Pineapple Fried Rice!

Pineapple Fried Rice! is a medium Thai recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Kian on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $14.15 total, $3.54 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Cooked Jasmine Rice (Day‑old rice, chilled)
  • 1 cup Fresh Pineapple (Cut into ½‑inch cubes)
  • 8 oz Chicken Breast (Trimmed, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 8 oz Raw Shrimp (Peeled and deveined)
  • 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced small)
  • ½ cup Frozen Peas (No need to thaw)
  • ½ cup Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 2 large Eggs (beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (adds umami depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (to finish)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil for stir‑fry)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced for garnish)
  • ¼ cup Cilantro (roughly chopped, optional)
  • 1 piece Lime (cut into wedges for serving)
  • ¼ cup Cashews (roughly chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare All Ingredients

    Dice the pineapple, carrot, and onion; mince the garlic; slice green onions; chop cilantro; beat the eggs; cut chicken into bite‑size pieces and pat shrimp dry.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Heat the Wok

    Place the wok over high heat, add vegetable oil, and let it heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the wok, stir‑fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Cook Chicken and Shrimp

    Push the aromatics to the side, add the chicken pieces, stir‑fry for 2 minutes, then add the shrimp and continue cooking until the shrimp turn pink and the chicken is just cooked through, about 2 more minutes.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Scramble the Eggs

    Move the cooked protein to the edge of the wok, pour the beaten eggs into the center, and scramble quickly until just set.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add Rice and Vegetables

    Add the day‑old rice, diced carrot, frozen peas, and pineapple chunks. Stir‑fry, breaking up any remaining rice clumps, for about 4 minutes until everything is heated through.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Season the Fried Rice

    Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together for another minute to evenly coat the rice.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Finish and Serve

    Remove the wok from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions, cilantro, and chopped cashews on top. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
12g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains gluten (soy sauce), Contains soy, Contains shellfish

Allergens: Shellfish, Soy, Eggs, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Pineapple Fried Rice!

Recipe by Cooking with Kian

A vibrant Thai-inspired pineapple fried rice packed with sweet pineapple, savory chicken and shrimp, crisp vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive party side.

MediumThaiServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.15
Total cost
$3.54
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat the wok until the oil is shimmering before adding any ingredients.
  • Use day‑old rice and break up clumps to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Cook shrimp only until pink; overcooking makes them rubbery.
  • Season with soy sauce and fish sauce at the end to control salt level.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a splatter guard if you have one when stir‑frying at high heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pineapple Fried Rice in Thai cuisine?

A

Pineapple Fried Rice, or Khao Pad Sapparot, is a popular Thai street‑food dish that blends sweet tropical pineapple with savory fried rice, reflecting Thailand’s love for balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. It is often served in a hollowed‑out pineapple for visual impact during festivals and celebrations.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pineapple Fried Rice in Thailand?

A

In central Thailand the dish is typically made with shrimp, chicken, and cashews, while in the southern regions cooks may add curry powder or chili paste for extra heat. Some island versions incorporate local seafood like squid and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

cultural
Q

How is Pineapple Fried Rice traditionally served in Thailand?

A

Traditionally the fried rice is spooned into a hollowed‑out fresh pineapple and garnished with cilantro, sliced green onions, and extra pineapple chunks. It is served hot, often with lime wedges and a side of fresh cucumber slices.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Pineapple Fried Rice associated with in Thai culture?

A

Pineapple Fried Rice is a festive dish commonly prepared for birthdays, housewarmings, and holiday gatherings because its bright colors and sweet‑savory flavor symbolize prosperity and happiness.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with Pineapple Fried Rice?

A

It pairs beautifully with Thai grilled chicken (Gai Yang), fresh papaya salad (Som Tam), and a light coconut‑milk soup such as Tom Kha Gai. The contrast of textures and flavors makes for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pineapple Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include jasmine rice, fresh pineapple, shrimp, chicken, fish sauce, soy sauce, and cashews. Acceptable substitutes are long‑grain rice, canned pineapple (well drained), tofu for protein, tamari for soy sauce, and peanuts for nuts.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pineapple Fried Rice at home?

A

Common mistakes include using freshly cooked rice (which becomes mushy), overcooking the shrimp, and adding too much sauce which makes the dish soggy. Keep the wok very hot, use day‑old rice, and season gradually.

technical
Q

Why does this Pineapple Fried Rice recipe use fish sauce instead of just soy sauce?

A

Fish sauce adds a deep umami and slightly salty marine note that balances the sweetness of the pineapple, a flavor profile typical of authentic Thai cooking. Soy sauce alone would lack that distinctive depth.

technical
Q

Can I make Pineapple Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the rice and all chopped ingredients a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Re‑heat the fried rice in a hot wok with a little oil; add a splash of soy sauce if it looks dry.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Pineapple Fried Rice?

A

The rice should be slightly toasted with individual grains separated, the pineapple pieces should stay bright orange, and the vegetables should remain crisp. The dish should have a glossy sheen from the sauces without being wet.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Kian specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking with Kian focuses on approachable Asian home‑cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials for classic dishes, quick weeknight meals, and occasional deep‑dive technique videos.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Kian's approach to Thai cooking differ from other Thai cooking channels?

A

Cooking with Kian emphasizes using readily available grocery‑store ingredients and simplifying traditional techniques without sacrificing authentic flavor, whereas many other Thai channels stick strictly to specialty market items and more elaborate preparations.

channel

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