Mandy Croft
Pineapple fried rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that reflects the tropical charm of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. Combining the sweetness of pineapple with savory, spicy elements typical of Thai cuisine, it delivers a satisfying harmony of flavors and textures. Whether served as a main or a side dish, this recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner or festive meal.
What is Pineapple Fried Rice?
Originating from Thailand, pineapple fried rice is a unique twist on classic fried rice dishes. It features fluffy jasmine or brown rice stir-fried with caramelized pineapple chunks, colorful vegetables, and traditional Thai seasonings like fish sauce, soy sauce, or tamari. Nuts such as cashews add crunch, while eggs or tofu add protein. This dish is celebrated for its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, with a bright finish of lime juice and fresh herbs.
Essential Ingredients
- Rice: Day-old cooked jasmine or brown rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, allowing for better frying with separated grains.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple offers bright, juicy sweetness, but canned pineapple pieces can be substituted for convenience.
- Vegetables: Red bell peppers and green onions provide color and crunch. Frozen peas or edamame are optional additions.
- Protein: Eggs are traditionally scrambled into the rice, though baked tofu or cooked shrimp make excellent alternatives.
- Nuts: Raw, unsalted cashews add a delightful crunch.
- Sauces: Authentic Thai versions use fish sauce and oyster sauce for depth and umami. Home-style and international adaptations often incorporate soy sauce or Maggi seasoning.
- Flavorings: Garlic, chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat, and fresh lime juice for tang.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.
Preparing Your Pineapple Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Rice
Cook the rice a day ahead or several hours before cooking. Spread it on a tray to cool, then refrigerate so it dries out, which prevents clumping during frying. If in a pinch, cool freshly made rice spread on a baking sheet or even freeze for an hour to simulate "day-old" rice.
2. Scramble the Eggs
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat with a teaspoon of oil. Pour in beaten eggs seasoned lightly with salt, scrambling until just set. Transfer eggs to a bowl and set aside.
3. Sauté Pineapple and Vegetables
Add more oil to the pan and stir-fry the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper until the pineapple caramelizes, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped green onions, cooking until fragrant.
4. Toast Cashews and Combine Rice
Increase heat to medium, add cashews and toast briefly until aromatic. Add the chilled rice, stirring constantly to evenly heat and separate the grains. Cook until the rice acquires a slightly caramelized texture, roughly 3 minutes.
5. Mix It All Together
Return the scrambled eggs and sautéed mixture to the pan. Stir and break up the eggs, combining everything until heated through.
6. Season the Dish
Pour in tamari or soy sauce and chili garlic sauce to taste. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice and season with salt if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve
Serve pineapple fried rice hot, garnished with torn fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Additional tamari or chili sauce on the side allows diners to adjust flavors.
Tips for Customization and Variations
- Make it Vegan/Egg-Free: Omit eggs and add crispy baked tofu or extra cashews.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether.
- Add Protein: Shrimp, chicken, or pork can be stir-fried with the vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Adjust Spiciness: Increase or decrease chili garlic sauce or sriracha according to your heat tolerance.
- Use Colorful Veggies: Add peas, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Pineapple fried rice pairs beautifully with a spectrum of dishes beyond Thai cuisine. Accompany it with:
- Thai dishes such as cashew chicken stir-fry, satay, or curries.
- Tropical and Caribbean favorites like jerk chicken or BBQ pork ribs.
- Seafood such as pan-seared fish, shrimp, or salmon.
- Asian-inspired salads, for example, green papaya salad, for a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating
This dish keeps well and tastes great the next day, either reheated or served at room temperature. Reheat gently in a microwave or covered on the stovetop to preserve moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Tropical pineapple fried rice is a versatile and mouthwatering dish that brings a burst of sunshine to your dining table. Its quick preparation, combined with the balance of sweet pineapple and savory spices, makes it a family favorite and a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with proteins and spice levels to make it your own signature tropical delight!
Quick Recipe Recap
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups chopped pineapple
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- ¾ cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup cashews, chopped
- 2 cups chilled cooked rice
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha
- Juice of ½ lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs, remove from pan.
- Cook pineapple and bell pepper until caramelized. Add onions and garlic.
- Toast cashews; add rice and stir-fry.
- Combine all, season with tamari, chili sauce, lime juice, and salt.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve hot.
Enjoy this taste of the tropics anytime you crave a quick, colorful, and flavorful meal!
