Pineapple Fried Rice (Thai) Recipe
Introduction
Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory seasonings and fresh vegetables. Perfect for using leftover rice, this quick and easy recipe delivers a balance of textures and tastes that will brighten up any meal.

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 jasmine rice, cooked
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple pieces, fresh or canned 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 soy sauce (not dark soy)
- 1 tbsp Thai seasoning (such as Gold Mountain)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over high heat.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced red capsicum and cook for another minute.
- Step 4: Add the frozen peas and stir for 30 seconds until heated through.
- Step 5: Add the cooked jasmine rice and all the sauce ingredients—oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, and Thai seasoning. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the rice changes from wet to slightly caramelized.
- Step 6: Add the pineapple pieces and stir gently for 30 seconds to warm them through without breaking them up.
- Step 7: Mix in the sliced green onions, give everything a final stir, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old rice chilled in the fridge for best texture, as freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky.
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein to make this a complete meal.
- For a spicier kick, include chopped chili or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce before serving.
- Fresh pineapple works best for natural sweetness, but canned drained pineapple also works well.
Storage
Store leftover pineapple fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice is usually too moist and soft for fried rice recipes. Day-old rice that has been refrigerated firms up and helps create the desired texture without clumping.
Is there a vegetarian version of this pineapple fried rice?
Yes, simply omit the fish sauce and replace it with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative. You can also add tofu and extra vegetables to keep it flavorful and satisfying.
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Pineapple Fried Rice (Thai) Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining fragrant jasmine rice with sweet pineapple, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauces. Perfect as a standalone meal or a side dish, it’s quick to prepare and delivers a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes with a pleasing texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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 peas, frozen
- 1/2 cup green onion, sliced
Main
- 3 cups day old jasmine rice, cooked
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple pieces, fresh or canned drained (~220g)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, light or all-purpose (not dark soy)
- 1 tbsp Thai Seasoning (Gold Mountain)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the finely minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant and translucent.
- Add capsicum: Toss in the diced red capsicum and cook for another 1 minute until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Cook peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 30 seconds to warm them through.
- Combine rice and sauces: Add the cooked day-old jasmine rice to the wok along with oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, and Thai seasoning. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, letting the rice absorb the sauces and begin to caramelize slightly.
- Warm pineapple: Stir in the pineapple pieces and cook for just 30 seconds to warm through without losing their texture.
- Finish with green onions and serve: Add the sliced green onions, give everything a final stir, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use day-old cooked jasmine rice as it helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
- Fresh pineapple adds the best flavor and texture, but canned pineapple can be a convenient substitute if well drained.
- You can adjust the amount of fish sauce and oyster sauce to suit your preferred saltiness and umami levels.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce and oyster sauce with vegan alternatives.
- Use a large wok or skillet to ensure even cooking and easy stirring.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: Pineapple Fried Rice, Thai Fried Rice, Jasmine Rice, Sweet and Savory Rice, Quick Thai Recipe

