Pineapple Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pineapple Fried Rice is a quick and easy way to bring bold flavors to your table. The combination of sweet pineapple, salty soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and onions creates an irresistible balance. It’s a great use for leftover rice and is ready in just about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies, making it a weeknight go-to or an impressive dish for guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
• Fresh pineapple (or canned, drained)
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Onion
• Carrots
• Green peas
• Soy sauce
• Fish sauce (optional)
• Curry powder (optional, for Thai-style flavor)
• Green onions
• Cashews or roasted peanuts (optional for crunch)
• Vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro or lime wedges (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare ingredients: If using fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized chunks. Dice onions and carrots, and chop garlic and green onions. If using day-old rice, break up any clumps.
2. Scramble the eggs: Heat a little oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Crack in the eggs, scramble them, and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics and veggies: In the same skillet, add more oil. Cook garlic and onion for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add carrots and peas and cook until just tender.
4. Add rice and sauce: Stir in the rice, soy sauce, and fish sauce (if using). Sprinkle in curry powder for extra flavor. Stir-fry until the rice is evenly coated and hot.
5. Add pineapple and egg: Gently fold in the pineapple chunks and scrambled egg. Stir to combine and heat through.
6. Finish and garnish: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped green onions and cashews or peanuts if using. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Protein boost: Add cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or pork to make it more filling.
• Spicy version: Add Thai chili, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Vegan version: Skip the egg and fish sauce, and use soy sauce or tamari.
• Tropical twist: Add shredded coconut or raisins for extra sweetness.
• Presentation tip: Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple shell for a stunning look.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or water to restore moisture. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round. Avoid freezing, as pineapple can become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, just be sure to drain it well. Fresh pineapple offers better texture and flavor, but canned is a great alternative.

What type of rice is best?

Day-old jasmine rice is ideal because it’s slightly dry and won’t get mushy. Freshly cooked rice can work if cooled and dried out slightly.

Do I need to add fish sauce?

No, it’s optional. It adds umami depth, but soy sauce alone is sufficient for flavor.

Can I make it without eggs?

Yes, just leave them out or replace with tofu scramble for a plant-based option.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Use a nonstick skillet or wok and be sure your rice is cold and separated before cooking.

What vegetables can I use?

Bell peppers, corn, snap peas, or even broccoli all work well. Use what you have on hand.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors actually improve after sitting. Just store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Is curry powder necessary?

No, but it adds a subtle, warm flavor often found in Thai pineapple fried rice. You can skip it or substitute with turmeric for color.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great alternative and adds a slightly nuttier taste.

How do I serve it in a pineapple?

Cut a pineapple in half lengthwise and hollow out each side. Spoon the finished rice into the shell for a fun and festive presentation.

Conclusion

Pineapple Fried Rice is a colorful, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, savory, and umami elements in perfect harmony. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a delicious way to brighten up your mealtime with something tropical, satisfying, and full of texture. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this dish is sure to impress.

Pineapple Fried Rice

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Pineapple Fried Rice is a Thai-inspired sweet and savory dish featuring jasmine rice, juicy pineapple, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It’s quick, colorful, and perfect as a vegetarian main or side dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep all ingredients and break up any clumps in the cold rice.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Scramble the eggs, then remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and onion for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add carrots and peas. Cook for 3–5 minutes until just tender.
5. Stir in the rice, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and curry powder. Toss well to combine and heat through.
6. Fold in pineapple chunks and scrambled egg. Stir gently and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in green onions and cashews or peanuts if using. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

• Day-old rice works best—fresh rice may turn mushy.
• Skip the fish sauce and egg for a vegan version.
• Add protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
• Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple for a tropical presentation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 90mg