Pineapple Fried Rice (Thai) Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that combines sweet pineapple with savory seasonings and fluffy jasmine rice. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a delightful meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red capsicum (bell pepper), diced (~3/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice
• 1 1/2 cups pineapple pieces, fresh or canned and drained (~220g)
• 1/2 cup green onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp light or all-purpose soy sauce (not dark soy)
• 1 tbsp Thai seasoning (such as Gold Mountain)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over high heat until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring and cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add diced red capsicum and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Toss in the frozen peas and stir for 30 seconds to combine.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked jasmine rice along with oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, and Thai seasoning. Stir constantly and cook for 2 minutes until the rice absorbs the sauce and becomes slightly caramelized.
6. Step 6: Add the pineapple pieces and stir for 30 seconds just to warm them through without breaking them down.
7. Step 7: Stir in the sliced green onion, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old rice to prevent the dish from becoming mushy; freshly cooked rice can be too soft for frying.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian seasoning.
• Add cooked shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
• Adjust sweetness by adding a little more pineapple or a touch of honey, if desired.

Storage

Store leftover pineapple fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out. For best texture, avoid microwave reheating which can make the rice clumpy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works wonderfully and adds a bright, juicy flavor. Just be sure to drain canned pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What type of rice is best for pineapple fried rice?

Day-old jasmine rice is ideal because it’s slightly dried out and less likely to clump, which helps achieve a perfect fried rice texture. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out to cool before cooking.