This Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory elements and fluffy rice. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun side dish and is sure to become a new family favorite.
Enjoy a taste of the tropics with this delicious and easy-to-make Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice, bursting with fresh pineapple chunks, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: A delightful balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, with a hint of tropical zest.
- Textures: Tender cooked rice, juicy pineapple chunks, crisp-tender vegetables, and a delightful mix of textures.
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for beginner cooks.
What You’ll Need
This Pineapple Fried Rice recipe comes together with simple ingredients. You’ll need cooked rice as the base, fresh pineapple for sweetness, a mix of colorful vegetables, and a few key seasonings to build that delicious flavor. Soy sauce provides a savory element, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma.
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked Rice – Use leftover cooked rice, preferably day-old rice, for the best texture in your fried rice.
- Pineapple – Fresh pineapple is key for the best flavor; it adds natural sweetness and juicy bursts of flavor.
- Vegetables – A mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots add both flavor and texture.
- Soy Sauce – This adds a salty umami flavor to the dish. Low-sodium soy sauce can be used.
- Sesame Oil – A small amount of sesame oil adds a toasty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Protein – Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal and boost the protein content.
- Vegetables – Feel free to add other vegetables, such as snap peas, water chestnuts, or mushrooms.
- Spice – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can add a touch of heat.
- Nuts – Sprinkle some chopped cashews or macadamia nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice
This pineapple fried rice recipe is easy to make and comes together quickly.
Step 1: Prep the Rice
Start by making sure your rice is cooked and cooled. If it’s freshly cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool slightly before using, this will help achieve the ideal fried rice texture.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and carrots, and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the Pineapple
Add the fresh pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize and become slightly softened.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Pro Tip: Use day-old cooked rice for this recipe. It helps to prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
Recipe Tips
- Use High Heat – Cooking over medium-high heat is essential to achieve the signature wok-style flavor and slightly charred rice.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – If you’re using a smaller skillet, work in batches to ensure the vegetables and rice cook evenly.
- Taste and Adjust – Taste the fried rice and adjust the soy sauce or sesame oil according to your preference.
- Prep Ahead – Chop your vegetables and pineapple a bit in advance to make the cooking process quicker.
- Cool the Rice – Allow the cooked rice to cool down before using. This step helps in achieving a better texture.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the skillet.
* Can I use other types of rice?While you can use other types of rice, long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works best for fried rice. Their slightly drier texture prevents the dish from getting mushy.
* How can I make the fried rice spicier?Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a finely chopped fresh chili to add heat.
* How do I store leftover pineapple fried rice?Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Egg Rolls: Pair it with crispy egg rolls for extra crunch.
- Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Soy Sauce: Serve with extra soy sauce for those who want to add more saltiness.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can chop the vegetables and pineapple a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the rice ahead of time, which is recommended. The flavors of this Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice actually get better the next day too.
Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory elements and fluffy rice. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun side dish and is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
2 ½ Tablespoons avocado oil
2 cups pineapple chunks, – fresh or canned
4 cups cooked jasmine rice, – use leftover cold rice for best results
6 oz choice of protein – chicken, shrimp – cut into bite sized pieces; about ¾ cup
2 large eggs , – beaten
½ cup frozen peas
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced onions
½ cup diced red bell pepper
2 stalks scallions, – chopped
1 teaspoon toasted white sesame seeds, – for garnish
Sauce
2 Tablespoons aloha shoyu, – can substitute soy sauce (see Note 1)
2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3 cloves garlic , – minced
Instructions
Prep your veggies ahead of time. Drain canned pineapple if using. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Scramble the beaten eggs, then remove from the pan.
Add more oil to the pan and cook your choice of protein until done, then remove.
Add the bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Add the rice and sauce, breaking up any rice clumps. Add more oil if rice sticks.
Add eggs, protein, and pineapple back to the pan, and toss for 1 minute.
Add frozen peas and toss until bright green.
Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve in pineapple bowls (optional).
Notes
Use High Heat – Cooking over medium-high heat is essential to achieve the signature wok-style flavor and slightly charred rice.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – If you’re using a smaller skillet, work in batches to ensure the vegetables and rice cook evenly.
Taste and Adjust – Taste the fried rice and adjust the soy sauce or sesame oil according to your preference.
Prep Ahead – Chop your vegetables and pineapple a bit in advance to make the cooking process quicker.
Cool the Rice – Allow the cooked rice to cool down before using. This step helps in achieving a better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 calories (estimated)
- Fat: 15g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: 45g (estimated)
- Protein: 15g (estimated)
