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Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

A delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a quick and easy dish that captures the essence of Thailand’s vibrant street food.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon curry powder Look for a quality brand for the best flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar For a hint of sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
Sauces
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce Low-sodium is a great alternative
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce Gives that authentic umami flavor
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste in oil Optional, but amplifies the depth of flavor
Main Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil Like canola or vegetable oil
  • 12 medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined Or your protein of choice
  • 375 grams cooked jasmine rice Preferably day-old for the best texture
  • 1/2 cup small diced onions Adds great flavor
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2 inch pieces Fresh is best!
  • 2 tablespoons raisins Optional, for a touch of sweetness
  • 1/2 cup roasted cashews, unsalted For crunch
  • 2 green onions, chopped For garnish and flavor
  • 1 roma tomato diced For freshness
  • Pineapple bowl For serving (optional)
  • Cucumber slices For serving (optional)
  • Toasted shredded coconut For serving (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a pot, combine 3/4 + 1/8 cup jasmine rice with 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes. Fluff and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine curry powder, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, and shrimp paste (if using).
Cooking
  1. In a wok or large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add the shrimp and sear until they’re pink and halfway cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Scramble the eggs until just set, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cooked rice and diced onions, mixing well. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes so it gets a little crispy.
  4. Incorporate the dry seasoning and sauce mixtures, tossing thoroughly until the rice is well coated and flavors meld.
  5. Gently fold in the pineapple and raisins (if using). Return the shrimp to the pan, allowing the rice to toast undisturbed for another 10-15 seconds. Repeat the toasting process a couple of times to get that crunchy texture.
  6. Stir in the cashews, diced tomatoes, and green onions. Serve hot in a plate or a pineapple bowl, garnished with cucumber slices and shredded coconut if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, let the rice rest after cooking; it helps the grains firm up a bit. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you love a bit more heat from chilies.