Pineapple Fried Rice

This pineapple fried rice is a delicious Thai dish that combines spicy, sweet, and salty flavors with a tangy pineapple and crunchy cashews. You can make it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover rice and enjoy a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
• 2 tablespoons high-heat oil (such as coconut, avocado, or peanut)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu (cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
• 1 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, or green beans)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts

For the sauce:

• 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder or madras curry powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black or white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or vegan fish sauce)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Juice of half a lime

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add garlic and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken, shrimp, or tofu and stir-fry with the garlic for 5-6 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Wipe out the same skillet and heat another tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft and caramelized, about 2 minutes. Add pineapple and cook until juicy and slightly charred, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and green onions and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes more.
5. Add the rice and the sauce and toss everything well to combine and coat with the sauce. Cook until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy, about 2 minutes.
6. Stir in the cashews or peanuts and lime juice and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more curry powder, sugar, fish sauce, or soy sauce as needed.
7. Serve hot or at room temperature with more lime wedges if desired. Enjoy!