Are you craving a tropical twist to your usual fried rice? Look no further! Pineapple Fried Rice is your go-to dish for a sweet and savory delight.
This dish combines juicy pineapple, savory ham, and crispy rice with vibrant vegetables and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Topped with crunchy cashews and green onions, this easy-to-make meal is packed with texture and flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful lunch!
What Makes Pineapple Fried Rice Special?
Pineapple Fried Rice is a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that takes your taste buds on an adventure.
The combination of fresh pineapple and ham creates an unexpected harmony of flavors. Add some crispy rice, vegetables, and eggs, and you’ve got a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and nutrients.
This dish is not only delicious but versatile! You can customize it with different proteins such as chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Moreover, the recipe is flexible enough to allow substitutions like cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or adding extra veggies like green cabbage for additional nutrition.
Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish!
Ingredients for Pineapple Fried Rice
Here’s what you’ll need for the best Pineapple Fried Rice:
- Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey (or substitute with brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Fried Rice:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute with olive/canola oil)
- 1 heaping cup of diced ham (8 oz. ham steak)
- 1/3 cup white wine (or chicken broth if not using alcohol)
- 1 diced yellow onion
- ¾ cup julienned carrots
- 1 small diced red bell pepper
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups leftover rice
- 1.5 cups pineapple chunks (20 oz. can)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup cashews, roughly chopped
Optional Add-Ins:
- Shredded green cabbage: Adds extra flavor and texture.
- Cauliflower rice: A healthier substitute for traditional rice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pineapple Fried Rice
1. Prep Work for Flawless Cooking
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure to prepare all your ingredients in advance.
Drain the pineapple chunks and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensuring that your rice remains crispy.
Measure out the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. This combination of soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, and ginger will give your dish the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
2. Scramble the Eggs
Start by melting butter over medium-low heat in a nonstick skillet. Add the whisked eggs and scramble them until they are just cooked through. Set the scrambled eggs aside in a separate bowl.
3. Sauté the Ham
In a wide skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for about 3 minutes or until the ham develops a nice golden color. Remove the ham and set it aside.
4. Deglaze the Skillet
Add white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet, and use a spatula to scrape up the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for about 3-4 minutes, reducing the liquid by half.
5. Cook the Vegetables
Add the onions to the skillet and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Then, toss in the carrots, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
6. Stir-Fry the Rice
Now it’s time to add the cold, leftover rice to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the rice and toss everything together.
Continue stirring over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully absorb into the rice. The goal is to ensure the rice is well-coated and crispy.
7. Combine All Ingredients
Lower the heat to medium and add the scrambled eggs, sautéed ham, and pineapple chunks back into the skillet.
Toss everything together until the rice mixture is evenly heated. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions and cashews on top for a burst of flavor and crunch.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Pineapple Fried Rice is ready to be served! The combination of crispy rice, juicy pineapple, and savory ham with the delightful crunch of cashews creates an unforgettable dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Fried Rice
Cold, Leftover Rice Is Key
For the crispiest fried rice, cold, day-old rice works best. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, making it difficult to achieve that desirable crisp texture.
If you need to use freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it dry for a few hours before frying.
Don’t Skimp on Searing
When cooking the ham and vegetables, let them get a nice sear. This caramelization adds depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor. Keep the heat at medium-high to avoid overcooking or steaming the ingredients.
Keep the Pineapple Dry
To prevent your rice from becoming soggy, make sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple chunks and remove as much moisture as possible using paper towels. This ensures the rice stays crispy and doesn’t get waterlogged.
Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
- Shredded green cabbage is a fantastic addition for those looking to boost the nutrition and flavor profile of the dish. It pairs well with the other ingredients and adds a crunchy texture.
- For a healthier alternative, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice. Simply cook it for 5 minutes with the sauce before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Substituting Proteins
Feel free to switch up the proteins in this recipe! Try it with chicken, beef, or shrimp for different variations of fried rice.
You can also explore our Chicken Fried Rice, Beef Fried Rice, and Shrimp Fried Rice recipes for more ideas.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pineapple Fried Rice freezes well too!
You can freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it for a quick meal. Simply microwave or reheat on the stove with a little oil for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best type of rice to use for Pineapple Fried Rice?
Cold, leftover long-grain white rice works best for this dish. It crisps up nicely in the skillet and absorbs the sauce without becoming mushy.
Can I make Pineapple Fried Rice without ham?
Absolutely! You can substitute ham with chicken, beef, or shrimp. You can also make it a vegetarian dish by adding tofu or extra veggies.
How do I prevent my rice from getting soggy?
The key is to use cold, leftover rice and thoroughly drain your pineapple chunks. Dry rice will absorb the sauce and remain crispy.
Can I freeze Pineapple Fried Rice?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What vegetables can I add to Pineapple Fried Rice?
You can add various vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or shredded cabbage for extra nutrition and texture.