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Easy Thai Pineapple Fried Rice for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

A close-up serving of flavorful pineapple fried rice mixed with chunks of pineapple, cashews, and vegetables on a white plate.
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Make this sweet and savory Thai Pineapple Fried Rice at home. It is a quick, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, balancing tropical fruit with classic fried rice flavors.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups cooked, cold jasmine rice (leftover rice works best)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces protein (shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu cubes)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup cashews or peanuts
  • 1/2 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (omit for vegetarian/vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, cut into wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chosen protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) and cook until done. Remove the protein from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Add the diced onion and carrots to the skillet. Stir fry for 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and peas and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set. Break the eggs into smaller pieces and mix with the vegetables.
  4. Add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the rice is heated through.
  5. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, curry powder, and white pepper. Mix well to coat the rice evenly.
  6. Return the cooked protein to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and cashews. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is hot.
  7. Taste the rice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onion. For a tropical presentation, serve the fried rice inside a hollowed-out pineapple half.

Notes

  • Using cold, day-old rice prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the fish sauce and use tofu or extra vegetables instead of meat or shrimp.
  • If you want a little heat, add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce with the soy sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/pineapple-fried-rice-recipe-easy-thai-dinner/