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
Scale
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.
