Description

This vibrant Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized pineapple with colorful vegetables and savory tamari sauce, delivering a nutritious, flavorful, and plant-based meal. Perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner, it uses simple ingredients like brown rice, bell pepper, cabbage, and green peas, stir-fried to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a satisfying texture and tropical flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Vegetables

4-5 cups brown rice (cooked and chilled)
2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
3/4 cup green peas (frozen & thawed)
1 cup purple cabbage (shredded)
1/2 red onion (diced)

Sauce and Seasonings

4 tbsp tamari
1.5 tbsp maple syrup
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Garnishes

Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Scallions (sliced, for garnish)
Sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
Lime juice (freshly squeezed, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, maple syrup, garlic powder, hot sauce, and ginger until well combined. Set the sauce mixture aside to meld the flavors.
Caramelize Pineapple: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the pineapple chunks and stir-fry, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden-brown exterior. Once caramelized, transfer them to a separate bowl to preserve their texture.
Sauté Bell Pepper and Onion: In the same hot skillet, add diced red bell pepper and red onion. Stir-fry until they develop slight char marks and soften, then remove and combine them with the caramelized pineapple.
Cook Purple Cabbage and Garlic: Add shredded purple cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it wilts. Push the cabbage to one side of the skillet, then add minced garlic to the cleared space and cook just until fragrant without burning.
Add Rice, Peas, Sauce, and Vegetables: Incorporate the chilled brown rice and green peas into the skillet with the cabbage and garlic. Pour the prepared tamari sauce over the mixture, then add the reserved pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Stir thoroughly to combine and heat everything evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Plate the fried rice and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

Using chilled brown rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder version.
Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best caramelization and flavor but frozen pineapple works well too.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
For extra protein, consider topping with toasted cashews or serving alongside a plant-based protein.