Pineapple fried rice the best fried rice
Pineapple fried rice 🍍 the best fried rice is a easy Thai recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Lennardy on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 38 min
Cost: $8.45 total, $2.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cups Jasmine Rice (cooked, cooled and preferably day‑old)
- 1 cup Pineapple (fresh or canned, diced)
- 8 ounces Shrimp (peeled, deveined; can substitute chicken or tofu)
- 2 Eggs (large, lightly beaten)
- 1 small Onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced small)
- ½ cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce (adds umami depth)
- ½ teaspoon Curry Powder (Thai yellow curry powder works best)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil such as canola or peanut)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced, green parts only)
- ¼ cup Cilantro (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup Roasted Cashews (coarsely chopped (optional garnish))
- 1 Lime (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
Prepare All Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, dice the carrot, thaw the peas, cut pineapple into bite‑size pieces, slice green onions, and chop cilantro. Beat the eggs in a small bowl.
Time: PT5M
Heat the Wok
Place the wok over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Let the oil shimmer, about 30 seconds.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: high heat
Scramble the Eggs
Pour the beaten eggs into the wok, stirring quickly to create soft curds. Transfer the scrambled eggs to a plate and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high heat
Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the wok. Toss in the onion, garlic, and carrot. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes until fragrant and the carrots begin to soften.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high heat
Cook the Protein
Add the shrimp (or chicken/tofu) to the wok. Stir‑fry 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: high heat
Add Rice and Seasonings
Add the cooled jasmine rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, and curry powder. Break up any clumps and stir‑fry for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to get slightly crispy.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high heat
Finish with Veggies and Pineapple
Stir in the peas, pineapple chunks, and the scrambled eggs. Cook another 3 minutes, mixing everything evenly. Remove from heat and fold in green onions, cilantro, and optional cashews.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: high heat
Serve
Spoon the pineapple fried rice onto plates, garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. Serve immediately while hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 18 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free if tamari is used, Dairy‑free, Can be made vegetarian
Allergens: Shellfish, Tree nuts, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jasmine Rice: Long grain white rice, Basmati rice
- Instead of Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks, Mango
- Instead of Shrimp: Chicken breast, Firm tofu
- Instead of Eggs: Silken tofu (vegan), Egg replacer
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Green onions (white part)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Carrot: Bell pepper, Zucchini
- Instead of Frozen Peas: Edamame, Corn kernels
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free), Coconut aminos
- Instead of Fish Sauce: Soy sauce (for vegans)
- Instead of Curry Powder: Turmeric + cumin blend
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Sesame oil (for flavor)
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives
- Instead of Cilantro: Thai basil
- Instead of Roasted Cashews: Peanuts, Almonds
- Instead of Lime: Lemon
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Wooden or Silicone Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Use day‑old rice or cool freshly cooked rice quickly to avoid soggy fried rice.
- Maintain high heat throughout cooking to achieve a slightly crispy texture.
- Add pineapple at the final stage to preserve its sweetness and texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- A splash of fish sauce adds authentic Thai umami without making the dish salty.
- For extra crunch, toast the cashews in a dry pan for 1 minute before adding.
- If you like heat, stir in a sliced Thai bird’s eye chili with the aromatics.
Troubleshooting
Rice turns mushy.
Use day‑old rice or spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry before frying. Also, avoid adding too much liquid sauce.
Pineapple becomes soggy.
Add the pineapple in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking and keep the heat high so it just warms through.
Shrimp is overcooked and rubbery.
Cook shrimp only until they turn pink (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat immediately; they will finish cooking with the residual heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate uncovered to dry out slightly.
- Pre‑dice all vegetables and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
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 modern Thai street‑food favorite that blends the classic Chinese‑style fried rice with tropical pineapple, reflecting Thailand’s love of sweet‑savory flavor combos. It’s often served in a hollowed‑out pineapple for visual impact and is popular at festivals and night markets.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pineapple Fried Rice in Thailand?
In central Thailand, the dish commonly includes shrimp, cashews, and curry powder, while in the south you may find added kaffir lime leaves or coconut milk for extra fragrance. Some northern versions substitute chicken for shrimp and add local herbs like cilantro and mint.
How is Pineapple Fried Rice traditionally served in Thailand?
Traditionally it is served inside a hollowed fresh pineapple, garnished with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and sometimes sliced chilies. The presentation is both decorative and functional, allowing diners to scoop the rice directly from the fruit.
What occasions or celebrations is Pineapple Fried Rice associated with in Thai culture?
Pineapple Fried Rice is a popular street‑food snack at night markets, but it also appears at family gatherings and festive celebrations because its bright colors and sweet aroma symbolize prosperity and joy.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Pineapple Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include jasmine rice, fresh pineapple, shrimp (or chicken), fish sauce, and Thai yellow curry powder. Acceptable substitutes are tamari for soy sauce (gluten‑free), tofu for shrimp (vegetarian), and basmati rice if jasmine is unavailable.
What other Thai dishes pair well with Pineapple Fried Rice?
Pineapple Fried Rice pairs nicely with Thai green papaya salad (Som Tam), grilled chicken satay with peanut sauce, or a light coconut‑milk soup such as Tom Kha Gai for a balanced meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pineapple Fried Rice at home?
Common mistakes include using freshly cooked rice (which makes the dish soggy), adding pineapple too early (causing it to become mushy), and overcooking the shrimp. Keep the wok hot, use day‑old rice, and add pineapple at the end.
Why does this Pineapple Fried Rice recipe use curry powder instead of fresh curry paste?
Curry powder distributes evenly through the rice and provides a subtle background flavor without clumping, whereas fresh curry paste can be too intense and may create pockets of spice that overwhelm the delicate pineapple sweetness.
Can I make Pineapple Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the fried rice up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a hot wok or skillet, adding a splash of oil to restore the texture.
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 be bright yellow and retain a firm bite, and the dish should have a glossy sheen from the soy‑fish sauce mixture.
How do I know when Pineapple Fried Rice is done cooking?
The rice will be hot throughout, slightly crispy on the bottom, and the shrimp will be pink and opaque. The pineapple should be warmed but still firm, and the dish should smell fragrant with a hint of curry.
What does the YouTube channel Lennardy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lennardy focuses on quick, flavorful Asian-inspired home cooking tutorials, often highlighting street‑food classics and easy weeknight meals with clear step‑by‑step visuals.
How does the YouTube channel Lennardy's approach to Thai cooking differ from other Thai cooking channels?
Lennardy emphasizes minimal equipment, pantry‑friendly ingredient swaps, and fast cooking techniques that suit busy home cooks, whereas many Thai channels focus on traditional methods and extensive ingredient lists.
What other Thai recipes is the YouTube channel Lennardy known for?
Lennardy is known for videos on Pad Thai, Thai Basil Chicken (Gai Pad Krapow), Coconut Curry Soup, and easy mango sticky rice desserts, all presented with concise instructions and practical tips.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
