Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant, sweet-savory dish packed with flavor, texture, and color. It features juicy chunks of pineapple, fragrant jasmine rice, crisp vegetables, and a medley of sauces that bring authentic Thai flair to your kitchen. Whether you’re using leftover rice or starting fresh, this dish transforms basic ingredients into a visually stunning and crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet + Savory Fusion: Pineapple brings a natural sweetness that perfectly complements savory sauces.
• Quick and Easy: Comes together in just about 30 minutes.
• Great for Leftovers: Day-old rice and pantry staples turn into something special.
• Colorful & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, it’s as healthy as it is eye-catching.
• Customizable: Easily make it vegetarian or add your favorite protein.

Ingredients

• 2 cups jasmine rice (cooked and cooled)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned)
• 1⁄2 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green)
• 1⁄2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: chopped cilantro or cashews for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients

• Make sure your jasmine rice is cooked and completely cooled—preferably using day-old rice stored in the fridge. This gives the best non-sticky, chewy texture.

Heat the Oil

• In a large wok or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Sauté Garlic and Veggies

• Add 2 cloves minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add 1/2 cup diced red and green bell peppers and 1/2 cup peas.
• Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

Add Pineapple

• Stir in 1 cup diced pineapple and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the fruit to warm through and slightly caramelize around the edges.

Add the Rice

• Add 2 cups cooked jasmine rice to the skillet.
• Break up any clumps with your spatula and mix well so the rice is evenly coated with oil and mixed with the veggies and pineapple.

Season the Rice

• Add the sauces:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (if using)
• Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, or to taste.
• Stir everything thoroughly, cooking for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors absorb into the rice.

Finish with Green Onions

• Add 2 sliced green onions and stir-fry for another 1 minute until fragrant and fully incorporated.

Serve

• Transfer to serving plates or a pineapple bowl (for presentation!).
• Garnish with chopped cilantro or toasted cashews if desired. Serve hot.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use day-old rice: Refrigerated rice holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or scrambled eggs for a complete meal.
• Spice it up: Add Thai chili flakes or chopped fresh chilies for heat.
• Swap sauces: Use tamari for gluten-free, or hoisin for added sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in pineapple shells for a festive presentation.
• Pair with Thai spring rolls or a mango salad.
• Enjoy as a main dish or a flavorful side for grilled meats.

Storage / Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the ingredients and refrigerate. Stir-fry right before serving.

Can I use fresh rice?
Yes, but let it cool first and spread it out to dry a bit—this avoids mushiness.

How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the fish sauce and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

What other veggies work?
Carrots, corn, baby corn, broccoli, and edamame are all great additions.

How do I serve it like the picture?
Use a hollowed-out pineapple as a serving bowl for a tropical presentation.

Conclusion

This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is more than just a side—it’s a show-stopping, flavor-packed meal that balances sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party. With the versatility to customize and the speed to get it on the table in under 30 minutes, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite.

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