If you have a craving for something that’s bursting with flavor, color, and a touch of tropical sweetness, the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is a must-try. This vibrant dish perfectly balances the savory notes of soy sauce and ginger with the bright, juicy pops of pineapple and the satisfying crunch of cashews. It’s a wonderful way to elevate simple ingredients into a dynamic meal that’s incredibly comforting yet intriguingly exotic. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating fantastic layers of taste and texture. From the crispness of fresh vegetables to the delightful sweetness of pineapple and richness from eggs and cashews, every element is essential.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- Green onions (white and green parts separated): White parts provide aroma when cooked; green parts add freshness at the end.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant depth to the base of the dish.
- Fresh grated ginger: Infuses warmth and a slight zing.
- Eggs: Offer creaminess and a rich, protein-packed texture.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat sautéing without overpowering flavors.
- Cooked jasmine rice (day-old): Perfect for frying as it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to harmonize flavors.
- Pineapple chunks: The star ingredient delivering sweet, juicy bursts.
- Raw cashews: Add buttery crunch and richness.
- Peas: Pops of color and a sweet, fresh snap.
How to Make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Begin by heating vegetable oil in a large pan to create the perfect base. Toss in diced red bell pepper, the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger. Stirring for just a couple of minutes lets these ingredients release their sweet, fragrant flavors while softening slightly. This initial step is where the dish builds its inviting savory foundation.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs Softly
Push the sautéed vegetables toward the edges of your pan to clear a space for the eggs. Pour in the beaten eggs seasoned lightly with salt. Let them sit undisturbed for about 20 seconds to begin setting, then gently scramble them with a spatula until just cooked through but still tender and moist. This method keeps the eggs fluffy, contributing a luscious texture that blends beautifully with the rice.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Soy Sauce
Now’s the time to introduce your cold, day-old jasmine rice. Breaking up any rice clumps ensures everything fries evenly and absorbs the flavors. Pour in soy sauce for that unmistakable savory umami kick, then stir and cook the mixture for around three minutes until the rice is heated through and coated with the vibrant seasonings. This step is crucial for marrying all the earlier flavors together.
Step 4: Incorporate Pineapple, Cashews, and Peas
Here comes the exciting part: fold in the juicy pineapple chunks, crunchy raw cashews, fresh or frozen peas, and the already-prepped green parts of the green onions. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to warm the ingredients and let all the flavors mingle. This combination brings a fantastic mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that make this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Serve Immediately and Garnish
Remove the pan from the heat and transfer your colorful creation to serving plates. For a final touch, sprinkle with extra sliced green onions or cashews if you adore a little more texture. Enjoy it hot for the best flavors and texture, making every bite an irresistible taste of Thailand’s home-cooked magic.
How to Serve Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh green onions or extra crunchy cashews brightens this dish both visually and texturally. Some like to toss in chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side to add another layer of fresh, zesty flavor. Don’t underestimate how a garnish can elevate the experience and make your fried rice look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad or clear vegetable soup. These sides complement the robust flavors without overwhelming the palate. For protein lovers, grilled chicken or shrimp skewers are excellent additions to complete the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun way to impress is serving your fried rice inside a hollowed-out pineapple shell for an authentic tropical vibe that’s sure to wow guests. You can also plate it with a fried egg on top or scatter some toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty aroma. Presentation can turn a casual dinner into an unforgettable occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Thai Pineapple Fried Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish again without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just make sure the rice is cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While freezing fried rice is possible, the texture of some ingredients like peas and pineapple may change slightly. If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep the rice from drying out. Microwave reheating is quick but be sure to cover the rice and stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Enjoy it steaming hot just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works too, though it has a firmer texture and nuttier taste that will slightly change the dish’s profile. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled so it fries up nicely without turning mushy.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
This version includes eggs and soy sauce but is vegetarian. For a vegan adaptation, simply omit the eggs and use a plant-based protein substitute, plus make sure your soy sauce or tamari is vegan.
Can I use canned pineapple or fresh pineapple?
Both options work wonderfully! Fresh pineapple offers a brighter, juicier bite, while canned pineapple is convenient and slightly sweeter. Just be sure to drain canned pineapple well to avoid excess moisture.
What kind of soy sauce is best for this recipe?
A light or regular soy sauce is ideal for balancing flavor and saltiness without overpowering the other ingredients. Low-sodium soy sauce works if you want to control salt levels more precisely.
How do I keep the rice from sticking together?
Using cooked jasmine rice that has been chilled overnight is key. The resting time allows the grains to firm up and separate, making frying easier and ensuring your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe has that perfect fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a bit of sunshine and fun to their dinner table. The blend of sweet, savory, crunchy, and colorful ingredients makes it one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple to make, exciting to eat, and a beautiful way to explore flavors that brighten your day. Go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you!
Print
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This vibrant Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a flavorful and colorful dish combining sweet pineapple chunks, crunchy cashews, and savory jasmine rice with the aromatic touch of garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables. It’s a quick and easy stir-fried recipe perfect for a satisfying meal that balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup (40 g) peas, fresh or frozen
Rice and Protein
- 3 cups (600 g) cooked jasmine rice, cold and one-day old
- 2 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons (22 ml) soy sauce
- 1 ½ cups (250 g) fresh pineapple chunks or canned, drained pineapple
- ½ cup (70 g) cashews, raw
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch (30 cm) pan over medium heat. Add the diced red bell peppers, the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes, until fragrant and the vegetables start to soften.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the cooked vegetables to the sides of the pan to create an empty space in the center. Pour in the beaten eggs and allow them to cook without stirring for about 20 seconds until they begin to set. Gently scramble the eggs with a spatula, breaking them into small pieces for about 30 seconds. The eggs should remain soft and slightly undercooked.
- Add Rice and Soy Sauce: Add the cold, cooked jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with the spatula. Pour the soy sauce evenly over the rice mixture. Stir well and cook for approximately 3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Incorporate Pineapple, Cashews, and Peas: Add the pineapple chunks, raw cashews, peas, and the green parts of the green onions to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or soy sauce as needed.
- Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Serve the fried rice immediately, garnished with extra green onions or cashews, if desired.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old jasmine rice helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy and helps in achieving a nice fried rice texture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian dish, omit the eggs or substitute with tofu scramble.
- For a spicier version, add chopped fresh chili or chili flakes with the aromatics in Step 1.
- If fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple chunks drained well work fine.
- Roasted or toasted cashews can enhance the flavor but raw ones provide a nice crunch.
