This Pineapple Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp, crunchy cashews, and sweet pineapple come together in a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Give it a try tonight—it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Authentic Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
While the Chinese may have originated Fried Rice, it’s the Thai culinary tradition that has transformed it into a delightful dish. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice exemplifies this, bursting with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Picture juicy shrimp mingling with sweet pineapple, all harmonized by shrimp paste and fish sauce.
This simple recipe is my go-to for hectic evenings—it’s ready in just 20 minutes and is an excellent way to utilize leftover rice. Ditch the takeout and try this instead; you’ll definitely want to return to this recipe! Check out my tips below to ensure you make it perfectly every time! And if you love pineapple, don’t miss my Pineapple Curry!
Why My Recipe Is The Best
Here’s why my recipe stands out—it’s all about using simple ingredients, bold flavors, and creating a meal in no time.
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick, flavorful meals on busy days.
- Superior to Takeout: Fresh ingredients, no MSG, and authentic Thai flavors combine in golden fried rice with bright pineapple and fresh cilantro—just like a dish from your favorite Thai restaurant.
- Perfect for Leftover Rice: Have day-old steamed rice? Don’t let it go to waste—this recipe revitalizes it with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oil – Use vegetable or canola oil.
- Garlic
- Thai shrimp paste – Optional; if using, choose Tra Chang or Maesri brand for authentic flavor.
- Shrimp – Can be substituted with chicken if preferred.
- Leftover steamed rice
- Pineapple – Fresh is best, but if using canned, ensure it’s packed in 100% juice.
- Red chili
- Fish sauce – Recommended brands include Red Boat, Three Crabs, or Magic Chef.
- Dark soy sauce
- Cashew nuts – Use unsalted, roasted cashews.
- Cilantro
For detailed ingredient measurements, check the recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Pineapple Fried Rice
First, heat a wok and add some oil. Once hot, add the garlic and shrimp paste (if using) and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp and cook until they are halfway done. Next, mix in the rice, pineapple, and chili (if desired), stirring everything together.
Now, add the fish sauce and dark soy sauce, stirring well to ensure the rice absorbs all the flavors. Stir-fry for another minute, then add the cashews and mix thoroughly. Once everything looks good, plate it, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately!
Secrets To Perfect Pineapple Fried Rice
- Use leftover or overnight rice for the best texture—this keeps the rice grainy rather than mushy.
- Fresh pineapple is essential; if using canned, ensure it is packed in 100% juice and drain it before use.
- Fish sauce is crucial! It adds authentic Thai flavor, so don’t skip it. Refer to the ingredients section for my top brand suggestions.
- Always serve with lime wedges—squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, feel free to incorporate any vegetables you enjoy! Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or green beans make great additions. Just chop them small and stir-fry them with the garlic for a colorful, veggie-packed version.
Absolutely! For frozen shrimp, ensure they are properly thawed and dried before cooking. If using precooked shrimp, add them towards the end of cooking just to heat through, avoiding toughness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it without the pineapple and shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently, adding fresh pineapple and shrimp when serving.
This recipe contains approximately 282 calories per serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This meal pairs wonderfully with other Thai dishes (like Choo Chee Salmon). For a complete Thai dining experience and an easy weeknight dinner, consider the following recipes.
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