Tropical Getaway Easy Pineapple Fried Rice

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stared into the fridge wondering what to make? Honestly, pineapple fried rice is your answer. The sweet pineapple with savoury rice is a flavour bomb.

Brief Overview

This tropical fried rice is believed to have originated in Thailand, blending sweet, sour, and savory flavors. It's a super easy recipe, taking only around 45 minutes.

This recipe yields around 4 servings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Main Benefits

One of the great things about pineapple fried rice is that it is packed with Vitamin C. It is great for any casual get together.

It's special, because it turns leftover rice into a flavourful meal.

Let's Talk Pineapple Fried Rice Ingredients

So, what do you need for this easy pineapple fried rice recipe ? We're talking about rice, protein, veggies, and a killer sauce.

Don’t worry, you probably have most of these things in your pantry already. Seriously, it's that simple.

Day-Old Rice to the Rescue!

You absolutely need 2 cups of chilled, cooked rice. Use day-old rice for the best texture. This prevents the rice from getting mushy during the stir fry.

I always cook extra rice just for this recipe. It's like a little hack.

Protein Power: Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice ?

Next up, we are talking about protein. I usually go for a pound of cubed chicken. However, you can also use shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian pineapple fried rice .

Marinate it with soy sauce and cornstarch. This gives it a nice flavour and texture.

Veggies and That Signature Pineapple

Chop up one medium onion, two cloves of garlic, and one red bell pepper. You also need a cup of diced fresh pineapple.

If you're using canned, make sure to drain it. Half a cup of peas and some cilantro and green onions round things out.

The Sauce: Sweet, Savoury, and Everything Nice

The magic ingredient here is the sauce! Mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.

Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Trust me, this sauce is what makes the dish sing.

This sweet and savory rice dish will become your family favorite.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you need to whip up this amazing pineapple fried rice . Don't worry, it's not complicated. You probably have half of this stuff already.

Honestly, it's easier than assembling IKEA furniture.

Main Ingredients for Your Tropical Fried Rice

Okay, here’s the lowdown. The exact amounts are crucial for Thai pineapple fried rice perfection.

• Cooked & Chilled Long Grain Rice: 2 cups (400g) . Day-old is king. Seriously, use day-old rice. Fresh rice will turn to mush, and nobody wants mushy pineapple fried rice .
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped (approx. 1 cup or 150g ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (approx. 1 cup or 150g ).
• Fresh Pineapple: 1 cup (150g) , diced. Canned tidbits work in a pinch.
• Frozen Peas: ½ cup (75g) , thawed.
• Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup (30g) , chopped.
• Green Onions: 2 , thinly sliced.
• Chicken: 1 pound (450g) , cubed. Or shrimp/tofu. Your call!
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the chicken.
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (5ml) for the chicken.

When you are picking out your pineapple, make sure it smells sweet. If it doesn't have a nice smell, don't even bother!

Nailing the Flavor with Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens. It's what sets apart amazing pineapple fried rice ingredients from the okay ones.

• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Optional, but it adds that je ne sais quoi . Extra soy sauce if you skip it.
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Optional, too.
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Ground Ginger: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Or more if you like it hot.
• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .

For a quick sub, you can easily leave out the Oyster Sauce. Did you know that Oyster Sauce is not part of the Vegetarian pineapple fried rice , and some vegetarian alternative can be used.

Must Have Equipment for Easy Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Okay, less is more. You don't need a Michelin star kitchen.

• Wok or Skillet: A big one. Seriously, a big one. Wok recipes are all about space.
• Cutting Board and Knives: Obvs.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For, you know, measuring.
• Small Bowl: For the sauce.
• Optional: Rice Cooker. If you haven’t got a rice cooker, just cook the rice on the hob, simples!

There you have it. All the essential gear to nail this sweet and savory rice dish . Now, let's get cooking!

Tropical Getaway: Let's Make Some Easy Pineapple Fried Rice

Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of escapism? Especially on a dreary Tuesday, am I right? That's where this easy pineapple fried rice recipe comes in.

It’s like a mini vacation in a bowl! Think sunshine, beaches, and flavours that just pop . This isn't your bland uncle's fried rice.

This is a sweet and savory rice dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together (It's Worth It!)

First things first, let's get organised, yeah? It is all about the mise en place . Chop your onion, mince that garlic (go on, give it some welly!), dice the bell pepper and pineapple.

Measure out all those pineapple fried rice ingredients and get everything within arm's reach. Trust me, it will make your life so much easier.

step-by-step: From Zero to Hero in Minutes

1. Marinate the Protein: Mix your chicken (or tofu) with 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce and 1 teaspoon (5ml) cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Whisk the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients (soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and lime juice).
3. Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil in a wok. Add the onion, garlic and cook until softened. Then add the chicken (or shrimp/tofu) and cook until done. Chicken internal temp 165F/74C. Set aside.
4. Veggie Time: Cook the bell pepper and peas until tender crisp.
5. Rice and Pineapple: Add rice and pineapple to the wok. Cook until everything is heated through.
6. Combine: Add the cooked chicken (or shrimp/tofu) and the sauce to the wok. Stir it all up, baby! Cook for a minute or two.
7. Finish: Stir in cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pineapple Fried Rice

Want to really impress your mates? Use day-old rice . It's the secret to perfect Asian stir fry recipes . Fresh rice will just get mushy.

Also, don't overcrowd the wok or else you'll get steaming instead of stir frying! If you're feeling adventurous, swap the chicken for shrimp to make a chicken pineapple fried rice alternative.

Delish! You can also make the sauce ahead of time for even faster cooking.

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Pineapple Fried Rice

Okay, so you're about to make this pineapple fried rice , and honestly, you're in for a treat! It's like a tropical vacation in a bowl.

But before you dive in, let's run through a few things that'll take your dish from good to "OMG, this is amazing".

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Listen, presentation matters, right? I like to serve my Thai pineapple fried rice in a hollowed out pineapple half seriously, it looks so impressive.

Sprinkle with extra cilantro and a lime wedge. Think about adding some crispy spring rolls on the side to complete the meal.

Iced green tea? Absolutely! A sweet and savory rice dish needs a cool drink.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Refrigerate any leftover pineapple fried rice ingredients in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Honestly, it never lasts that long in my house! Freezing is an option, but the rice might get a little mushy.

Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. A little splash of water helps to rehydrate the rice, you know?

Variations: Getting Creative

Want to go vegetarian pineapple fried rice ? Easy peasy! Swap out the chicken for tofu. Marinate the tofu in a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil before frying.

For a bit of seasonal flair, in the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash. Seriously, it works! We can adapt the Tropical fried rice ingredients to our personal taste!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Pineapple fried rice isn’t just delicious; it's got some good stuff in it. You get your protein from the chicken or tofu.

The pineapple gives you vitamin C, and the rice gives you energy. All those veggies load you up with vitamins and minerals.

It's a pretty balanced meal, all things considered!

So, there you have it. A few little tips to make your easy pineapple fried rice recipe sing! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You've got this! And remember, cooking should be fun, so crank up the tunes and enjoy the process.