If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, inviting aromas, and a playful mix of textures, the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful stir-fry masterfully balances the sweetness of fresh pineapple with savory, umami-packed sauce, crunchy cashews, and tender veggies, all tossed with fragrant jasmine rice. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, this recipe is ridiculously satisfying and surprisingly easy to pull together, making it a true crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to the success of the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe. Each component plays its part to create a harmonious melody of taste, texture, and color that will wow your taste buds and brighten your plate.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided): Adds a toasty aroma and smooth silkiness that enhances the stir-fry’s depth.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Provide a fluffy, protein-rich element that binds everything together.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the dish with savory, pungent flavor that wakes up the palate.
- ½ cup diced yellow onion: Brings sweetness and crunch for a well-rounded texture.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Adds vibrant color and a sweet, crisp bite.
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (or canned, drained well): The star ingredient offering a juicy tangy sweetness that defines the dish.
- 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (day-old is best): The perfect base—fluffy, separate grains that soak up flavors without clumping.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami that’s essential but balanced in the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Adds a subtle savory complexity you won’t quite get anywhere else.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Delivers a warm, exotic spice note that lifts the flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the savory ingredients.
- ½ cup frozen peas: Brings bright color and a pop of sweetness, plus nutritional goodness.
- ½ cup roasted cashews (unsalted): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Freshens up the dish with a mild onion bite and beautiful green flecks.
- Lime wedges & cilantro (for serving): Provide zesty, herbaceous brightness that ties everything together when served.
How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics and Eggs
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs and gently scramble them until just set, then transfer to a bowl. This fluffy egg layer is the comforting protein base that will mingle beautifully with the other ingredients. Next, add the remaining sesame oil to the pan and sauté the minced garlic and diced yellow onion until fragrant and translucent. This fragrant foundation builds the rich, layered flavors essential to the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Pineapple
Toss in the diced red bell pepper and frozen peas, stir-frying for a few minutes until tender but still crisp. Then, add the diced pineapple, which softens slightly while releasing its juicy sweetness, infusing the dish with tropical brightness. This step ensures a vibrant combination of textures, balancing crunchy, sweet, and savory notes perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate the Rice and Seasonings
Next, add the cold jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula to keep the grains separate and fluffy. Drizzle the soy sauce, fish sauce, curry powder, and granulated sugar over the mixture, stirring continuously to evenly coat everything in a glossy, flavorful sauce. This is the heart of the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe, where all the ingredients meld into a comforting symphony of tastes.
Step 4: Finish with Eggs, Cashews, and Green Onions
Return the scrambled eggs to the wok, folding them gently into the rice mixture, then sprinkle in the roasted cashews and sliced green onions. These final touches add richness, crunch, and vibrant pops of color that complete the dish. Give everything a few final stirs until heated through and perfectly combined.
How to Serve Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top for a burst of herbal brightness and serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice right before taking a bite adds a lively, tangy contrast that lifts every spoonful of this vibrant dish to new flavor heights.
Side Dishes
Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe shines as a standalone meal but pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired sides like crispy cucumber salad, steamed bok choy with garlic, or spicy Thai peanut chicken for a more substantial feast. The bright, sweet-savory nature of the rice balances richer, savory proteins perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out pineapple halves. This instantly turns the meal into an eye-catching centerpiece that impresses family or guests, doubling as both plate and flavorful aroma source. You can also shape the fried rice into neat mounds with a small bowl or mold for a restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the rice is cooked ahead and chilled, it reheats well and maintains great texture when stored properly.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, place the rice in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture integrity.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or a quick zap in the microwave. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a squeeze of lime or sprinkle more fresh herbs to revive the vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrance and fluffiness, you can use basmati or long-grain white rice as alternatives. Just make sure the rice is cooked and cooled beforehand for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the eggs and fish sauce and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegan-friendly version. You can also add tofu or extra veggies for protein.
Can I substitute canned pineapple for fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works well as long as you drain it really well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the rice mushy. Fresh pineapple provides the best texture and vibrant flavor, though.
What is the best way to achieve that perfect fried rice texture?
Using day-old, cold cooked rice is key because it’s drier and helps prevent clumping. Stir-frying over medium-high heat while constantly moving the ingredients ensures everything cooks evenly and stays separate.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp to the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even pork can make this dish heartier. Just cook your protein first, set aside, and add it back in during the last step for best results.
Final Thoughts
Making the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine and exotic flair into your kitchen. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of simple ingredients harmonizing into something extraordinary. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a whirl and watch how its sweet, savory, and crunchy magic becomes a beloved staple at your dining table.
Print
Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Pineapple Fried Rice recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining sweet pineapple, savory seasonings, and crunchy cashews for a delightful and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Using day-old jasmine rice ensures the best texture, while the blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and curry powder brings a wonderful depth of flavor to this classic Thai-inspired fried rice.
Ingredients
Frying Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (or canned, drained well)
- 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (day-old is best)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup roasted cashews (unsalted)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
For Serving
- Lime wedges
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Add Pineapple and Rice: Stir in the diced pineapple and cook for 2 minutes to release its juice and caramelize slightly. Add the cold jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula, and toss to combine all ingredients well over medium-high heat.
- Season the Rice: Sprinkle in the low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, curry powder, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the rice and vegetables with the seasoning.
- Mix in Peas, Cashews, and Eggs: Fold in the frozen peas and roasted cashews, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are warmed through. Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and gently combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions. Serve the pineapple fried rice warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to squeeze over the top for a bright finish.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy by reducing moisture content.
- If fresh pineapple is not available, well-drained canned pineapple can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Add protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder to your taste preference for spice level.
