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.

A close-up view of a white plate with a colorful fried rice dish featuring a mix of three main layers: the main layer consists of cooked white rice mixed with bright green peas and diced red bell peppers; scattered throughout are medium-sized pieces of yellow pineapple adding a juicy texture; the dish is stirred with chopped green onions that add fresh green rings on top, all mixed with slightly browned, crispy bits of rice giving a crunchy texture. A silver spoon rests on the right side of the plate, partially buried under the rice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with small bits of rice and green onion pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the diced red capsicum and cook for another minute.
  4. Step 4: Add the frozen peas and stir for 30 seconds until heated through.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Add the pineapple pieces and stir gently for 30 seconds to warm them through without breaking them up.
  7. 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

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with fried rice that has three main layers: the base layer consists of golden-brown cooked rice, the second layer has bright yellow pineapple chunks scattered evenly throughout, and the top layer is made up of small, colorful diced red bell peppers, green peas, and thinly sliced green onions adding fresh green and red specks on the dish. There is a spoon tucked into the rice on the right side of the plate and some grains spilled on the plate’s edge. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pineapple Fried Rice (Thai) Recipe


  • Author: Ethan
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over high heat until shimmering and hot.
  2. 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.
  3. Add capsicum: Toss in the diced red capsicum and cook for another 1 minute until slightly softened but still crisp.
  4. Cook peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 30 seconds to warm them through.
  5. 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.
  6. Warm pineapple: Stir in the pineapple pieces and cook for just 30 seconds to warm through without losing their texture.
  7. 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

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating