Let’s Make Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is one of those dishes that surprises people with how well sweet and savory flavors come together. The rice is fluffy and lightly seasoned, the pineapple adds juicy bursts of sweetness, and the mix of vegetables, eggs, and protein creates a complete meal. What makes it extra special is the contrast of textures: tender rice, juicy pineapple chunks, crisp vegetables, and sometimes crunchy cashews or peanuts.

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This dish is especially loved in Southeast Asian cooking, often served in a carved-out pineapple bowl for a striking presentation. Home cooks enjoy it because it looks impressive yet doesn’t require complicated techniques. Whether you’re making shrimp and pineapple fried rice, a pineapple fried rice recipe with chicken, or even jerk shrimp with pineapple rice, the balance of flavors is what keeps people coming back to it. It’s vibrant, colorful, and fits beautifully into the world of tropical pineapple fried rice and pineapple recipes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced sweet-savory flavor: The pineapple brightens up the fried rice and prevents it from tasting too heavy. The sweetness complements soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of protein.
Flexible protein options: You can turn it into shrimp fried rice with brown rice, add chicken for a hearty pineapple fried rice recipe chicken, or keep it vegetarian with tofu.
Eye-catching presentation: Serving it in a pineapple bowl recipe style instantly makes it feel festive and restaurant-worthy, ideal for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Quick and efficient: With pre-cooked rice, the entire dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Chef-approved techniques: Frying rice properly ensures every grain stays separate, not soggy, while the pineapple is cooked just enough to release juices without becoming mushy.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained well)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup diced chicken breast (optional, for pineapple fried rice recipe chicken)
1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional, for shrimp and pineapple fried rice)
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup peas
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
1/4 cup cashews or peanuts (optional, for crunch)
2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Substitution Notes

Use brown rice to make shrimp fried rice with brown rice.
For vegetarian, replace chicken or shrimp with extra vegetables or tofu.
Curry powder is optional but adds a golden color and subtle flavor, often seen in tropical pineapple fried rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rice

Make sure your rice is cold and separated. If clumped, gently break it apart with your fingers. Day-old rice fries better than freshly cooked rice because it is drier and won’t stick together.

Step 2: Cook the protein

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. If using chicken, cook until golden and fully cooked, then remove. If using shrimp, sauté just until pink and firm, then remove. Set aside.

Step 3: Scramble the eggs

Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling them quickly until just set. Push to one side of the wok.

Step 4: Sauté aromatics and vegetables

Add the remaining oil. Toss in onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add carrots and peas, stir-frying until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Add the rice

Increase the heat to high. Add the cold rice, spreading it out in the wok. Let it sit for a few seconds before stirring to allow slight toasting. Continue to stir-fry until the rice is evenly heated and separated.

Step 6: Season the rice

Pour in soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), curry powder, and white pepper. Mix well to coat every grain.

Step 7: Add pineapple and protein

Stir in pineapple chunks along with the cooked chicken or shrimp. Toss everything together just until the pineapple is warmed but not broken down.

Step 8: Finish and garnish

Turn off the heat. Stir in green onions and cashews if using. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

How to Serve

Pineapple fried rice is at its most impressive when served in a pineapple bowl. Cut a pineapple in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh, and use the shell as a serving bowl. This pineapple bowl recipe presentation turns a simple stir-fry into a tropical showstopper.

Serve it as a main dish with a light cucumber salad, spring rolls, or grilled meats on the side. A drizzle of sriracha or a small dish of chili garlic sauce works well for spice lovers.

Additional Tips

Always start with cold rice. Fresh rice makes fried rice mushy.
Fry on high heat to achieve a slight smoky “wok flavor.”
Add pineapple toward the end to prevent it from overcooking.
Use less soy sauce if your pineapple is very sweet to maintain balance.
For jerk shrimp with pineapple rice, season shrimp with jerk spice before cooking for a bold, spicy-sweet twist.

Recipe Variations

Shrimp and pineapple fried rice: A seafood twist where the sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with tender shrimp.
Pineapple fried rice recipe chicken: Hearty and satisfying, perfect for weeknight meals.
Tropical pineapple fried rice: Add raisins and curry powder for a fragrant, colorful version often found in Thai cuisine.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet for best texture.
Freezing: Not ideal, as pineapple releases water, but you can freeze rice without pineapple and add fresh pineapple when reheating.
Reheating tip: Always reheat on high heat in a skillet to revive the texture rather than microwaving only.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 390
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g

Final Words

Pineapple fried rice is proof that the simplest ingredients can become something memorable when treated with care. With the right balance of sweet and savory flavors, it stands out as one of the most versatile pineapple recipes you can master. Whether served in a pineapple bowl at a gathering or made quickly for a weeknight dinner, it delivers both flavor and visual appeal. Try shrimp and pineapple fried rice for seafood lovers, chicken for a protein-packed meal, or jerk shrimp with pineapple rice for a spicy kick. This dish deserves a spot in every home cook’s repertoire.

FAQ’s

Yes, just drain it well to prevent excess liquid from softening the rice.

Day-old jasmine rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separates well in the wok.

Absolutely. Skip the meat and shrimp, add more vegetables, or use tofu for protein.

Simply swap jasmine rice with cooked brown rice. The texture is heartier, and it makes the dish a bit healthier.

Slice the pineapple lengthwise, cut around the edges, scoop out the flesh, and use the hollow shell as your serving bowl.