Discover the bright, comforting flavors of this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and nutty elements in every bite. This dish is a vibrant celebration of fresh pineapple chunks combined with tender jasmine rice, crisp vegetables, and crunchy cashews, making it a delightful meal that feels both exotic and familiar. Whether you’re craving something quick or want to impress guests with authentic Thai flair, this recipe brings that tropical taste right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is simple yet crucial, contributing to the vibrant taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so special. From the sweetness of pineapple to the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger, every piece plays its part in creating a harmonious bowl of flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a stunning pop of color to the dish.
- Green onions: The white parts offer a mild sharpness for cooking, while the green parts bring a fresh, herbal finish as garnish.
- Garlic: Brings deep, fragrant warmth that seasons the base beautifully.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds a subtle zing and aromatic lift for authentic Thai flavor.
- Eggs: Creates a soft, satisfying protein element while enriching the texture.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for sautéing the ingredients evenly without overpowering their flavors.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Using cold, day-old rice ensures the best texture, keeping grains separate and fluffy.
- Soy sauce: Provides essential umami and saltiness, tying all the ingredients together.
- Pineapple chunks: The star of the show, offering juicy bursts of sweetness that contrast beautifully with savory notes.
- Cashews: Adds creaminess and crunch, balancing the soft rice and tender veggies.
- Peas: For a touch of earthiness and a vibrant green hue that livens up the plate.
How to Make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in diced red bell pepper, the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these colorful aromatics for about two minutes until they release their fragrances and begin to soften. This foundational step builds layers of flavor that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Push the cooked veggies to the pan’s edges, creating a clear space in the middle. Pour in the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt, allowing them to start setting without stirring right away. Just after 20 seconds, gently scramble the eggs for around 30 seconds until soft but not fully cooked through. This technique ensures tender, fluffy eggs that mingle perfectly with the rice.
Step 3: Add the Jasmine Rice and Soy Sauce
Next, add your cold, cooked jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps for even cooking. Drizzle soy sauce over everything, then stir and cook for about three minutes. This step warms the rice and evenly distributes the savory seasoning, creating that signature fried rice flavor that’s both comforting and rich.
Step 4: Incorporate Pineapple, Cashews, and Peas
Time to turn up the tropical vibes by adding the pineapple chunks, raw cashews, peas, and the green parts of the green onions. Stir all these ingredients together and cook just 1-2 minutes more so the pineapple softens slightly and all the flavors meld. Taste and add more soy sauce or salt if you want a stronger punch.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and get ready to serve immediately. This fried rice tastes best fresh and hot, with optional extra garnishes like chopped green onions or a handful of cashews for added texture and visual appeal. Your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is now ready to delight everyone at the table!
How to Serve Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful and delicious presentation, top your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice with extra sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted cashews, or even fresh cilantro leaves. These garnishes add a fresh crunch and bright flavor that elevate the dish and bring out its vibrant colors.
Side Dishes
This fried rice is a meal all on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad, grilled shrimp, or even a light miso soup. These sides complement the rich and sweet notes of the pineapple rice, balancing the entire meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the fried rice inside hollowed-out pineapple halves. This presentation grabs attention and infuses a subtle pineapple scent, making your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Thai Pineapple Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient and tasty option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried rice, but keep in mind that pineapple can become somewhat mushy after thawing. Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to restore moisture. Stir frequently until heated through to preserve the texture and flavors as much as possible. Avoid microwaving too long as it can dry out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple chunks work beautifully in this recipe and provide a vibrant, juicy sweetness. Just make sure the pineapple is ripe and cut into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
Is it okay to use different nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can swap cashews for almonds or peanuts if you prefer. Just toast them lightly before adding to keep that lovely crunch that complements the softness of the rice.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine rice is ideal for this dish because of its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture that holds up well during frying. Using day-old rice helps keep it from becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the eggs or replace them with a tofu scramble. Make sure to use a soy sauce that is labeled vegetarian or vegan to keep it authentic and delicious.
How spicy is Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild and sweet, but if you enjoy a little heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies when sautéing the aromatics to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is a joyful and quick way to bring a taste of Thailand into your home kitchen. Its combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy cashews, and savory rice will make it a favorite you come back to time and time again. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy a delicious, colorful meal that always brightens the day!
Print
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This vibrant Thai Pineapple Fried Rice combines sweet pineapple chunks, crunchy cashews, and savory jasmine rice stir-fried with fresh vegetables and fragrant spices. Perfectly balanced with soy sauce and tender scrambled eggs, this quick and easy dish offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors characteristic of authentic Thai cuisine.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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
Proteins and Nuts
- 2 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
- ½ cup (70 g) cashews, raw
Staples and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 cups (600 g) cooked jasmine rice, cold and one-day old
- 1 ½ tablespoons (22 ml) soy sauce
- 1 ½ cups (250 g) fresh pineapple chunks or canned, drained pineapple
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch (30 cm) pan over medium heat. Add diced red bell peppers, the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Cook the eggs: Push the cooked vegetables to the edges of the pan to create a clear space in the center. Pour in the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and let them cook undisturbed for roughly 20 seconds until they start to set. Then gently scramble using a spatula, breaking the eggs into small pieces for about 30 seconds, keeping them soft and slightly undercooked.
- Add rice and soy sauce: Add the cold, cooked jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce, stirring to combine well. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring continuously until the rice is thoroughly heated and evenly mixed with the other ingredients.
- Incorporate pineapple, nuts, 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 an additional 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are heated through and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or salt if desired.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Serve the Thai pineapple fried rice immediately, optionally garnished with extra green onions or cashews to enhance presentation and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old jasmine rice for the best texture as it prevents clumping and results in fluffier fried rice.
- Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor, but canned pineapple pieces drained well can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Cashews can be lightly toasted beforehand if you prefer added crunch and nuttiness.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to control the saltiness according to your preference.
- Other proteins like cooked shrimp or chicken can be added to make the dish heartier.
