If you have ever craved a dish bursting with vibrant colors, exciting textures, and an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, then this Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine tender jasmine rice, golden scrambled eggs, crunchy cashews, and juicy pineapple chunks all mingling together with aromatic garlic and curry powder to create a dish that is as delightful to your eyes as it is to your taste buds. It’s a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and savory depth that brings a unique twist to the classic fried rice dish, making every spoonful an absolute joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting the dish’s rich flavor and satisfying texture. From the fragrant sesame oil to the colorful vegetables and the perfectly cooked jasmine rice, every component adds its own magic.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided): A toasty oil that infuses nuttiness and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Adds a fluffy, protein-rich element that binds the rice beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Provides an aromatic foundation that enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ cup diced yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth, softening as it caramelizes in the pan.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): For a pop of vibrant color and a crisp, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (or canned, drained well): Delivers juicy bursts of tropical sweetness to brighten every bite.
- 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (day-old is best): The perfect base—dry rice prevents clumping and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami without overpowering the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: A secret ingredient that gives depth and an authentic Thai-inspired punch.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Introduces a warm, exotic spice that complements the dish beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory ingredients and enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
- ½ cup frozen peas: Adds a bright green color and a tender bite, contributing to the overall texture.
- ½ cup roasted cashews (unsalted): For a satisfying crunch and buttery richness.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Provides a mild onion flavor and fresh color for garnish.
- Lime wedges & cilantro (for serving): Adds fresh acidity and herbal brightness right before enjoying.
How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them—dice the pineapple, red bell pepper, onion, and slice the green onions. Make sure your jasmine rice is cold and separated to prevent clumping while cooking. Having everything ready at hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently, until they’re softly scrambled but still moist. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside. This keeps them fluffy and prevents overcooking later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the red bell pepper and frozen peas, sautéing until tender but still bright and crisp. This layering of flavor is what elevates the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe beyond ordinary fried rice.
Step 4: Cook the Pineapple and Spices
Next, toss in the diced pineapple and stir-fry for a few minutes until it starts to caramelize slightly. Sprinkle the curry powder and sugar over the mixture, giving everything a lovely warm glow and hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory ingredients.
Step 5: Combine with Rice and Sauces
Add the cold jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Drizzle the soy sauce and fish sauce over the rice, mixing everything thoroughly so the flavors meld and the rice heats through evenly. This step is critical—it ensures each grain is coated with flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Eggs, Cashews, and Green Onions
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and fold them into the rice mixture gently. Toss in the roasted cashews and sliced green onions, giving a final stir to distribute the textures and colors throughout the dish. At this point, your Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is perfectly cooked and wonderfully fragrant.
How to Serve Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro are your best friends here. A quick squeeze of lime adds brightness and cuts through the richness, while cilantro adds an herbal freshness that lifts every bite. Sprinkle a few extra cashews on top if you want a little more crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but also makes a wonderful partner to grilled shrimp, Thai-style chicken satay, or a simple cucumber salad. Light and fresh sides contrast the warmth and heartiness of the fried rice perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out pineapple halves to bring a tropical flair to your table. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at dinner parties or family gatherings and makes eating the dish feel like a mini celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pineapple Fried Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this dish tastes even better when chilled flavors meld together, the next day’s meal can be just as delicious with a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried rice by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It’s best consumed within 1 month to maintain freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, toss the rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking, stirring until warmed through. Avoid microwaving unless pressed for time, as stir-frying helps maintain the rice’s texture and flavors much better.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the canned pineapple very well to avoid excess moisture that can make the rice soggy. Fresh pineapple often provides a brighter flavor but canned works perfectly fine for convenience.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Day-old cooked jasmine rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps prevent clumping during stir-frying. You can cook the rice the day before and refrigerate it to get the best texture.
Is this Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe spicy?
This particular recipe is mild, focusing on a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices like curry powder. However, you can easily add chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce if you want a spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the eggs and fish sauce and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan alternative. You might also swap cashews for other nuts or seeds if preferred, but the essence of the dish remains wonderfully intact.
How do I achieve the perfect texture for fried rice?
The key is using cold, day-old rice that has been allowed to dry out slightly in the fridge, and cooking on medium-high heat with enough oil to prevent sticking. Stir-frying in small batches helps keep the rice grains separate and evenly cooked.
Final Thoughts
There is something downright joyful about making and sharing this Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both special and comforting. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering. So don’t hesitate—grab these ingredients and start cooking this beautiful dish that promises to brighten up your dinner plate and your mood.
Print
Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful Thai-inspired dish combining jasmine rice, fresh pineapple, vegetables, and cashews, stir-fried with aromatic spices and sauces. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Produce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (or canned, drained well)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges & cilantro (for serving)
Proteins
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Pantry & Spices
- 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (day-old is best)
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup roasted cashews (unsalted)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are chopped, measured, and ready to use before starting to cook. This includes dicing the onion, bell pepper, and pineapple, slicing the green onions, and beating the eggs.
- Heat Sesame Oil and Cook Eggs: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove 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. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add Pineapple and Spices: Stir in the diced pineapple and cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Sprinkle in the curry powder and granulated sugar, stirring to evenly coat the ingredients.
- Incorporate Rice and Sauces: Add the cold cooked jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce and fish sauce, stirring well to combine all flavors.
- Add Peas, Cashews, and Eggs: Mix in the frozen peas, roasted cashews, and the scrambled eggs. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve the pineapple fried rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old jasmine rice to prevent sogginess and achieve the ideal fried rice texture.
- You can substitute cashews with roasted peanuts or almonds if preferred.
- Adjust soy sauce and fish sauce to taste, especially if you prefer a less salty dish.
- For a vegan version, omit eggs and fish sauce; use soy sauce or tamari instead.
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a protein boost.
