Dirty rice is usually not vegan, but my Instant Pot Vegan Dirty Rice uses mushrooms in place of the meat.
They add umami and meld well with the vegetables. It’s a great side dish with your favorite beans!
What is Vegan Dirty Rice?
Dirty rice is a traditional Creole dish. It usually has chopped meat in it which makes the rice look “dirty” and that’s where the name comes from.
In my recipe, we replace the meat with chopped mushrooms to make it a vegan dish. Dirty rice always has spices and some minced veggies too.
Why Make Instant Pot Dirty Rice?
Rice and Instant Pots are a match made in heaven. I used to be addicted to my rice cooker until I got my first electric pressure cooker.
It made great rice and it wasn’t long after I bought a second Instant Pot to go with my first!
Now I cook a stew in one and rice or quinoa in the other. I love to cook larger batches of rice and save the leftovers for fried rice another night.
What Do You Eat with Vegetarian Dirty Rice?
You could grill or air fry some tofu, tempeh, or sweet potato slices after you dip into some Cajun seasoning blend.
Or use the method I use to batter cauliflower and bake it to a golden crisp for my cauliflower po boys.
Red beans are another perfect pairing and here’s a slow cooker recipe and a stove-top version. Keep an eye on this blog for an Instant Pot version coming soon.
If you have two Instant Pots you can make my Instant Pot Heirloom Beans or these Creamy Black Eyed Peas to eat with your dirty rice.
Can You Freeze Pressure Cooker Dirty Rice?
You sure can cook a double batch and freeze it for later.
I recommend either using a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag or in a freezer-safe glass container.
How Do You Reheat It?
If it’s straight from the fridge, I add a bit of water no matter if I’m heating it in the microwave or on the stove. It dries out the longer it’s stored in the fridge.
You’ll heat up the frozen rice halfway and then check to see if it needs any extra liquid. The older it is, the more likely you’ll have to add water.
Can I Use Other Kinds of Rice?
Be sure to try this with traditional brown rice, but you can use any kind of rice that takes about the same amount of time to cook.
I like to switch it up with Instant Pot Red Rice, pink rice, or even black forbidden rice!
Vegan Instant Pot Mushroom Dirty Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup water for water sauting
- 1 cup minced red onion
- 8 ounce mushrooms minced
- 1/2 cup minced bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups long grain brown rice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups Vegetable Broth
- salt to taste, optional
Instructions
- Add the water to your Instant Pot and turn on the saute function. Once hot add the onions and saute until translucent.
- Add in the mushrooms, bell pepper, shredded carrots, garlic and cook until soft.
- Add in the rice and Cajun seasoning and saute for a minute or two until the spices become fragrant.
- Cut the Instant Pot off so you can switch cooking modes.
- Add in the broth, put the lid on and turn vent to sealing. Cook on Manual or Pressure Cook depending on your IP model.
- Cook for 23 minutes then let it release naturally for 10 minutes. Then you can manually release the rest of the pressure.
- Fluff the rice and salt to taste.
Alisa Fleming says
I love this recipe! We eat rice regularly, but usually just plain with dinner. I’ve been wanting to find a new way to spice it up. And I have some mushrooms that need to be used soon!
Karen says
Do you think I can make this with black rice? Would I change the cooking time? I can’t wait to try it.
Kathy Hester says
I would think so and the cooking time should be close to the same. You might need a little more water.
Erin says
This recipe looks like just what I need for our \”New Orleans New Year\” party here in Seattle- when we all get together and celebrate the New Year a couple hours early so that we can be home by the time the fireworks start! So nice to find a recipe that all of us- vegetarian and gluten free- can eat without having to have a bunch of \”substitute\” type ingredients.
If I wanted to make a double recipe using white basmati rice instead, what cooking time would you suggest? Thanks, Erin
Kathy Hester says
I would maybe cook it 15 to 20 minutes on high pressure. The black rice usually cooks a little quicker than brown rice.
Erin says
Thanks! At the end of the day, I went with brown rice as I discovered a full bag at the back of my cupboard and just couldn’t justify adding yet another bag to my over-filled rice shelf. It was very tasty and got compliments even from the meat-eating, flour-loving members of the group.
Kathy Hester says
I’m glad it went so well and you liked it!
Alocasia says
Any thoughts on using creole seasoning in place of Cajun? I only have creole and have yet to use it. Thanks.
Kathy Hester says
It will work fine, just be mindful if it contains salt. You may have to use less.
Angela Suggs says
Would this recipe work the same with short grain brown rice?
Kathy Hester says
It sure would – it will be a little more sticky.