Sweet and Savory Pineapple Fried Rice

Name: Sweet and Savory Pineapple Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 2 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice; 1 cup diced fresh pineapple; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 eggs, beaten; 3 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup chopped cashews; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lime, cut into wedges

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Fried Rice is a delightful twist on a classic. It's the perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory flavors, making it a go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover rice!

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Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Pineapple Fried Rice

Vegetable oil is the base for frying and adds a neutral flavor, allowing other ingredients to shine. Onion and garlic provide aromatic depth and a savory foundation. Red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color. The frozen peas and carrots are a convenient way to incorporate veggies without much prep. Chilled jasmine rice is perfect for frying because it doesn’t clump together. Fresh pineapple brings a juicy sweetness that complements the savory elements. Soy sauce and fish sauce provide umami, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Eggs add protein and texture variety. Green onions offer a fresh finish, and cashews give a delightful crunch. Salt and pepper are for seasoning, and lime wedges provide a zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

Always use chilled, day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice can become mushy.
Adjust the amount of soy sauce and fish sauce based on your salt preference.
If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
For extra protein, toss in some cooked shrimp or chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple green salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette. For a complete meal, serve it alongside homemade spring rolls or a light soup like miso or egg drop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?: Yes, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your fried rice.
What if I don’t have fish sauce?: You can substitute with extra soy sauce or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami kick.
How do I store leftovers?: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're translucent and fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the diced red bell pepper. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until it starts to soften a bit. Then, stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cook them together until they're heated through, which will take another 2-3 minutes. You want those veggies to stay vibrant and slightly crisp.

Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet, and add another tablespoon of oil to the empty side. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they’re fully cooked. Once done, mix them with the vegetables.

Now, add the chilled jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula, ensuring the rice heats evenly. Stir in the diced pineapple, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Mix everything until well combined, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You want the rice to be heated through and starting to crisp slightly at the bottom.

Add the sliced green onions and chopped cashews. Stir them in gently to combine with the rest of the dish. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the fried rice with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty kick.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes!
A perfect use for leftover rice, reducing food waste.
A delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
No takeout needed — enjoy restaurant-quality fried rice at home.

Ingredients

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

2 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice

1 cup diced fresh pineapple

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

2 eggs, beaten

3 green onions, sliced

1/4 cup chopped cashews

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.

2. Add the red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

3. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking until heated through.

4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, and add another tablespoon of oil to the empty side. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through, then mix with the vegetables.

5. Add the chilled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir in the pineapple, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.

6. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and starting to crisp slightly.