Easy Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe – Tropical Flavor!
Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal, this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a must-try.
It’s a delightful combination of sweet pineapple, fragrant jasmine rice, and aromatic Thai spices, making it a perfect balance of flavors. Let’s get started!
What’s in This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?
This dish brings together tender chicken (or shrimp), juicy pineapple chunks, fluffy jasmine rice, and a medley of vegetables, all stir-fried in a delicious blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and curry powder. It’s quick, easy, and packed with tropical flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious fried rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold, for the best texture)
- 1 cup diced chicken breast or shrimp
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- ½ cup bell pepper (chopped, any color)
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (for authentic Thai flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric or curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 egg (beaten, for added texture)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Cashews or chopped peanuts (for crunch, optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
How to Make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook the Chicken or Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken or shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir in the garlic, curry powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Pineapple
Add the bell peppers, peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Then, add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes to enhance their sweetness.
Step 4: Scramble the Egg
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten egg into the empty space and scramble it until fully cooked.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice and chicken/shrimp back into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, mixing well to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Garnish with cilantro, cashews, or chopped peanuts if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra freshness. Enjoy!
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: About 25 minutes
Serving
This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prep.
Calories & Macros (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
Tips and Tricks
- Use cold rice to prevent clumping and achieve the best texture.
- Swap the protein with tofu, pork, or extra veggies for variety.
- Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Use canned pineapple if fresh is unavailable, but drain well to avoid extra liquid.
- For a restaurant-style presentation, serve in a hollowed-out pineapple shell.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of tropical freshness. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a great way to use up leftover rice.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! 😊
