Introduction
Looking to break out of your weeknight dinner routine? This Pineapple Fried Rice is sweet, savory, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender jasmine rice, juicy chunks of pineapple, crisp vegetables, and a hint of curry, it delivers bold flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s customizable—make it vegetarian, add chicken or shrimp, or toss in nuts for crunch. Whether you’re craving something tropical or just want a fast one-pan meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory fusion thanks to pineapple and curry
- Great use for leftover rice—cold rice fries best
- Fast and flexible—ready in 30 minutes with endless add-in options
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold or day-old)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, alcohol-free)
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted cashews (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Rice: Day-old rice works best for texture. Jasmine rice adds subtle floral aroma.
- Pineapple: Fresh gives a bolder taste, but canned (drained) is convenient.
- Sauces: Oyster sauce adds umami depth but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a heartier dish.
- Nuts: Cashews or peanuts add crunch—toast them lightly for best flavor.
Instructions
1. Scramble the Eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Stir in onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies and Pineapple
- Add diced pineapple, bell pepper, peas, and carrots.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
4. Add the Rice
- Add the cold rice, breaking up clumps with your spatula.
- Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
5. Season the Rice
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
6. Finish and Serve
- Return scrambled eggs to the pan.
- Add green onions and cashews if using.
- Stir everything together and cook for 1 final minute. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use cold rice for the best fried texture—fresh rice gets mushy.
- Don’t over-stir—let the rice sit for a minute to get crispy bits.
- Adjust curry and soy sauce to taste—some prefer it milder, others bolder.
- Garnish with lime wedges or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with spring rolls, edamame, or a side of sautéed greens.
- Make it a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or fried tofu.
- Pair with a light pineapple iced tea or sparkling ginger water.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture.
- Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw and stir-fry to reheat.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Enjoy global flavors and quick weeknight wins? Try these dishes next:
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Fried Rice is a celebration of sweet, savory, and spice—all in one pan. It’s a quick, colorful way to elevate leftovers into something craveable and totally customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers tropical comfort in every bite.
Tried it? Let us know how it turned out—and don’t forget to follow for more globally inspired one-pan meals!
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