Ah, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice! I have to tell you, this dish holds a special place in my heart (and stomach!). It’s a recipe I stumbled upon during a family trip to Thailand, where the vibrant colors, sweet and savory flavors, and that divine aroma of freshly cooked rice wafted through the air like a siren’s call. I remember sitting at a little street stall, enjoying the fusion of sweet pineapple and savory veggies, with a cheeky smile on my face. Ever since then, this dish has been my go-to whenever I crave a little escape back to that tropical paradise.
What I absolutely love about this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice recipe is its versatility. It’s fantastic as a main dish or as a side, and it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and whatever veggies are lurking in your fridge. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself whipping it up frequently, and your family will start to request it on the regular! Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?
What’s in Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?
Jasmine Rice: The star of the show! This fragrant rice adds a lovely texture and aroma. I always recommend using day-old rice for the best consistency. Fresh-cooked rice can get mushy, and we want each grain to shine!
Pineapple Chunks: Whether fresh or canned, pineapple brings a burst of sweetness and tropical flair. If you can, opt for fresh pineapples when they’re in season, but canned works just fine too!
Red Bell Pepper: These beauties add not only a pop of color but also a mild sweetness. Diced, they’ll take your fried rice to the next level.
Green Peas: These little gems add crunch and freshness. I often use frozen peas since they’re conveniently available, and they thaw quickly.
Onion: Diced onion is essential for building flavor. It caramelizes beautifully and complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide protein and a nice texture. They bind everything together and make the dish a bit more filling.
Cashews (or Peanuts): These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. I typically use cashews, but feel free to use peanuts if you prefer!
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh burst and create a beautiful finishing touch.
Soy Sauce: This salty sauce is key to bringing all the flavors together. Low sodium options are available if you’re keeping an eye on salt intake.
Fish Sauce (optional): If you’d like to take the flavor up a notch, a splash of fish sauce is the way to go! It gives the dish a deeper umami flavor.
Curry Powder: This is where things get exciting! A hint of curry powder adds warmth and a subtle earthiness to the dish.
Vegetable Oil: This is for sautéing the veggies and eggs – simply use whatever oil you have on hand!
Is Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is loaded with nutrients from the various vegetables.
Jasmine Rice: It’s a source of carbohydrates that fuel your body and gives you energy, while the pineapple offers a dose of vitamin C and those essential antioxidants.
Pineapple: Besides being delicious, it has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for digestion!
Cashews: They provide healthy fats and protein, which are essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
However, it’s good to be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the soy sauce and fish sauce since they can be high in sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake, just adjust the amount or use low-sodium versions. Overall, it’s a balanced dish that can fit well into a healthy diet!
Ingredients
– 2 cups jasmine rice (cooked and cooled)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup onion, diced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup cashews (or peanuts)
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cilantro or additional green onions for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about four, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?
1. Prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions and let it cool completely. It’s best to use day-old rice for a better texture.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix with the vegetables.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and eggs.
5. Stir in the pineapple chunks, green peas, cashews, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and curry powder. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Finally, stir in the sliced green onions and remove from heat.
8. Serve the fried rice in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro or additional green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pineapple Fried Rice!
– **Day-Old Rice is Key**: Don’t skip this step! Using rice that has been cooked and cooled helps to keep the grains separate and prevents mushiness.
– **Customize Your Veggies**: Almost any combination of leftover vegetables will work splendidly here. Zucchini, carrots, or even broccoli can jazz things up!
– **Protein Options**: Want to amp up the protein? Feel free to toss in some diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu before adding the rice.
– **Spice it Up**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some chili flakes or sambal oelek to give it a spicy kick.
I’m super excited for you to try this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice recipe! It’s the kind of dish that will have your taste buds dancing and make you feel like you’re lounging under a palm tree on a sunny beach. Please do let me know how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! 🍍🥢
