Thai pineapple fried rice is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy pineapple and spicy Thai flavours. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it an excellent choice for a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The use of fresh pineapple really sets this dish apart from your typical fried rice, creating a unique and flavorful meal that's sure to impress.
Most ingredients for this dish are easily found in your local supermarket. However, you might need to look a little harder for reduced-sodium tamari, which is a type of soy sauce that is less salty and has a slightly sweet flavor. If you can't find it, you can use regular soy sauce but remember to adjust the salt accordingly. Chili garlic sauce is another ingredient that you might not have at hand. It's commonly available in the Asian aisle of your supermarket and adds an authentic heat to your dish. If fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple can be used as a substitute, but the fresh one gives a more vibrant flavor.
Ingredients for Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Coconut oil: This adds a subtle sweetness and tropical flavor to the dish. It is also used for its high smoke point which makes it suitable for frying.
Eggs: Add protein to the dish and give it a nice texture.
Fresh pineapple: The star of the dish, it adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory ingredients.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly bitter flavor and a vibrant color to the dish.
Green onions: Their mild flavor complements the other ingredients and adds a touch of freshness.
Garlic: A must-have in any savory dish, it imparts a robust flavor.
Unsalted cashews: They add a nice crunch to the dish and a rich, buttery flavor.
Brown rice: A healthier alternative to white rice, it's high in fiber and gives the dish a nice bite.
Reduced-sodium tamari: This is a type of soy sauce with less salt. It adds a deep umami flavor.
Chili garlic sauce: Gives the dish a spicy kick.
Lime: Adds acidity which balances out the flavors.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Cilantro leaves: Used as a garnish, they add a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
One reader, Billye Roberts says:
This Thai pineapple fried rice recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy cashews, and savory rice is simply divine. The flavors are so vibrant and the dish is incredibly satisfying. It's a must-try for anyone looking to add some excitement to their dinner routine!
Techniques Required for Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
How to scramble eggs: In a heated pan, pour in the eggs and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the eggs are scrambled and lightly set. Transfer the eggs to a separate bowl.
How to caramelize pineapple: Cook the pineapple and red pepper for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the liquid has evaporated and the pineapple is caramelized on the edges.
How to cook rice: Add the rice to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for about 3 minutes until the rice is hot, stirring occasionally.
How to garnish with cilantro: Lightly sprinkle cilantro over the individual serving bowls before serving.
How To Make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Prepare a vegetarian dinner with this Thai pineapple fried rice cooked with bell pepper, and cashew served with lime and cilantro.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tspcoconut oil,or quality vegetable oil, divided
- 2eggs,beaten with a dash of salt
- 1½cupsfresh pineapple,chopped
- 1large red bell pepper,diced
- ¾cupgreen onions,about ½ bunch, chopped
- 2cloves garlic,pressed or minced
- ½cupunsalted cashews,chopped raw
- 2cupsbrown rice,cooked and chilled preferably long-grain brown jasmine rice
- 1tbspreduced-sodium tamari,or soy sauce
- 1-2tspchili garlic sauce,or Sriracha
- 1smalllime,halved
- salt,to taste
- handful of fresh cilantro leaves,torn into little pieces, for garnishing
Instructions
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Heat a large wok, cast-iron skillet, or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and place an empty serving bowl nearby. Once the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact, add 1 teaspoon oil.
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Pour in the eggs and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the eggs are scrambled and lightly set. Transfer the eggs to the empty bowl.
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Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, if necessary. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and add the pineapple and red pepper.
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Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes stirring constantly, until the liquid has evaporated and the pineapple is caramelized on the edges.
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Then add the green onion and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant while stirring constantly. Transfer the contents of the pan to the bowl of eggs.
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Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Pour in the cashews and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
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Add the rice to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for about 3 minutes until the rice is hot, stirring occasionally.
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Pour the contents of the bowl back into the pan and stir to combine, breaking up the scrambled eggs with a spoon. Cook until the contents are warmed through, then remove the pan from heat.
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Add the tamari and chili garlic sauce, to taste. Squeeze the juice of ½ lime over the dish and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and set aside.
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Slice the remaining ½ lime into 4 wedges. Transfer the stir-fry to individual serving bowls and garnish each bowl with a lime wedge and a light sprinkle of cilantro.
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Serve with bottles of tamari and chili garlic sauce or Sriracha on the side, if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550.67kcal
- Fat: 14.80g
- Saturated Fat: 4.52g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.82g
- Carbohydrates: 92.14g
- Fiber: 6.51g
- Sugar: 9.70g
- Protein: 14.84g
- Cholesterol: 79.98mg
- Sodium: 649.13mg
- Calcium: 84.87mg
- Potassium: 647.14mg
- Iron: 4.15mg
- Vitamin A: 116.99µg
- Vitamin C: 90.43mg
Technique Tip for Making Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
When cooking the pineapple and red pepper, it's important to keep the heat high and stir constantly. This will help the pineapple caramelize and give the dish a sweet and savory flavor. Also, when adding the rice, make sure it's spread out evenly in the pan to ensure it heats up uniformly. Lastly, don't forget to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go, especially after adding the tamari and chili garlic sauce. The dish should have a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables and pineapple in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use leftover rice: Utilize leftover rice from a previous meal to cut down on cooking time.
One-pan method: Consider using a large skillet or wok to cook everything in one pan, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother and more efficient process.
Quick cook: Opt for quick-cooking brown rice or pre-cooked rice to significantly reduce the overall cooking time.
Efficient multitasking: While one ingredient is cooking, prepare the next one to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
coconut oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Coconut oil adds a unique flavor to the dish, but if you prefer a more neutral taste, vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in this recipe, providing a similar texture and protein content.
fresh pineapple - Substitute with canned pineapple: Canned pineapple can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh pineapple, especially if fresh pineapple is not readily available.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, offering a slightly different flavor and color to the dish.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a mild onion flavor and a similar visual appeal.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, although the flavor profile may be slightly different.
unsalted cashews - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can be used as a substitute for cashews, providing a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for brown rice, offering a nutritious and gluten-free alternative.
reduced-sodium tamari - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for tamari, although the flavor may be slightly different.
chili garlic sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for chili garlic sauce, providing a spicy and tangy flavor to the dish.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime, providing a similar citrusy flavor to the dish.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, offering a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presenting Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Thai pineapple fried rice, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Arrange the ingredients thoughtfully, ensuring that each component is visible and appealing.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the fried rice with finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted cashews. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Incorporate artistic flair: Consider using a pineapple leaf as a decorative element to add a touch of tropical charm to the presentation. This small detail can elevate the overall aesthetic and leave a lasting impression on the judges.
Balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, aiming for balance and symmetry. The visual harmony of the presentation will demonstrate precision and attention to detail.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Emphasize the natural colors of the dish by arranging the red bell peppers, pineapple, and green onions in an eye-catching manner. The colorful presentation will evoke a sense of freshness and flavor.
Attention to detail: Ensure that the lime wedges are positioned strategically on the plate, adding a pop of brightness and acidity to the overall composition. Every detail matters in creating a visually stunning dish.
Emphasize the aroma: Just before serving, drizzle a hint of toasted sesame oil over the dish to release a tantalizing aroma that will captivate the senses of the judges and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used for stir-frying, steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking, and roasting nuts.
- Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty cooking pan made of cast iron, known for its excellent heat retention and distribution, making it ideal for searing, sautéing, baking, and frying.
- Non-stick frying pan: A pan with a non-stick coating that allows for cooking with minimal oil and easy food release, suitable for cooking eggs, pancakes, and delicate foods.
- Serving bowl: A bowl used for serving dishes, salads, and snacks, available in various sizes and materials such as ceramic, glass, or stainless steel.
- Paper towel: An absorbent paper used for cleaning, drying, and blotting food, as well as for covering food in the microwave and lining serving baskets.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for slicing, shredding, chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients, equipped with various blades and attachments for versatile food preparation.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients, available in different materials such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and in various sizes.
- Lime squeezer: A handheld tool used for efficiently extracting juice from limes, lemons, and other citrus fruits, typically made of metal or plastic.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods, available in different materials such as silicone, metal, or plastic.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food, available in various materials such as wood, plastic, or bamboo, and in different sizes.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife with a broad, sharp blade used for chopping, slicing, and mincing a wide range of ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring dry and liquid ingredients in cooking and baking, available in sets with various standard measurements.
- Stove: A cooking appliance with burners or heating elements used for cooking food in pots and pans, available in gas, electric, and induction models.
- Bottles: Containers used for storing and dispensing liquids such as sauces, oils, and condiments, available in various sizes and materials such as glass or plastic.
How To Store and Freeze Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Let the thai pineapple fried rice cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent the rice from becoming soggy and mushy.
Store the leftover fried rice in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
To reheat the refrigerated fried rice, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
If you want to freeze the leftover fried rice, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
Frozen fried rice can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat frozen fried rice, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
If the reheated fried rice seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten it and bring back its fluffy texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Reheat the thai pineapple fried rice in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil or water to the pan to help moisten the rice and prevent it from sticking. Stir-fry the rice for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the rice is heated through and steaming.
If you have a bit more time, you can reheat the thai pineapple fried rice in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rice evenly in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a crispy texture, reheat the leftover fried rice under the broiler. Spread the rice evenly on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the rice to prevent burning.
If you have a few extra ingredients on hand, consider adding them to the leftover thai pineapple fried rice to give it a fresh twist. Toss in some diced bell peppers, onions, or carrots, or crack an egg over the rice and stir-fry until the egg is cooked through.
Random Fact About Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
The Thai pineapple fried rice recipe is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of cashews, brown rice, and vegetables. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, creating a unique and satisfying meal. Pineapple is a great source of vitamin C and manganese, and it adds a refreshing and tropical twist to the traditional fried rice. The combination of ingredients in this recipe makes it a nutritious and flavorful option for a quick and easy meal.
Is This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This Thai pineapple fried rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as brown rice, pineapple, and bell pepper, are generally affordable and widely available. The addition of unsalted cashews and coconut oil may slightly increase the cost, but they contribute to the dish's flavor and texture. Overall, this recipe offers a balance of cost and quality, making it a practical choice for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20.
Is Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Thai pineapple fried rice recipe is a healthier take on a classic dish. It incorporates several nutritious ingredients such as fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, green onions, garlic, and brown rice. The use of brown rice instead of white rice adds extra fiber and nutrients. The recipe also uses a minimal amount of oil and opts for healthier cooking methods like stir-frying.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe or consider using a healthier oil like avocado oil
- Use low-sodium tamari or soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish to boost its nutritional value
- Consider using a leaner protein source like tofu or chicken breast instead of eggs
- Limit the amount of cashews used or replace them with a healthier nut like almonds
By making these small adjustments, you can transform this Thai pineapple fried rice into an even healthier and more nutritious meal that still packs a flavorful punch. The addition of more vegetables and a leaner protein source will make it a well-rounded dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Experimenting with different spices and herbs can also add depth to the flavors without relying on excessive amounts of salt or oil.
Editor's Thoughts on This Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
The Thai pineapple fried rice recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The use of fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, and cashews adds a wonderful texture and depth to the dish. The balance of tamari, chili garlic sauce, and lime juice creates a harmonious blend of tangy and umami flavors. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks, and the final touch of cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note. Overall, this dish is a vibrant and satisfying option for those seeking a taste of Thai cuisine at home.
Enhance Your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe:
This #food# recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring fresh #pineapple#, vibrant #bell pepper#, and crunchy #cashews#. The use of #coconut oil# and #brown rice# adds a wholesome touch, while the aromatic #garlic# and #green onions# infuse the dish with rich savory notes. The harmonious balance of #tamari# and #chili garlic sauce# brings a tantalizing umami kick, enhanced by a squeeze of zesty #lime# juice. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, this #Thai pineapple fried rice# promises a delightful culinary experience that's both trustworthy and delicious.
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