Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Pineapple fried rice has become one of my favorite side dish recipes to make. Ever since enjoying this delicacy on the big island of Hawai’i, I can’t get enough of it.

The savory rice is full of the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple chunks mixed with a variety of seasonings and diced vegetables which creates a delicious dish that I could eat non stop.

Although now it is a popular dish in many areas around the world it gained its original popularity in Thai cuisine. And with just one bite you will understand why!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Flavor:

Pineapple fried rice has a unique and delicious sweet and savory flavor. Chunks of pineapple and sweet bell peppers provides a nice level of sweetness.

Then the savory flavors of onions, garlic and soy sauce balances out the sweet flavors perfectly. Then you have unexpected crunch of diced cashews scattered throughout.

Add in a little heat with garlic chili sauce or Sriracha sauce and you hit all flavor profiles in one single dish!

2. Nutritious & Satisfying Meal:

Pineapple is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also low in calories and high in fiber, which can help to support healthy digestion and overall health.

When combined with rice and vegetables it can be a stand alone meal that will keep you feeling full, but not overly stuffed for hours!

3. Easy to Make:

If you are looking for a quick and easy to make meal this recipe will do the trick. With just a few simple ingredients you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

4. Versatile Recipe:

This recipe can be made to customize the taste to what you prefer. For instance, this classic dish is typically made using Jasmine rice.

However, I prefer to make it with whole grain brown rice instead. So feel free to switch up the rice, vegetables, the sauce, and/or add chicken, shrimp or ham to make it a complete meal that you and your family will enjoy.

Ingredients Required To Make Pineapple Fried Rice

Coconut oil – To get that classic tropical taste use coconut oil. However you could substitute a light tasting oil if you don’t have coconut oil.

Eggs – Fried rice typically includes eggs that have been scrambled into the mix, and this recipe is no different.

Pineapple tidbits – It is always best to use fresh cut pineapple tidbits. However, in a pinch a can of pineapple tidbits will work, although the classic tangy taste will be slightly milder.

Red bell pepper – Diced red pepper not only adds sweetness to the dish, but it also adds a little crunch and visual appeal.

Green onions – Both the greens and whites are used in this pineapple fried rice recipe.

Garlic – You can use either fresh garlic cloves or jarred minced garlic to add flavor to the dish.

Unsalted cashews – A classic staple in the original dish, however they can be omitted if you have an allergy.

Cooked and chilled rice – As mentioned above, Jasmine rice is the standard type of rice to use in this recipe. However, no matter what type of rice you choose make sure that it has been cooked and chilled.

Soy sauce – The earthy flavor of fried rice comes from soy sauce. I always use low sodium soy sauce, however you can substitute coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce for dietary reasons if needed.

Optional Ingredients

Chili garlic sauce or Sriracha sauce – Even if you don’t like a lot of heat in your food, add a little to the recipe. The slight bit of heat enhances the sweetness of the pineapple just like it does in my Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Shrimp recipe. Of course if you like spicy food you can add more to taste.

Lime – The lime juice lightens the flavor of the rice dish. Then a lime wedge is served with the dish both as garnish and for adding more juice if desired.

Eggless Option

If you have a dietary restriction and can’t eat egg, no worries! You can absolutely make pineapple fried rice without eggs. The dish still turns out delicious and flavorful.

To make pineapple fried rice without eggs, simply omit the eggs from the recipe. It is that easy!

Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple tidbits
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped raw, unsalted cashews
• 2 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha sauce, more to taste
• 1 small lime, halved then one half cut in 4 wedges
• Salt, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro leaves, diced

INSTRUCTIONS

To make Pineapple Fried Rice place a large wok or non-stick deep sided skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot add 1 teaspoon coconut oil.

Pour in the beaten eggs and cook until the eggs are scrambled and just set. Stir constantly so that the edges of the eggs don’t brown. Then quickly transfer the eggs to a medium size bowl.

Using the same skillet (clean it out if any egg particles stuck) add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the pan. Once hot add the pineapple tidbits and diced red pepper.

Be sure to stir constantly as the pineapple and red pepper cook. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes or just until the edges of the pineapples begin to caramelize.

Then add the green onion and garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Transfer the ingredients that are currently in the skillet into the bowl with the eggs.

Reduce the burner heat to medium and then add the remaining 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the pan. Once hot add the cashews to the pan and stir and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Stir the cooked rice into the pan cook until the rice is hot about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently so that the rice doesn’t brown.

Add the ingredients that were placed in the bowl back into the pan and stir to combine, breaking up the eggs as you stir. Cook until the contents are hot then remove the pan from the heat source.

To Serve

Stir in the soy sauce and add chili garlic sauce, to taste. Add the juice of 1/2 lime and stir to combine. Add salt to taste.

Serve the pineapple fried rice warm and garnish with cilantro and a lime wedge.

Enjoy! Mary

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