Elevate your dinner with this flavorful and easy Pineapple Fried Rice recipe! This tropical dish combines sweet pineapple, colorful veggies, and aromatic spices for a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks, you'll discover tips for customization and presentation that will impress your guests. Don't miss out on making this vibrant meal! Click through to explore the full recipe and unleash your creativity in the kitchen!
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred for best texture)
1 ripe pineapple (½ diced, ½ for serving as a bowl)
1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
1 cup peas and carrots (frozen is perfectly acceptable)
2 green onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 large eggs (optional, for added protein)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
![To make Pineapple Fried Rice, gather these must-have items: - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred for best texture) - 1 ripe pineapple (½ diced, ½ for serving as a bowl) - 1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces - 1 cup peas and carrots (frozen is perfectly acceptable) - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 large eggs (optional, for added protein) - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving You can boost the taste of your Pineapple Fried Rice with these options: - Cashews or peanuts for crunch - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh basil or mint for a fresh twist - A splash of rice vinegar for tang If you need to swap items, here are some ideas: - Use brown rice instead of jasmine for more fiber - Try coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a tropical flavor - Substitute tofu for eggs to keep it vegan - Use any vegetables you have on hand, like broccoli or snap peas Feel free to explore your own creative twists with this full recipe! First, grab your ripe pineapple. Cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh from one half. Be careful to leave a sturdy shell. Dice the removed pineapple into small cubes. Set these aside for later. This shell will hold your fried rice, making your dish look amazing. If you want eggs in your fried rice, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well mixed. Pour them into the hot skillet. Cook them gently, stirring until they turn light golden and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Next, use the same skillet for more flavor. Add the other tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once it’s hot, toss in three cloves of minced garlic and one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. You want it to smell amazing, but don't let the garlic burn. Now, add one diced red bell pepper, one cup of peas and carrots, and the reserved diced pineapple. Stir-fry this mixture for about 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be bright and tender-crisp. Then, gently add in two cups of cooked jasmine rice. Break up any clumps as you mix. Drizzle in two tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and one tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir well to combine everything. Taste the rice and add salt and pepper as needed. Finally, fold in the scrambled eggs. Mix them evenly throughout the fried rice. Add two finely chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor. Now, remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the colorful fried rice into the hollowed-out pineapple half. This makes for a stunning presentation. If you prefer, you can serve it in a bowl instead. Garnish with some fresh cilantro and add lime wedges on the side. These will add a bright pop of flavor when squeezed over the rice. Enjoy your beautiful dish! To get the best texture for your fried rice, use day-old jasmine rice. Fresh rice holds too much moisture, making it sticky. If you don't have day-old rice, spread fresh rice on a tray and chill it for 30 minutes. This helps cool it down and dry it out. When you fry it, the rice should be fluffy and separate. For great flavor, add soy sauce and sesame oil directly to the rice. This gives a nice umami taste. You can also mix in fresh ginger and garlic for an aromatic boost. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Consider adding a splash of lime juice at the end for a fresh twist. If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes or chopped chili. To impress your guests, serve your fried rice in the hollowed-out pineapple. It looks fun and tropical! You can also sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for color. Lime wedges on the side add a pop of brightness. Using colorful veggies like red bell peppers and green onions makes the dish more appealing. Always aim for a beautiful presentation; it enhances the whole dining experience. For detailed cooking steps and a complete list of ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make pineapple fried rice vegan. Just skip the eggs. This dish still tastes great without them. You can add tofu for protein. Firm tofu works best. First, press it to remove excess water. Then, cube it and sauté it until golden. Mix it in with the fried rice for added flavor and texture. If you like meat, chicken or shrimp are great choices. For chicken, use boneless pieces. Cut them into small cubes. Cook them first until they are no longer pink. Add them back in with the rice. For shrimp, use peeled and deveined ones. Cook until they turn pink and curl. Tofu can also be a great option if you want a plant-based dish. Feel free to mix in more veggies. You can add corn, broccoli, or snap peas. These add color and nutrition. You can also use leftover veggies from other meals. Just chop them small, so they cook evenly. This makes your dish more colorful and tasty. Plus, it helps reduce waste in your kitchen. You can find the full recipe here to explore all these options! To keep your pineapple fried rice fresh, cool it down first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This rice can last up to three days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the fried rice cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. Frozen pineapple fried rice can last for about one month. When it’s time to reheat, avoid the microwave if you can. Use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir regularly. If using a microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. This helps keep the rice from drying out. Enjoy your meal like it was freshly made! Yes, you can use fresh rice. However, day-old jasmine rice works best. It has less moisture, which helps prevent clumping. Fresh rice can be sticky, making it harder to fry. If you use fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool before using. This step can help reduce stickiness. The best type of pineapple is a ripe one. Look for a pineapple with a golden color and a sweet smell. Choose one that feels firm but gives a little when pressed. Avoid pineapples with soft spots, as they may be overripe. Fresh pineapple adds a sweet and tangy taste to the dish. To add spice, include sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also use sriracha or chili sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust as needed. The spice will balance the sweetness of the pineapple, giving your dish a nice kick. Yes, you can make Pineapple Fried Rice ahead of time. Prepare it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Add a little oil to help revive the texture. Pineapple Fried Rice can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients meet gluten-free standards. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. In this post, we explored how to make Pineapple Fried Rice. We covered essential and optional ingredients, plus tasty substitutions. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions to guide you. I also provided tips for texture, flavor, and presentation. You learned about variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Fried Rice! With these tips, you can impress friends and family every time. Happy cooking!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/eba8c5a3-7e12-4bb5-8828-e696a7226976-250x250.webp)