combination
Not only is a plate of beans and rice filling, but it’s nutritious as well, containing protein, vitamins, and minerals to fuel your body. Adding tofu to the mix makes it a very filling and protein-rich meal. The great thing about all three of these items is that they are a blank slate for flavor! Rice, beans, and tofu will all take on the flavor of your dish beautifully as they don’t have strong flavors on their own.
And they all do a wonderful job of taking on the flavor of whatever spices that you're cooking with.
Ingredients for Vegan Spanish Rice
- tofu
- onion
- bell pepper
- rice
- tomatoes
- kidney beans
- peas
- spices (I used cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder)
How to make Vegan Spanish Rice
The best part about this Vegan Spanish Rice and beans recipe is how simple it is to make. It's similar to my Spanish Rice with Olives recipe.
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In a hot skillet saute the cubed tofu until its brown. Set aside.
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Saute onion then add bell pepper.
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When onion and pepper are soft stir in remaining ingredients (except cooked tofu). Cook for 10-15 minutes. If your mixture becomes dry, try adding a bit of water.
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Add your cooked tofu and serve.
More Tofu Recipes To Try
- Tofu Fried Rice
- Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe
- Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burritos
- Sweet and Sour Tofu
- Tofu Noodle Bowls
- Pineapple Barbecue Tofu
- Buffalo Tofu Bites
Find ALL of our Tofu recipes in the Recipe Index.
Anytime I cook with tofu, I use my EZ tofu press. Literally every single time. I’ve had such a great success using it that there’s no reason for me to stop.
Wondering what the EZ Tofu Press does? With your tofu being packed in water, you’re going to need to have a way to remove all that moisture so it cooks correctly. This is where the tofu press comes into play. It removes the water from your tofu for better flavor, taste, and texture. Pressing your tofu is one of the most important steps to getting great tofu. You can buy an EZ Tofu Press onAmazon.
Do you know about the Health Benefits of Eating Tofu?
Many people know what tofu is, but they don't understand that tofu can be healthy as well. Here are some tofu fun facts that I thought you'd all like to know.
Tofu is Low Fat with Zero Cholesterol
A single serving of tofu contains only about 4 grams of fat, compared to 19 grams in a serving of chicken breast. Tofu also has zero cholesterol and contains isoflavones which work to reduce the amount of cholesterol in our bodies, thus preventing heart disease.
Tofu is a Complete Protein
Soy is a complete protein, which means that it contains all of the amino acids that your body cannot create on its own. Fish, meat, and dairy products are also complete protein sources, but if you don’t eat those things, tofu is an excellent choice to make sure your body is getting those amino acids.
What is the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?
Did you know that there is a difference between the two? I just learned this a few years ago and thought it was important to pass along.
Typically, real Spanish rice is made using saffron while Mexican rice uses cumin. Interesting, huh? And what a huge flavor difference as well!
Why is my tofu sticking to my saute pan?
This happens sometimes and it's so frustrating. After all, the point of having your tofu cut up into little cubes and cooked is so it keeps its texture and shape.
If you notice that your tofu is sticking to your pan, there could be a number of things happening.
First, your pan might not be hot enough quite yet. You want your pan to be pretty hot. If it is, then you shouldn't have any issues with the tofu sticking.
But, if it's hot and still sticking, then your tofu might just have too much moisture in it to fry up golden brown. This is why I think it's imperative for everyone to have an EZ Tofu Press! When it comes to tofu and moisture, you don't want the two to mix.
How do you store leftover Spanish rice and beans?
If you happen to have some leftover, just store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. We usually like to eat up leftovers within the next 48 hours, if at all possible. And once you're ready to eat it, you just need to get it out of the fridge and warm it up slowly in a skillet on the stove or zap it for a few seconds in the microwave.
Are you ready for this super simple recipe? I think you're going to enjoy all the tastes and flavors, just as much as we do.
And let me tell you something, from one parent to another...when the kids ask for rice and beans as their dinner wants, that's just music to your ears!
Pin this Tofu with Spanish Rice and Beans recipe:
Get This Easy Rice and Beans Recipe here!
Tofu with Spanish Rice and Beans
Ingredients
- 1 package of extra firm tofu cubed
- 1 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (you pick the color)
- 3 cups of cooked rice you pick your favorite kind of rice
- 1.5 cups of tomatoes I prefer fresh romas
- 1.5 cups of kidney beans
- ½ cup of peas
- 1 t cumin
- 1 t smoked paprika more or less to taste
- ½ t chili powder more or less to taste
Instructions
- In a hot skillet saute the cubed tofu until its brown. Set aside.
- Saute onion then add bell pepper.
- When onion and pepper are soft stir in remaining ingredients (except cooked tofu). Cook for 10-15 minutes. If your mixture becomes dry, try adding a bit of water.
- Add your cooked tofu and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Let's talk! Have you made a dish similar to this?
Participating in Mom's Monday Mingle for the first time! I'm your newest follower. 🙂
Adding to my recipe collection too.
Kristina
Hello! Thanks for stopping by! I am heading to your site now! 🙂 Yay, happy to connect!
I have never tried tofu or smoked paprika so you are introducing me to a whole new realm of foods!
Its super good! I love it on egg salad too and roasted veggies 🙂 YUMM!
yum! Do you ever cook with silken tofu? I love the texture, but find that it's hard to work with and falls apart too easily.
Hi Amber! I have done desserts with silken tofu! Yes, it is hard to work with. I use it in smoothies every once in a while but I just learned how to make vegan chocolate "moose" with it. 🙂 I'll have to share that recipe soon!
I love this healthy dish! What a great way to cook up tofu!
Thank you!
Always glad to find vegetarian recipes that pack enough protein! I am loving all of the flavors in this dish!
Glad you have another one to add to the list.
I will make it for my sister! She loves tofu so much!
I hope that she loves it!
Your tofu recipe looks delicious. I grew up eating tofu my mom cooked it with everything. I don't eat it much anymore but, i would definitely try this recipe.
Thank you! Enjoy!
What a light and flavorful recipe! I have to give this a try; looks easy and delicious to boot!
Thank you so much!
Definitely want to try this recipe I like to crisp my tofu cubes in the air fryer. Makes them so very crispy, then I add them back into the rest of the recipe.
That sounds perfect!! We love our tofu cooked in the air fryer!