This Pineapple Fried Rice brings a burst of tropical sunshine to your plate with its bright golden pineapple chunks and vibrant green scallions, perfectly complementing tender shrimp and crunchy cashews. The subtle warmth of curry powder gives this dish a unique, fragrant depth, while the lime wedges add a refreshing tang that brightens every bite.
Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a colorful dinner party centerpiece, this dish combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors with satisfying textures. It’s an easy way to impress with authentic Thai-inspired flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, diced
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100g cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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1/2 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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1/4 cup roasted cashews
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2 green onions, sliced
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 teaspoon curry powder
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Fresh cilantro for garnish
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Lime wedges for serving
Directions:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, stir-fry until fragrant and translucent.
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Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
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Push the ingredients to one side of the wok and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until just cooked.
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Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir everything together.
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Sprinkle curry powder over the rice and stir to combine.
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Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar; stir well to evenly coat the rice.
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Fold in the diced pineapple, roasted cashews, and green onions, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
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Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 2-3 servings
The Cultural Significance of Pineapple Fried Rice
In Thailand, rice is more than just a staple — it is deeply embedded in the culture and daily life. Fried rice dishes are versatile and vary by region and personal taste, often incorporating locally available ingredients. Pineapple fried rice, known as Khao Pad Sapparod in Thai, is particularly popular in coastal regions and tourist destinations, where seafood and tropical fruits abound.
The dish reflects Thailand’s natural bounty and culinary philosophy: balancing flavors like sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, while maintaining a pleasing contrast in textures. The addition of pineapple is also symbolic in many Asian cultures, representing hospitality, prosperity, and good fortune, which is why pineapple fried rice often appears in celebratory meals.
Flavor Profile and Key Ingredients
What sets pineapple fried rice apart is its multidimensional flavor profile. The sweet and slightly tart pineapple provides a refreshing contrast to the savory soy and fish sauce base. Curry powder adds warmth and a subtle earthiness, giving the dish a signature aromatic flair. The shrimp brings a tender, slightly briny seafood note that complements the fruitiness.
Crunchy roasted cashews contribute a delightful texture contrast, offering a nutty richness that rounds out the dish. Fresh scallions and cilantro add a burst of herbal brightness, while lime wedges served alongside provide a zesty finish that can be squeezed to enhance every mouthful.
This medley of ingredients creates a dish that is complex yet balanced, satisfying a variety of taste preferences in one bowl.
Nutritional Benefits
Pineapple fried rice offers more than just great taste; it packs a number of nutritional benefits. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and skin vitality. Shrimp is a lean source of protein, low in calories but high in essential nutrients such as selenium and vitamin B12.
Cashews provide healthy fats and minerals like magnesium and zinc, promoting heart health and supporting metabolic functions. The use of jasmine rice, preferably day-old, ensures a lighter texture and a lower glycemic impact compared to freshly cooked rice, making it easier to digest.
Additionally, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Fried Rice
For an authentic and flavorful pineapple fried rice, using day-old rice is key. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can lead to a clumpy or mushy texture when fried. Leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight dries out slightly, allowing the grains to separate better during stir-frying.
When it comes to shrimp, fresh or frozen both work well; just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. The shrimp should be cooked quickly over high heat to keep them tender and juicy.
Balancing the seasoning is also crucial — start with moderate amounts of soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, then adjust to taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding sliced chili or chili flakes can give the dish an extra kick that complements the sweetness.
To elevate presentation and flavor, try serving the fried rice in a hollowed-out pineapple shell — a classic Thai street food style that’s visually stunning and adds a subtle aroma.
Variations and Customizations
One of the reasons pineapple fried rice is so beloved is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the shrimp and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. Add tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color. For a heartier meal, chicken, pork, or even diced ham can be swapped in place of shrimp.
If you enjoy a spicier dish, incorporating fresh Thai chilies or sriracha sauce can deliver authentic heat without overpowering the delicate sweetness of pineapple.
For nut allergies, omit cashews or substitute them with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pineapple fried rice can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with other Thai favorites. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green papaya salad (Som Tum) or a refreshing cucumber salad to add a fresh, tangy contrast.
It also complements grilled meats or seafood, such as satay skewers or steamed fish with lime and chili. For a complete Thai meal experience, a bowl of tom yum soup or coconut milk-based curry works well with the fruity and savory notes of the pineapple fried rice.
A chilled Thai iced tea or coconut water makes for the perfect beverage accompaniment to balance the spice and richness.
Why You Should Make Pineapple Fried Rice at Home
Making pineapple fried rice at home is not only rewarding but also convenient and customizable. Unlike many restaurant dishes, this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you can easily find or keep on hand. Preparing it yourself lets you control the freshness, seasoning, and portion sizes.
It’s an ideal dish for those who love Asian flavors but prefer homemade meals free from preservatives or excess oil. Cooking at home also opens up endless possibilities to experiment with ingredients and presentation, making it fun and educational for anyone passionate about world cuisine.
Additionally, pineapple fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice, helping reduce food waste and save money.
Conclusion
Tropical Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a dazzling celebration of flavor, texture, and culture all in one dish. Its combination of sweet pineapple, savory shrimp, crunchy cashews, and fragrant curry powder creates an unforgettable culinary experience that can brighten up any meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable, quick, and adaptable, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or special occasions. Beyond its delicious taste, pineapple fried rice carries a story of tradition and tropical charm, inviting you to explore the vibrant flavors of Thailand from the comfort of your kitchen.
Give it a try, and you might find yourself returning to this dish again and again, sharing the warmth and joy it brings with family and friends.