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Thai pineapple fried rice is the perfect fusion of sweet and savory with seasoned rice stir fried with chilies, scrambled eggs, cashews, and more, so good!
Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
If you enjoy a great fried rice recipe, you're going to love this version Pineapple Fried Rice.
Pineapple fried rice is a Thai dish that is loaded with flavor. Here you'll find a delicious combination of rice that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, lots of savory elements like soy sauce, fish sauce, and shrimp paste, and spicy chilies if you want them!
It's a great balance of flavors, with the sweet pineapple balanced by the salty elements of the dish.
You'll find versions all over the world, but this Thai version is just what the spicy food lover needs.
This is how I like to make it. I hope you enjoy it!
Let's talk about how to make pineapple fried rice, shall we?
Pineapple Fried Rice Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons, sesame oil preferred
- Shrimp: 1/2 pound, peeled and deveined, optional
- Eggs: 2 large
- Chilies: 2 Thai or bird’s eye chilies, chopped, optional
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Cooked jasmine rice: 3 cups, preferably day old
- Thai black soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Shrimp paste: 1 teaspoon
- Green onions: 2, sliced
- Pineapple: 1 cup, fresh chunks
- Roasted cashews: 1/2 cup
How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice
- Cook shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over high heat. Stir fry shrimp until cooked through. Set aside.
- Scramble eggs:
- Add remaining oil to the wok. Scramble eggs until set, then transfer to a bowl.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Stir fry onion, bell pepper, garlic, and chilies until softened and aromatic.
- Add rice and sauces:
- Stir in jasmine rice with soy sauce, fish sauce, and shrimp paste. Cook until heated and well mixed.
- Finish and serve:
- Add scrambled eggs, shrimp, pineapple, green onions, and cashews. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes and serve hot.
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Leftover pineapple fried rice will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or in a wok or pan on the stove top with a bit of oil.
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Storage & Leftovers
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy my fried rice with pineapple recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple can be used, but fresh pineapple provides a brighter flavor and firmer texture that holds up better during stir frying.
- → Why is day-old rice recommended?
Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, making it perfect for stir frying without becoming mushy. It helps achieve that signature crispy texture.
- → What proteins can I add to pineapple fried rice?
Shrimp is a common choice, but you can also add chopped ham, Chinese sausage, or even spam for a Hawaiian variation. It's very customizable.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It can be spicy if you add Thai or bird’s eye chilies, but the heat is optional and can be adjusted to your preference or omitted entirely.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a microwave or stir fry again in a wok or pan with a bit of oil for best results.
- → What sauces are essential for flavor?
Thai black soy sauce, fish sauce, and shrimp paste contribute deep umami flavor. If unavailable, use dark soy sauce with a pinch of sugar as a substitute.