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Ultimate Quick & Easy Pineapple Fried Rice (Your Weeknight Takeout Swap)

Close-up of bright yellow pineapple fried rice mixed with carrots, peas, and topped with fresh green onions.
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Make this sweet and savory pineapple fried rice in under 30 minutes. It is a simple, one-skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights and easily adaptable with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, cold (day-old is best)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound protein of choice (diced chicken breast, shrimp, or firm tofu)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped cashews, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your protein: If using chicken or tofu, cook it in a separate pan until browned and set aside. If using shrimp, cook until pink and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and carrots. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic and your cooked protein (if using chicken/tofu/shrimp). Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Push the vegetables and protein to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Scramble the eggs quickly until just set, then break them up and mix them with the vegetables.
  5. Add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted.
  6. Add the diced pineapple, peas, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and white pepper. Toss everything together well to coat the rice evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  7. Taste the rice and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve immediately. For presentation, you can serve this in a hollowed-out pineapple half. Garnish with green onions and cashews.

Notes

  • Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture; fresh, warm rice will result in sticky fried rice.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken/shrimp with 1 cup of cubed, pressed tofu. Sauté the tofu until golden before adding the vegetables.
  • To achieve a Thai flavor profile, add 1 teaspoon of fish sauce along with the soy sauce.
  • If you want a bolder presentation, cut a pineapple in half lengthwise, scoop out the fruit, and use the shells as serving bowls.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/quick-easy-pineapple-fried-rice/