This vibrant Pineapple Fried Rice transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 30 minutes! The sweet juicy pineapple chunks perfectly balance the savory flavors, while curry powder adds that distinctive golden color and warmth. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that brings a taste of tropical paradise straight to your dining table – no plane ticket required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, aromatic curry, and crunchy cashews creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish or side. Add your protein of choice or keep it vegetarian – it’s completely customizable to suit your preferences.
Great for Leftovers: Use up that day-old rice sitting in your fridge – actually, the dish tastes better with rice that’s been chilled overnight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jasmine Rice: Day-old rice is absolutely crucial here – fresh rice will turn mushy. The cold grains help achieve that signature separate, chewy texture that makes fried rice so addictive.
Pineapple: Adds a sweet-tangy punch and juicy texture. Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully, but well-drained canned pineapple works in a pinch when you’re short on time.
Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty, toasty flavor that regular cooking oils just can’t match. It’s worth keeping a bottle in your pantry specifically for Asian-inspired dishes.
Eggs: Creates little silky pockets of protein throughout the dish. Don’t skip this – it adds both texture and richness.
Garlic and Onion: The aromatic foundation that builds depth of flavor.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
Soy Sauce: Provides that essential umami backbone. Using low-sodium allows you to control the salt level.
Fish Sauce: Don’t be intimidated! This adds incredible depth and that “what is that amazing flavor?” quality. A little goes a long way.
Curry Powder: The secret ingredient that makes this dish stand out from regular fried rice with its warm, complex flavor profile.
Sugar: Just a touch balances all the savory elements and helps with caramelization.
Frozen Peas: Add color and a pop of sweetness – no need to thaw first.
Cashews: Bring essential crunch and nutty richness. Toasting them first intensifies their flavor.
Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color as a finishing touch.
Lime and Cilantro: These fresh garnishes brighten everything up and add that restaurant-quality finish.

Variations

Want to customize your pineapple fried rice? Here are some delicious options:

Protein Additions

Add 1 cup of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal. Just toss it in after cooking the vegetables and let it warm through with the rice.

Vegetable Swaps

No red bell pepper? Try carrots, snow peas, or broccoli florets instead. Any vegetable that can handle a quick stir-fry will work beautifully.

Spice Adjustments

For heat lovers, add a minced Thai chili pepper or drizzle with sriracha at the end. Fresh ginger (about 1 tablespoon minced) makes a wonderful aromatic addition too.

Nut Alternatives

Swap cashews for peanuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies.

How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Eggs

Heat half a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble just until set but still moist. This should take only about 30-45 seconds. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil. Toss in the garlic and onion, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let them cook until fragrant and the onion begins to turn translucent, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Pineapple

Add the diced red bell pepper and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until it begins to soften slightly but still maintains some crunch. Then add the pineapple chunks and cook until they start to caramelize around the edges, about 3-4 minutes. This caramelization is key for developing deeper flavor!

Step 4: Incorporate the Rice

Add your cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula or wooden spoon. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors in the pan.

Step 5: Season the Dish

Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, curry powder, and sugar. Stir quickly to coat all the rice evenly with the seasonings, making sure there are no white rice pockets remaining.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Add the frozen peas, scrambled eggs, and cashews. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is hot and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for everyone to add according to their taste.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Rice is Non-Negotiable: Using day-old refrigerated rice prevents mushiness and gives you that perfect chewy texture with separate grains.
High Heat, Fast Cooking: Keep things moving quickly in the pan to prevent burning and to achieve that wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor that makes fried rice special.
Prep Everything First: Having all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go (mise en place) makes the cooking process smooth since stir-frying moves quickly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If doubling the recipe, consider cooking in batches so everything cooks properly and gets that slight caramelization that adds flavor.
Toast Your Cashews: For even more flavor, toast the cashews in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the rice.

How to Serve

Pineapple Fried Rice is versatile enough to be served in multiple ways:

As a Main Dish

Serve in a big bowl with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro. It’s substantial enough on its own, especially if you’ve added protein.

As Part of a Larger Meal

Pair with Thai-inspired dishes like satay skewers, cucumber salad, or spring rolls for an impressive spread.

Presentation Upgrade

For a fun presentation that will wow guests, hollow out half a pineapple and serve the fried rice inside for a tropical restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making day-two pineapple fried rice almost better than fresh!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month, the texture of the vegetables and pineapple will change somewhat upon thawing. Pack in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to help rehydrate the rice. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwave works too, but you’ll lose some of the textural contrast.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Fresh rice contains too much moisture and will turn mushy. If you’re in a pinch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour to dry it out before using.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
Although nothing perfectly replicates its unique flavor, you can substitute with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce plus 1/4 teaspoon of rice vinegar. The dish will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I make this dish vegan?
Skip the eggs and use a vegan fish sauce alternative (available at specialty stores) or simply increase the soy sauce. Make sure your curry powder doesn’t contain any animal products.

My rice is clumping together. What went wrong?
This usually happens when the rice is too fresh or wet. Another cause could be not using enough oil or cooking at too low a temperature. Break up any clumps with your spatula and increase the heat to help separate the grains.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Fried Rice is one of those magical recipes that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements creates a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends at a dinner party, this vibrant dish brings a taste of tropical vacation to your table with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation!

Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe