This Pineapple Fried Rice is a delicious and simple dish that's ready in just 25 minutes. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this one-pot recipe is a family favorite that never fails to satisfy. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
If you need a dish that pairs perfectly with every BBQ, then this vegetarian pineapple fried rice is your answer.
With fluffy grains of jasmine rice, vibrant veggies, and sweet, juicy pineapple, all tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, it's a crowd-pleasing side that's as easy to make as it is delicious.
If you're a fan of this recipe, you'll definitely want to check out my easy Korean beef and rice bowls for another simple, family-friendly meal. Or, if you're in the mood for a vegetarian option, my Mexican rice and beans are a flavorful, one-pot dish that's guaranteed to please.
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Why This Is The Best Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This pineapple fried rice is a cinch to make. With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Irresistible Flavors: The combination of sweet pineapple, savory jasmine rice, and a hint of chili for a kick creates a flavor you just can't resist. It's a dish that's as delicious as it is unique.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with the whole family. It's a go-to meal that everyone enjoys, making it a staple in our household.
- One-Pot Wonder: With just one pot, you can make this incredible meal. That means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious pineapple fried rice.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Jasmine Rice: This type of rice, known for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, is the perfect base for our fried rice. Use leftover rice or day-old rice for best results.
- Diced Fresh Pineapple: The pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor, as well as a refreshing juiciness, to our dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: This ingredient, diced and fresh, brings a crunchy texture and sweet, fruity flavor to our fried rice.
- Spring Onion: Diced spring onion, also known as scallions, adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color to our dish.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic cloves infuse our fried rice with their signature pungency and depth of flavor.
- Raw Cashews Nuts: Chopped raw cashews add a crunchy texture and a rich, buttery flavor to our dish.
- Frozen Peas: These peas, straight from the freezer, add a pop of sweet, fresh flavor and a vibrant green color to our fried rice.
- Chili Sauce (optional): This sauce, added to your personal preference, brings a spicy kick and a tangy sweetness to our dish. If you're not a fan of spicy food, feel free to leave it out.
- Cilantro: This herb, chopped, is used to garnish our dish. It adds a fresh, bright flavor and a pop of green color. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute it with another herb of your choice.
How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice
Making this vegetarian pineapple fried rice recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Prepare the eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt.
- Cook the scrambled eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the whisk into the skillet and scramble until cooked through. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- Saute the vegetables: In the same skillet or wok, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced pineapple and red bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Then, add the onion and spring onion and stir fry for another 1 to 2 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and frozen peas and stir fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the cashews: Add the chopped cashews to the skillet and toast for a few minutes. Then, remove the cashews from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine and stir fry: Now, add the cooked rice, vegetables, and scrambled eggs back to the skillet. Add soy sauce, salt, and chili sauce (if using) and stir everything together.
- Serve the dish: Once everything is heated through, serve the pineapple fried rice in a bowl and top with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your homemade
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Tips For Making the Best Pineapple Fried Rice
- Choose the right rice: For this recipe, I recommend using jasmine rice. It's fragrant and adds an authentic Asian touch to the dish.
- Prep your ingredients in advance: Dice your pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and spring onion ahead of time. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more efficient.
- Don't skip the scrambled eggs: Whisk and cook the eggs first. This adds a protein boost to your fried rice and gives it that classic, authentic flavor.
- Toast the cashews: Before adding the rice, toast the chopped cashews in the skillet. This will enhance their flavor and give your pineapple fried rice a nice crunch.
- Use a large skillet or wok: A large, wide cooking surface will help to evenly cook and combine all the ingredients. It also reduces the risk of overcrowding, which can lead to steamed rather than fried rice.
Serving Suggestions
- For a complete and balanced meal, pair this with some grilled teriyaki chicken. The sweetness of the chicken compliments the tangy flavors of the rice, making it a delicious combination that's guaranteed to please.
- If you're in the mood for a vegetarian feast, serve this with some crispy, golden fried tofu. The texture of the tofu contrasts beautifully with the soft rice, and the flavors blend together wonderfully.
- For a light and refreshing lunch, serve this with a side of mixed greens tossed in a sesame-garlic vinaigrette. The crisp, fresh salad is the perfect counter to rich, savory rice.
- And, of course, you can always enjoy this pineapple fried rice on its own for a quick and satisfying meal. It's versatile enough to be a star on its own!
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Spicier: If you're a fan of spicy food, this variation is for you. Simply add more chili sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the recipe. The extra heat will give your dish a fiery twist that's guaranteed to please spice lovers.
- Other Vegetables: If you want to amp up the veggie factor in this dish, try adding some extra vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or baby corn. This variation is a great way to add more nutrients and color to your pineapple fried rice.
- Grilled Pineapples: For a smoky twist, consider using grilled pineapple instead of fresh. The grilled flavor will add an extra dimension to your dish, giving it a unique and delicious twist.
- Thai version: For a Thai-inspired version of this dish, consider adding a tablespoon of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime. This will give your pineapple fried rice a tangy, savory flavor that's reminiscent of authentic Thai cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for this pineapple fried rice recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to drain the pineapple chunks before adding them to the dish.
What can I use as a substitute for jasmine rice in this recipe?
If you don't have jasmine rice, you can use long-grain white rice as a substitute. Avoid using short-grain rice as it tends to be more sticky, which can alter the texture of the fried rice.
Can I use a different type of nuts instead of cashews for this recipe?
Yes, you can. If you're allergic to cashews or don't have them on hand, you can use almonds or peanuts instead. Just make sure to chop them before adding to the dish.
How can I make this vegetarian pineapple fried rice spicy?
If you like your food spicy, you can add more chili sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: If you have leftovers of this delicious pineapple fried rice, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing this fried rice as it can affect the texture and consistency of the rice as well as the pineapple and veggies.
You'll Also Enjoy These Recipes With Rice
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Recipe
Pineapple Fried Rice
This pineapple fried rice is a delicious and simple dish that's ready in just 25 minutes. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this one-pot recipe is a family favorite that never fails to satisfy. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 420kcal
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cup diced fresh pineapple you can use canned pineapple
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 cup spring onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup raw cashews nuts chopped
- ⅓ cup frozen peas
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 to 2 tablespoon chili sauce optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cilantro chopped (for decorating)
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the whisked eggs into the skillet and scramble until cooked through.
- Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced pineapple and red bell pepper and cook for 2 or 3 minutes.
- Add the onion, spring onion, and stir fry for 1 or 2 minutes.
- Next, add the minced garlic and frozen peas and stir fry for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the vegetables from the skillet and place it on the plate with the scrambled eggs.
- Add the chopped cashews to the skillet and toast for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked rice, vegetables, and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, salt, and chili sauce, if using, and stir everything together.
- Serve in a bowl and decorate with chopped cilantro.
Notes
Prep your ingredients in advance: Dice your pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and spring onion ahead of time. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more efficient.
Nuts: If you're allergic to cashews or don't have them on hand, you can use almonds or peanuts instead. Just make sure to chop them before adding to the dish.
Use a large skillet or wok: A large, wide cooking surface will help to evenly cook and combine all the ingredients. It also reduces the risk of overcrowding, which can lead to steamed rather than fried rice.
Refrigerator: If you have leftovers of this delicious pineapple fried rice, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing this fried rice as it can affect the texture and consistency of the rice as well as the pineapple and veggies.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 885mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1454IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg
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