Pineapple Fried Rice

50 Days(s) Ago 👁 217

Pineapple Fried Rice- A super easy fried rice meal with chunks of pineapple for that tropical flavor and shrimp for added protein. Super quick and easy pineapple shrimp fried rice for the win! But you can go vegetarian by leaving out the shrimp.

Fried rice has always been one of my go-to meals. The dish is so versatile you can add almost anything, and itll become a delectable family hit. Super easy: just toss all the ingredients into the wok one at a time and stir fry them for a few minutes until cooked.

Ive enjoyed almost all kinds of fried rice with all kinds of variations, from spicy to mild, meaty to veggie-loaded. Each is appealing on its own, but I keep pineapple fried rice at the top of my list. Hello, fellow pineapple lovers! 😉

Why Youll Love Pineapple Fried Rice

The addition of pineapple brings that little sunshine for a tropical vibe. The sweet, tangy flavor fits perfectly with the savory soy sauce and aromatic ginger. Not to mention how well it complements the shrimp-a match made in heaven, similar to teriyaki flavors.

Recipe Ingredients

Shrimp- Fresh, succulent shrimp is the star protein. Look for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp to make this recipe easier and faster.

Pineapple- Sweet, juicy pineapple adds flavor and color. Use this simpleHow to Pick a Pineappleguide to find one thats ripe and fresh!

Seasonings- Soy sauce lends a rich, umami savoriness. Minced ginger and curry powder add mouthwatering flavors and aromas.

Veggies- Onion, garlic, green onions, peas, and carrots are my veggies of choice for color and added nutrients. But feel free to add broccoli, cauliflower, and celery.

Eggs- Scrambled eggs add texture and extra protein to the rice.

Rice- Day-old long-grain rice works best because its drier and takes on the sauce flavors. I use white or brown basmati, whatever I have.

How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice

Oil- Heat a large wok or skillet with a tablespoon of oil on medium-high heat.
Shrimp- Add shrimp and stir fry for 3-4 minutes or until slightly pink. Remove them and set aside. (Photo 1)
Veggies- Add another tablespoon of oil and the pineapple, ginger, onions, green onions, garlic, and curry powder. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, then push vegetables to the side. (Photos 2-4)
Eggs- Add a little more oil, then add lightly beaten eggs. Allow to cook without stirring for 5-10 seconds or until the eggs are slightly cooked and set on the bottom. (Photo 5)
Rice- Add rice and cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. (Photos 6-7)
Combine- Return cooked shrimp, peas, carrots, soy sauce, and hot sauce to the pan. Continue stirring until ingredients have heated through. (Photo 8)
Season- Adjust seasoning salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste.
Serve- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges.

Recipe Alternatives

Protein- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or go with both. Just cook the chicken first since it takes longer to cook than shrimp. Or make this dish vegetarian by replacing the shrimp with diced tofu.

Pineapple- Fresh pineapple is heavenly in this recipe, but canned pineapple is equally tasty.

Rice- Replace the basmati rice with plain white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or coconut rice.

Veggies- Add green or red bell peppers, edamame, broccoli, or water chestnuts for extra nutrients and crunch.

Thai Twist- Add some lemongrass and a dash of fish sauce for Thai pineapple fried rice. Thinly slice the white parts and toss it in with the garlic.

Tips and Tricks

Leftover rice is the better choice for fried rice because its drier. Fresh hot rice tends to turn mushy when you add it to a wok with the rest of the ingredients.

Spread hot rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for about an hour if you dont have leftovers.

A heavy-bottomed skillet will give you the same results if you dont have a wok.

Stir-fry dishes cook best over high heat, so make sure your pan is hot before adding the ingredients. This dish comes together quickly, so youll want to keep your eye on the skillet.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish is an excellent make-ahead because its tastiest with leftover rice. Cook the rice the day before and refrigerate it until ready to cook. On the other hand, you can cook the fried rice a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. It reheats well and tastes great the next day!

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