Nothing beats a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Pineapple fried rice delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a delightful addition to your meal rotation.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this vegetarian pineapple fried rice is a must-try. Packed with colorful vegetables, juicy pineapple, tofu, and aromatic spices, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and fiber-rich pineapple.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable: You can swap ingredients based on your preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients before you start cooking:
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 small carrot, diced
- ½ cup green peas
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- ½ cup firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup roasted cashews (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious homemade pineapple fried rice.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop all vegetables and pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. If using fresh pineapple, remove the core before chopping. If using canned pineapple, drain excess juice.
For the best texture, use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, leading to mushy fried rice. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread fresh rice on a tray and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Tofu and Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add cubed tofu and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring they don’t burn.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add diced carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some crunch.
Step 4: Add Pineapple and Spices
Toss in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the curry powder and red chili flakes. Stir well so the spices evenly coat the ingredients.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice and Tofu
Add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice absorbs all the flavors.
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. Finally, return the cooked tofu to the pan and mix well.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Mix in the chopped green onions and roasted cashews. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy it warm!
Tips for the Best Pineapple Fried Rice
- Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice prevents a mushy texture and absorbs flavors better.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-fry over high heat to get that signature restaurant-style fried rice.
- Don’t Overcook the Pineapple: Cooking it too long will make it overly soft and release too much juice.
- Add More Protein: Toss in scrambled tofu or edamame for an extra protein boost.
Variations to Try
- Thai-Style: Add a teaspoon of turmeric for a golden hue and top with crushed peanuts.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the chili flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for extra tropical flavor.
- Nut-Free: Omit cashews if you have nut allergies.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw and reheat before serving.
Pineapple fried rice is an easy, delicious, and colorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a great way to switch up your regular meal routine. Try it today and enjoy a delightful homemade dish!
