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
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
Heat the Wok
Place the wok over high heat, add vegetable oil, and let it heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cooked Jasmine Rice: Long grain white rice, Basmati rice
- Instead of Fresh Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks, drained
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Tofu cubes
- Instead of Raw Shrimp: Imitation crab, Firm white fish cubes
- Instead of Carrot: Bell pepper, Zucchini
- Instead of Frozen Peas: Edamame, Corn kernels
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste
- Instead of Eggs: Silken tofu, Egg substitute
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Fish Sauce: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives, scallions
- Instead of Cilantro: Thai basil
- Instead of Lime: Lemon
- Instead of Cashews: Peanuts, almonds
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Wooden Spatula or Heat‑Resistant Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Wok‑hei (the smoky flavor) comes from cooking over very high heat; do not lower the temperature mid‑cook.
- Add a pinch of sugar with the sauces if you prefer a sweeter balance.
- For extra crunch, toast the cashews in a dry pan before sprinkling.
Troubleshooting
Rice turns mushy.
Use day‑old, chilled rice and make sure the wok is hot before adding it. Avoid adding extra liquid.
Shrimp become rubbery.
Cook shrimp only until they turn pink (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
Dish is bland.
Adjust seasoning with an extra splash of soy sauce or a pinch of fish sauce, and finish with fresh lime juice.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 1 month; reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and chill the rice a day ahead for best texture.
- Pre‑dice all vegetables and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Marinate the chicken briefly with a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pineapple Fried Rice in Thai cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pineapple Fried Rice in Thailand?
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.
How is Pineapple Fried Rice traditionally served in Thailand?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is Pineapple Fried Rice associated with in Thai culture?
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.
What other Thai dishes pair well with Pineapple Fried Rice?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pineapple Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pineapple Fried Rice at home?
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.
Why does this Pineapple Fried Rice recipe use fish sauce instead of just soy sauce?
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.
Can I make Pineapple Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Pineapple Fried Rice?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Kian specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Kian's approach to Thai cooking differ from other Thai cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
