Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Pineapple Fried Rice! This dish brings me so much joy because it reminds me of those sunny days spent on vacation in tropical paradise. Whenever I dig into a bowl of this delicious rice, I can almost feel the gentle ocean breeze and hear the distant sound of waves lapping against the shore. Maybe it’s just me dreaming about a holiday again, but that’s the power of food, isn’t it? Each bite is like a mini-vacation for your taste buds!
What I love most about Pineapple Fried Rice is how colorful and vibrant it is—like a party on a plate! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can toss in your favorite veggies, add some protein if you’re feeling fancy, or just keep it simple with the basics. Trust me when I say, you’ll want this recipe in your back pocket for impressing friends or just treating yourself to a little something special!
What’s in Pineapple Fried Rice?
Let’s take a closer look at what makes our Pineapple Fried Rice so scrumptious!
Jasmine Rice: This lovely, fragrant rice is perfect for stir-fries because of its fluffy texture. I’d recommend using day-old rice for the best results, as it tends to be less sticky and makes frying easier.
Pineapple Chunks: Whether fresh or canned, these little bursts of sweetness add that tropical flair that keeps you coming back for more. Fresh pineapple is juicy and vibrant, while canned offers convenience.
Bell Pepper: I love to use red bell pepper for its sweetness and color, but green works just as well. It adds a great crunch and a pop of color to the dish.
Carrots: Diced carrots add a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color, not to mention a bit of extra nutrition!
Green Onions: These fresh herbs give a mild onion flavor that’s just divine, plus they make such a lovely garnish.
Garlic: Essential for that aromatic foundation, garlic makes everything better.
Soy Sauce: This salty, savory sauce adds depth and umami to the dish. I usually go for low-sodium soy sauce so I can control the saltiness.
Oyster Sauce: Optional, but I say why not? It adds a lovely richness that rounds out the whole flavor profile.
Cooking Oil: Use either vegetable or sesame oil—each brings its own unique flavors to the table. I’m a fan of sesame for that nutty aroma!
Ground Black Pepper: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming it.
Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds a burst of freshness and color when topped before serving. If you’re not a cilantro fan, no worries! Just skip it!
Peas and Protein (Optional): Toss in some peas for color and sweetness, or add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein to make this a heartier meal!
Is Pineapple Fried Rice Good for You?
Absolutely! Pineapple Fried Rice packs a punch of nutritional goodness.
Jasmine Rice: While it’s a source of carbohydrates, pairing it with veggies and protein helps balance it out.
Pineapple: This tropical fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for your immune system. Plus, it has digestive enzymes that can help break down food!
Bell Pepper: These colorful beauties are rich in vitamins A and C. They’re great for eye health and boosting your immune system.
Carrots: Serving up a dose of beta-carotene, carrots are fantastic for eye health as well.
If you’re looking to limit calories or carbs, you could easily swap half of the rice for cauliflower rice or add more veggies to bulk it up. Just keep an eye on those sauces—too much can make it high in sodium, which is why I prefer low-sodium soy sauce.
Ingredients for Pineapple Fried Rice (Serves 4)
– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or green), diced
– 1/2 cup carrots, diced
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or sesame)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt to taste
– Optional: 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen) or cooked shrimp/chicken for added protein
How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice?
1. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Toss in the diced carrots and stir-fry them for another couple of minutes until they start to soften.
4. If you’re using peas, add them in and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, making room in the center, and add the cooked rice there.
6. Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice, and mix everything together, gently breaking up any clumps.
7. Stir in the pineapple chunks and chopped green onions, mixing well to combine all the delicious ingredients.
8. Season with black pepper and salt to taste, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and additional green onions before serving.
10. Serve warm, and enjoy your tropical Pineapple Fried Rice!
A Tropical Twist to Your Plate!
One of my favorite things about Pineapple Fried Rice is how easily it can be customized. Feeling veggie-happy? Go ahead and add in some broccoli or snap peas. Craving a protein boost? Toss in some shrimp, chicken, or even tofu! The possibilities are endless.
If you get a chance to whip up a batch, I’d love to hear how it turned out! This dish is perfect for meal prep or impressing your friends at dinner parties. So go ahead, make some Pineapple Fried Rice, and let the taste of a tropical paradise brighten your day! Happy cooking!
