🍍 How to make Pineapple Fried Rice, like a Chinese chef! (菠蘿炒飯)

🍍 How to make Pineapple Fried Rice, like a Chinese chef! (菠蘿炒飯) is a medium Thai recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Made With Lau on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 36 min | Total: 1 hr 21 min

Cost: $11.05 total, $2.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Jasmine Rice (uncooked, rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 1/2 medium Fresh Pineapple (peeled and cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 8 oz Raw Shrimp (peeled, deveined)
  • 8 oz Chicken Breast (cut into cubes)
  • 1/2 cup Carrot (diced)
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions (sliced thinly)
  • 2 large Eggs (beaten lightly)
  • 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (balances salt)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp White Pepper (ground)
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch (1 tbsp for shrimp, 1 tbsp for chicken)
  • 2 tbsp Water (for chicken marinate)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑heat oil)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (for finishing drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Cook the Rice with Pineapple

    Rinse the jasmine rice in a bowl of water several times until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to the rice cooker, add the appropriate amount of water, and stir in the diced pineapple pieces. Turn on the rice cooker and let it cook until the cycle completes.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Marinate Shrimp and Chicken

    Place the peeled shrimp in a small bowl, sprinkle with 1 tbsp cornstarch and a pinch of white pepper, and toss to coat. In another bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp water; mix well. Let both sit while you prepare the vegetables.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the carrot into small cubes and slice the green onions thinly. Set aside in separate bowls.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Blanch Carrot and Pineapple

    Heat a splash of oil in the wok over medium‑high heat. Add the diced carrot and pineapple and stir‑fry for about 1 minute, then quickly drain any excess liquid using a colander.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Scramble the Eggs

    Add a little more oil to the wok, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble gently until just set. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Cook Chicken and Shrimp

    Increase the heat to high, add the marinated chicken pieces first, stir‑fry for 2 minutes, then add the shrimp and continue stir‑frying until the shrimp turn pink and the chicken is nearly cooked through (about 3 minutes total). Remove and set aside with the eggs.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high

  7. Fry the Rice

    Add the cooked rice (preferably day‑old) to the wok. Stir‑fry for 3–4 minutes, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the bottom.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: high

  8. Add Vegetables and Seasonings

    Return the blanched carrot and pineapple to the wok. Sprinkle with salt, sugar, and light soy sauce. Stir‑fry for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

  9. Combine All Components and Finish

    Add the scrambled eggs, chicken, and shrimp back into the wok. Toss everything together for 2 minutes. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top, give a final quick stir, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  10. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the pineapple fried rice to a serving plate, garnish with the sliced green onions, and serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (use gluten‑free soy sauce), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Shellfish, Egg, Soy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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🍍 How to make Pineapple Fried Rice, like a Chinese chef! (菠蘿炒飯)

Recipe by Made With Lau

A vibrant Thai-inspired pineapple fried rice packed with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, crisp carrots, and sweet pineapple chunks. Made with day‑old rice for the perfect texture, this one‑pan dish is flavored with light soy sauce, a hint of sugar, and finished with a drizzle of sesame oil.

MediumThaiServes 4

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

Source Video
16m
Prep
24m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.05
Total cost
$2.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rinsing the rice until water runs clear
  • Coating shrimp and chicken with cornstarch for tenderness
  • Blanching carrot and pineapple to remove excess moisture
  • Ensuring the rice is slightly dry before stir‑frying
  • Finishing with a drizzle of sesame oil for aroma

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken and shrimp with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Make sure the rice cooker lid is secure before cooking.

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 pineapple with savory rice, reflecting Thailand’s love for balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. It is often served in a hollowed-out pineapple for visual appeal and is associated with festive occasions and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pineapple fried rice in Thailand?

A

In central Thailand, the dish is typically cooked with shrimp, chicken, and cashews, while in the south, it may include fish sauce, chilies, and sometimes dried shrimp for a deeper umami. Some regions add curry powder or kaffir lime leaves for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

How is pineapple fried rice traditionally served in Thailand?

A

Traditionally, the fried rice is scooped into a hollowed-out pineapple half, allowing the juices to mingle with the rice. It is often garnished with sliced cucumber, cilantro, and a wedge of lime, and served alongside fresh spring rolls or grilled meats.

cultural
Q

During which Thai celebrations is pineapple fried rice commonly prepared?

A

Pineapple fried rice is popular during Songkran (Thai New Year) and family birthday celebrations because its bright colors and sweet‑savory flavor symbolize prosperity and happiness.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients define traditional pineapple fried rice versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include jasmine rice, fresh pineapple, shrimp, chicken, Thai bird‑chili, fish sauce, and roasted cashews. Substitutes like canned pineapple, soy sauce, or mixed vegetables work but alter the classic flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with pineapple fried rice?

A

It pairs beautifully with grilled satay skewers, som tam (green papaya salad), and Thai cucumber relish. A light coconut‑based soup such as tom kha gai also complements the sweet‑savory balance.

cultural
Q

What makes pineapple fried rice special in Thai cuisine compared to other fried rice dishes?

A

The addition of fresh pineapple provides a natural sweetness and juicy texture that contrasts with the savory proteins, creating a unique sweet‑savory harmony that is emblematic of Thai flavor balancing.

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 makes the dish soggy), overcooking the shrimp (resulting in rubbery texture), and adding too much pineapple juice, which can make the rice mushy. Use day‑old rice, short‑cook shrimp, and drain the pineapple well.

technical
Q

Why does this pineapple fried rice recipe use cornstarch for marinating the chicken and shrimp instead of a simple salt‑only seasoning?

A

Cornstarch creates a thin protective coating that seals in moisture, giving the chicken and shrimp a tender, slightly crisp exterior when stir‑fried at high heat, which is essential for the texture of a good fried rice.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Made With Lau specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Made With Lau focuses on approachable Asian home‑cooking tutorials, especially Thai and Vietnamese dishes, emphasizing step‑by‑step techniques that home cooks can replicate with everyday kitchen tools.

channel

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