Capture the taste of Thailand with this easy, weeknight-friendly Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. It balances sweet pineapple with savory sauce, and you can serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple for a stunning presentation.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stir-Frying
Cuisine:Thai
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
1 cup cooked, chilled day-old white rice
1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1/4 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup protein of choice (shrimp, diced chicken breast, or firm tofu cubes for Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon fish sauce (use soy sauce or tamari for Vegan)
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons chopped scallions, for garnish
1/4 cup toasted cashews, for garnish
1 fresh pineapple, halved and hollowed (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the pineapple: Carefully slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. Scoop out the fruit, leaving a sturdy shell intact. Dice the scooped-out fruit and set aside.
Cook the protein: Heat half the oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chosen protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) and cook until done. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Scramble the egg: Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten egg into the empty space and quickly scramble until just set. Mix the egg into the vegetables.
Stir-fry the rice: Add the cold, day-old rice to the wok. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and lightly toasted.
Add flavor and pineapple: Return the cooked protein to the wok. Add the diced fresh pineapple, fish sauce, curry powder, sugar, and soy sauce. Toss everything together quickly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the rice evenly and the pineapple is warm.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the finished Thai Pineapple Fried Rice into the hollowed-out pineapple halves. Garnish generously with chopped scallions and toasted cashews. This makes for the ultimate presentation.
Notes
Using day-old, chilled rice is key for good fried rice; fresh rice will become mushy.
For the best presentation, use a sharp knife to carefully cut zig-zag patterns around the inside edge of the pineapple shell before scooping out the fruit.
If you want a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce with the soy sauce.