BETTER THAN TAKEOUT - Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

BETTER THAN TAKEOUT - Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is a medium Cantonese recipe that serves 2. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Souped Up Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 50 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 1 hr 11 min

Cost: $36.65 total, $18.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Pineapple (Carve bowl, dice 1 cup (1/2‑inch cubes) for rice; extra flesh can be eaten as snack)
  • 200 g Shrimp, frozen, peeled and deveined (Rinse thoroughly to remove brine, pat dry with paper towels before marinating)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (2 tbsp for shrimp marinade, 1 tbsp for wok cooking)
  • 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Adds subtle heat to shrimp)
  • 1 clove Garlic (Minced; will caramelize slightly in wok)
  • 1 tsp Ginger (Freshly grated)
  • 50 g Ham (Cut into 1/3‑inch cubes; optional if unavailable)
  • 2/3 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (Use straight from freezer; no need to thaw)
  • 2 cup Day‑Old Cooked Rice (Preferably jasmine or long‑grain; chilled for best texture)
  • 2 tbsp Raw Cashews (Will be toasted in wok; optional if already toasted)
  • 1 large Egg (Beaten before adding to wok)
  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (Adds umami; can substitute soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (Provides golden color and subtle aroma)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (Balances savory and sweet; optional)
  • 2 tbsp Dried Meat Floss (Pork Floss) (Adds fluffy, slightly sweet pork flavor; optional)
  • 2 tbsp Raisins (Adds sweet chewiness; optional)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (vegetable) (For high‑heat wok cooking)

Instructions

  1. Carve Pineapple Bowl and Dice Flesh

    Slice the pineapple about 1‑inch thick, then cut around the sides leaving a 2‑inch base. Carefully carve out the flesh in one piece, set the bowl aside, and dice the removed flesh into 1/2‑inch cubes (measure 1 cup).

    Time: PT10M

  2. Rinse and Marinate Shrimp

    Rinse frozen shrimp under cold water several times to remove excess brine, then pat dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl combine shrimp, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, ½ tsp black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prep Remaining Ingredients

    Cut ham into 1/3‑inch cubes (about 1/4 cup). Measure frozen mixed vegetables (2/3 cup) and set aside. Have raw cashews, raisins, pork floss, and beaten egg ready.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Cook Shrimp

    Heat the wok over high heat until smoking hot, add 2 tbsp cooking oil, swirl to coat. Add marinated shrimp and cook 20 seconds each side until pink, then remove and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  5. Toast Cashews

    In the same wok, add raw cashews and stir‑fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Add Vegetables and Pineapple

    Add the frozen mixed vegetables and diced pineapple to the wok. Stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes until the veggies are tender and the pineapple softens slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Fry Egg

    Push the mixture to one side of the wok, add a little more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten egg. Scramble quickly until just set, then combine with the rest of the ingredients.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Add Day‑Old Rice

    Add the chilled day‑old rice to the wok. Break any clumps with the spatula and stir‑fry over high heat for 2 minutes until the rice is heated through and fluffy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  9. Season the Fried Rice

    Drizzle 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce), sprinkle 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp sugar. Stir quickly so the seasoning coats the rice evenly.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high heat

  10. Finish with Floss and Raisins

    Stir in 2 tbsp dried meat floss and 2 tbsp raisins. Mix everything together for another 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high heat

  11. Serve in Pineapple Bowl

    Spoon the fried rice into the carved pineapple bowl, garnish with extra cashews or cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
62 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Not vegan, Gluten‑free if using fish sauce

Allergens: Shellfish (shrimp), Tree nuts (cashews), Eggs, Soy (if using soy sauce), Pork

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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BETTER THAN TAKEOUT - Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Recipe by Souped Up Recipes

A vibrant Cantonese‑style pineapple fried rice packed with shrimp, ham, cashews, raisins, and pork floss. Served in a carved pineapple bowl for an eye‑catching presentation, this dish balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.

MediumCantoneseServes 2

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

Source Video
24m
Prep
8m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$36.65
Total cost
$18.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Carve pineapple bowl without breaking it
  • Marinate shrimp for full flavor and to reduce brine salt
  • Do not overcook shrimp in the wok
  • Use day‑old chilled rice to achieve fluffy texture
  • Toast cashews until lightly golden
  • Add fish sauce before turmeric to preserve color
  • Final stir‑in of pork floss and raisins for texture

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw shrimp with clean hands and wash all surfaces after use
  • The wok will be extremely hot; use oven mitts or a thick towel when handling
  • Use a sharp knife when carving the pineapple to avoid slips

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Pineapple Fried Rice is a modern Cantonese street‑food favorite that blends sweet tropical pineapple with savory fried rice, reflecting the region’s love for contrasting flavors and the influence of overseas trade in the 20th century.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of Pineapple Fried Rice exist within Chinese cuisine?

A

In southern China, versions may include Chinese sausage and peas, while in Thailand a similar dish adds curry paste and shrimp paste. Cantonese versions typically feature shrimp, ham, cashews, and pork floss as shown in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is Pineapple Fried Rice traditionally served in Cantonese restaurants?

A

It is often presented inside the hollowed pineapple bowl, allowing the aromatic juices to mingle with the rice, and is served hot as a main course alongside a light soup or stir‑fried greens.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is Pineapple Fried Rice commonly enjoyed in Cantonese culture?

A

The dish is popular at family gatherings, Lunar New Year feasts, and festive street‑food markets because its bright colors symbolize prosperity and good luck.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Cantonese Pineapple Fried Rice and what can be substituted?

A

Key ingredients include fresh pineapple, shrimp, ham, cashews, pork floss, and fish sauce. Substitutes: canned pineapple (well‑drained), chicken or tofu for shrimp, toasted almonds for cashews, and soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

cultural
Q

What other Cantonese dishes pair well with Pineapple Fried Rice?

A

It pairs nicely with Cantonese steamed fish, stir‑fried bok choy, hot and sour soup, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.

cultural
Q

What makes Pineapple Fried Rice special or unique in Cantonese cuisine?

A

The combination of sweet pineapple, salty shrimp, crunchy cashews, and fluffy pork floss creates a multi‑layered flavor profile that balances sweet, savory, and umami, a hallmark of Cantonese culinary balance.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, using fresh rice that clumps, adding pineapple too early so it becomes mushy, and not using high heat which prevents the characteristic wok‑fried texture.

technical
Q

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

A

Fish sauce provides a deeper, briny umami that complements the sweetness of pineapple without darkening the rice, whereas soy sauce can make the dish overly salty and affect the golden color from turmeric.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can prepare the pineapple bowl, dice the fruit, and marinate the shrimp up to 2 hours ahead. Store the cooked fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat quickly in a hot wok.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes focuses on creative Asian-inspired home cooking, offering step‑by‑step video tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern twists for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes' approach to Cantonese cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

Souped Up Recipes emphasizes practical kitchen hacks—like carving a pineapple bowl—and detailed ingredient sourcing tips, while many other channels focus more on restaurant‑style plating without the hands‑on preparation guidance.

channel

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