Vegan Dirty Rice

If you grew up in Louisiana like me, you know that dirty rice is comfort food at its finest — smoky, savory, and full of that “stick-to-your-ribs” flavor. Traditionally made with meat, this vegan version stays true to its roots by using brown rice for a nutty base, smoky tempeh bacon for depth, and lion’s mane mushroom crumble. The holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery ties it all together, giving you all the soul of dirty rice in a plant-based, wholesome dish.

This recipe is hearty enough to serve as a main dish but also makes a perfect side alongside collard greens, roasted okra, or even stuffed into a bell pepper for a fun twist.

Don't have the lion's mane crumble? Mushrooms or your favorite veggie burger crumbles can be substituted.

🌱 Ingredients (4 servings)

• 2 cups cooked brown rice (about 1 cup uncooked)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced, or red, or both

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup lion’s mane mushrooms, crumbled into small pieces

• 1 cup tempeh bacon, chopped (homemade or store-bought)

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp thyme (dried, or 2 tsp fresh)

• 1 tsp oregano

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)

• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1½ Tbsp coconut aminos

• ½ cup vegetable broth (or water, if needed)

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the rice

   • Prepare brown rice according to package directions. Set aside.

2. Build the “meaty” base

   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté 6–8 minutes until softened.

   • Add garlic, lion’s mane crumbles, and tempeh bacon. Cook another 6–7 minutes until mushrooms are golden and tempeh is lightly crisped.

3. Season

   • Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.

   • Add coconut aminos and stir well.

4. Combine with rice

   • Add cooked brown rice to the skillet. Pour in vegetable broth if mixture seems dry. Stir until rice is fully coated and everything is well combined.

   • Cook another 3–4 minutes to let flavors meld.

5. Finish & serve

   • Taste and adjust seasoning.

   • Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Pair it with garlicky sautéed collard greens, roasted okra, or a crisp slaw.

• For even

  more protein, stir in cooked black-eyed peas or red beans.

• Want it spicier? A dash of hot sauce or extra cayenne will do the trick.

✨ This Vegan Dirty Rice is smoky, earthy, and full of Louisiana flavor — no meat required. It’s proof that Cajun comfort food can be both soulful and nourishing.