Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a colorful, flavorful dish that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. This popular recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. What makes it stand out is the combination of juicy pineapple chunks, fluffy jasmine rice, crunchy cashews, and a mix of fresh vegetables, all tossed together with fragrant spices.
The magic of this dish comes from its contrast of textures and flavors. Sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with salty soy sauce and fish sauce, while a hint of curry powder adds warmth and depth. Some versions also include raisins for extra sweetness and a handful of fresh cilantro or green onions for brightness. It is often served in a hollowed-out pineapple for an eye-catching presentation that feels like a mini vacation on your plate.
This dish is also very versatile. You can keep it vegetarian by using just vegetables and nuts or add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. No matter how you customize it, the key to perfect fried rice is using day-old, cold rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, while cold rice holds its shape better and gives that signature fried rice texture.
Another great thing about Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is how quick and easy it is to make. It only takes about 20 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. At the same time, it is impressive enough to serve at gatherings, especially when you bring it to the table inside a pineapple boat.
Every bite is packed with flavor. You get the sweetness from the pineapple, a bit of crunch from the cashews, the umami from sauces, and a mild kick from curry and pepper. It is satisfying, comforting, and a little exotic without being complicated. If you are looking for a meal that is both fun and delicious, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is always a good choice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice preferably chilled
- 1 medium pineapple cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or canola
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables carrots, peas, and corn
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce to taste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce optional
- 1/2 cup cashews lightly toasted
- 2 stalks green onions chopped
- to taste pinch white pepper optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
- Add the pineapple chunks and jasmine rice to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Pour in soy sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle white pepper. Stir everything together and let cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the toasted cashews and chopped green onions. Stir well and remove from heat.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Thai Pineapple Fried Rice.
Nutrition
This was easy and tasty! But why is fish sauce necessary? Can’t just use extra soy sauce?
Love it! Never had frid rice like this before. So fresh and summery. Yum!
Totally agree! This recipe is a game changer. The pineapple gives it such a unique twist!
Looks good but I don’t know…pineapple in fried rice? Sounds odd. 🤔
It’s just rice with fruit. Not impressed, I like my fried rice to be savory.
Yum!!! I love pineapple and rice together. I had some leftover chicken and added it in. So good!
This was absolutely delicious! The pineapple gave it a nice sweetness. Will definitely make again!
Aren’t fried rice supposed to have protein? Where’s the chicken? 😕
I didn’t have fish sauce so I used ketchup instead 😅 It turned out… interesting.
Ketchup?! That’s a bold move! 😆 I’ve never tried that but I’m curious now. How did it taste?
Best fried rice I’ve ever made! Puts takeout to shame. My kids gobbled it up!
I tried making this and it was a total disaster. I think I added too much fish sauce. Won’t be making this again!
Not bad but could use more flavor. Needs more garlic in my opinion, or maybe a hot sauce.
I totally agree! I added some sriracha and it made such a difference. A little kick is all it needs!
More garlic? I dunno. I thought it was alright as is. But hey, everyone’s taste is different, right?
Thx for the recipe! I substituted the fish sauce with some extra soy. It was really good!
I dunno, something feels off. My rice turned out mushy. Maybe I did something wrong?
Looks complicated but I think I can do it. I’ll skip the cashews cause I’m allergic to nuts.
It’s not really that complicated once you get the hang of it! Just go step by step. Skipping the cashews should be fine, the rice will still be delicious!
Absolutely delicious! This recipe is a game changer for my weeknight dinners. The pineapple adds such a nice sweetness!