There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Thai Pineapple Fried Rice: every bite bursts with sunshine-bright pineapple, nutty cashews, and warm curry-kissed rice. Fragrant, colorful, and joyously easy to pull together, this dish brings those laid-back Thai vacation vibes right into your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a showstopper for friends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be making Thai Pineapple Fried Rice on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the very heart and soul of Thai Pineapple Fried Rice, each one adding its own unique pop of flavor, color, or texture. Don’t be intimidated—the list is simple, and a well-stocked produce section and pantry are all you need to channel those classic Thai tastes.
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying everything to that perfect, glistening finish—use any neutral oil you like, but avoid olive oil’s strong flavor.
- Garlic (minced): The essential fragrance that instantly sets the Thai mood; fresh garlic makes all the difference here.
- Small onion (diced): Adds a gentle sweetness and lovely savoriness as the aromatic base of your fried rice.
- Red bell pepper (chopped): For sweet crunch and brilliant color—other bell peppers work too, but red delivers the prettiest pop.
- Fresh pineapple (diced): The star of the show, offering golden bursts of juicy sweetness in every mouthful; fresh works best but canned (drained) is fine in a pinch.
- Green onions (sliced): Lends both color and a sharp, fresh aroma to the mix—reserve a few for finishing if you love a sprinkle on top.
- Eggs (beaten): For a luxuriously tender bite that helps bind everything together, plus a dose of protein.
- Cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled): Day-old rice is key—chilled rice gives the best texture and keeps things from turning mushy.
- Soy sauce: Provides deep umami and that classic savory backbone; low-sodium is great if you’re watching salt.
- Fish sauce: A splash of this uniquely Southeast Asian condiment gives that irresistible funky, salty depth—vegetarians can sub extra soy sauce.
- Curry powder: Just a hint adds warmth and that signature golden color—don’t worry, it’s not spicy unless you want it to be.
- Sugar: Balances the savory and sour notes, letting the pineapple’s sweetness sing without tipping over into dessert territory.
- Roasted cashews: For crunch and nutty roundness—cashew pieces are fine, but whole ones give an impressive finish.
- Frozen peas and carrots (thawed): Little jewels of sweetness and color—shortcuts like these keep dinner speedy (no need to individually prep more veggies).
- Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touch to round out all the flavors; taste before you season, as sauces are salty too.
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro (optional): The ultimate garnish for that fresh, sunny Thai flair—don’t skip if you love a bright finish.
How to Make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for just a minute or two until your kitchen fills with that unmistakable Thai aroma and the onions are just starting to soften. Aromatics are the foundation of great Thai Pineapple Fried Rice flavor, and you’ll already be dreaming of the finished dish.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Toss in your red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, giving it a chance to soften slightly and release its sweetness. Then it’s time for the diced pineapple and green onions—stir and cook for one more minute. The pineapple will start to caramelize just a bit, bringing out its natural tangy sweetness.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push all the vegetables to one side of the pan, making space for the eggs. Pour in the beaten eggs on the empty side and let them set briefly before gently scrambling. When they’re just cooked but still soft, stir them together with the rest of the veggies. You’re building layers of texture, and those flecks of soft egg add flavor and silkiness throughout.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Seasonings
Add your chilled jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula for even mixing. Now pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, curry powder, and sugar. Toss everything together so your rice becomes evenly golden and deliciously scented—let those flavors mingle over the heat!
Step 5: Finish with Cashews and Veggies
Now comes the best part: add the roasted cashews and thawed peas and carrots. Give everything a final toss and stir for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything’s hot and the cashews are glossy and toasty. Taste and season with salt and pepper—your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is ready to shine.
How to Serve Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off Thai Pineapple Fried Rice quite like a scatter of fresh cilantro, a handful of sliced green onion, and a few lime wedges on the side. That last squeeze of lime brings everything to life, and the herbs add a bright blast of freshness you don’t want to miss.
Side Dishes
Pair your gorgeous rice with crunchy Thai spring rolls or a bright green papaya salad for a real crowd-pleaser. If you want to add a protein boost, serve it alongside grilled shrimp, satay chicken, or crispy tofu—Thai Pineapple Fried Rice plays well with almost any Thai-inspired main.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Thai Pineapple Fried Rice inside a hollowed-out pineapple half instantly transforms dinner into a special occasion. Not only is it stunning on the table, but the pineapple shell perfumes the rice as you eat. Don’t have a pineapple handy? A colorful platter or wide bowl lets those golden grains and rainbow veggies shine just as nicely!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days; the flavors even deepen overnight, making lunch the next day a delicious treat.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Thai Pineapple Fried Rice! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags, press out the air, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re craving a tropical meal, it’ll be ready in minutes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to help loosen up the grains. Microwave-friendly too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so everything warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the fish sauce and add more soy sauce or use a vegetarian fish sauce substitute. The dish will still be brimming with bold, tropical flavors.
Why is chilled rice better for fried rice recipes?
Chilled, day-old rice separates easily and stays wonderfully fluffy when fried, preventing the sticky, mushy texture fresh rice can bring. If you’re in a hurry, just spread fresh-cooked rice on a tray and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
What protein can I add to Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?
This recipe is a blank canvas! Stir in cooked shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu at the end for an extra hit of protein, or even toss in leftover roast meat if that’s what you have.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Definitely—just be sure to drain it very well and even pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture. Fresh is ideal for that juicy, vibrant flavor, but canned works in a pinch!
Is this dish spicy?
Traditional Thai Pineapple Fried Rice isn’t meant to be very spicy. If you like heat, add a sliced Thai chili or a dash of sriracha either to the pan or at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dish that’s equal parts vibrant, cozy, and exhilarating, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is truly the answer. It’s just as perfect for a quiet night in as for impressing guests with something memorable and playful. Give it a try, have fun with the toppings, and let that sweet-savory magic transport you to your happy place!
Print
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory fried rice. With a perfect blend of spices and textures, it’s a delightful meal that can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably chilled
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup roasted cashews
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and onion, then add bell pepper and pineapple.
- Cook Eggs: Push veggies aside, pour beaten eggs, scramble, and mix everything.
- Add Rice: Incorporate chilled rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, curry powder, and sugar.
- Final Steps: Add cashews, peas, and carrots, season to taste, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit fish sauce or use extra soy sauce.
- Leftover rice works best to prevent mushiness.
- Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for additional protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
