Thai Pineapple Fried Rice + Easy Pineapple Bowl

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice + Easy Pineapple Bowl is a medium Thai recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Pailin's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 19 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 4 min

Cost: $64.77 total, $16.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Fresh Pineapple (Halved lengthwise, core removed, scored into 1 cm pieces; use a thin spoon to scoop out the flesh for the fried‑rice pieces and keep the top half as a bowl)
  • 2 cups Jasmine Rice (Uncooked; will be cooked in half water, half coconut milk with a pandan leaf for fragrance)
  • 1 cup Coconut Milk (Full‑fat for richness)
  • 1 stalk Pandan Leaf (Optional; tied in a knot and added to the rice for aroma)
  • 12 large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined (Keep whole; will be seared separately and placed on top of the rice)
  • 2 large Eggs (Beaten lightly)
  • 1 small Onion (Diced; added later for crisp texture)
  • 2 medium Roma Tomatoes (Quartered; added at the end so they stay juicy)
  • 3 stalks Green Onions (Sliced; used as garnish and added at the end)
  • 1/2 cup Cashews, Deep‑Roasted (Unsalted; adds crunch and nutty flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Thai Curry Powder (Any good‑smelling Thai‑style curry powder works)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Shrimp Paste in Oil (Optional; adds deep umami)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (High smoke‑point oil for stir‑frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pineapple Bowl and Dice

    Halve the pineapple lengthwise through the top, cut around the edges with a sharp knife leaving about 1 cm of flesh attached to the skin, then remove the core at a 45° angle so the two cuts meet. Score the flesh into 1 cm thick strips and scoop out the strips with a small spoon; these are the fried‑rice pieces. Keep the top half as a decorative bowl.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Cook Coconut Rice

    Rinse the jasmine rice until water runs clear. In a rice cooker or saucepan combine 2 cups rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water, and the tied pandan leaf. Cook on medium heat until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Fluff and set aside to cool slightly.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Prep Shrimp and Other Ingredients

    Pat the shrimp dry, season lightly with a pinch of salt, and set aside. Dice the onion, quarter the roma tomatoes, slice the green onions, and measure out all sauces and spices.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Mix Seasonings

    In a small bowl combine the dry seasonings: Thai curry powder, salt, sugar, and white pepper. In another bowl mix the wet seasonings: fish sauce, soy sauce, and optional shrimp paste in oil.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Sear the Shrimp

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in the wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear without moving for about 2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: high

  6. Scramble the Eggs

    Add another splash of oil to the wok, lower the heat to medium‑high, pour in the beaten eggs and stir quickly until just set but still creamy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  7. Stir‑Fry the Rice

    Increase heat to high. Add the cooked coconut rice, diced onion, and the prepared dry seasoning. Toss quickly for 2 minutes until the rice is heated and begins to separate.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  8. Add Pineapple, Cashews, and Tomatoes

    Stir in the pineapple pieces, deep‑roasted cashews, and quartered roma tomatoes. Drizzle the wet seasoning mixture over everything and continue to stir‑fry for another 4 minutes, allowing the pineapple to heat through and the rice to toast lightly.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: high

  9. Finish with Green Onions and Adjust

    Turn off the heat, sprinkle the sliced green onions, give a final toss, and taste. Adjust salt or a splash more fish sauce if needed.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Plate and Garnish

    Spoon the fried rice into the reserved pineapple bowl, arrange the seared shrimp on top, and garnish with any remaining green onion or extra cashews. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free (use tamari if soy sauce contains gluten), Dairy‑free, Pescatarian, Can be made vegetarian by omitting shrimp

Allergens: Shellfish, Tree nuts, Soy, Coconut

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Thai Pineapple Fried Rice + Easy Pineapple Bowl

Recipe by Pailin's Kitchen

A vibrant Thai street‑food classic upgraded with fragrant coconut rice, juicy shrimp, crunchy cashews and fresh pineapple served in a decorative pineapple bowl. This recipe combines authentic flavors with modern tricks for a restaurant‑quality dish at home.

MediumThaiServes 4

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

Source Video
25m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$64.77
Total cost
$16.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Scoring and scooping the pineapple to obtain uniform 1 cm pieces.
  • Cooking the rice with coconut milk and pandan leaf for proper texture.
  • Searing shrimp separately to control doneness and achieve browning.
  • Adding onion later to keep it crisp.
  • Toasting the rice at the end for smoky flavor.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the sharp knife carefully when cutting the pineapple; keep fingers away from the blade.
  • Hot oil can splatter—use a splatter guard and keep face away while searing shrimp.
  • Ensure shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Thai Pineapple Fried Rice (Kao Pad Subparod) in Thai cuisine?

A

Kao Pad Subparod is a classic Thai street‑food dish that blends sweet pineapple with savory fried rice, reflecting Thailand’s love of balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Historically it was a way to use leftover rice and seasonal fruit, turning humble ingredients into a festive, colorful meal often served to tourists and at celebrations.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Kao Pad Subparod within Thailand?

A

In central Thailand the dish is usually made with jasmine rice and a light curry‑powder seasoning, while in the south cooks often add shrimp paste or extra chilies for heat. Some northern versions substitute sticky rice and use local herbs like kaffir lime leaves for added aroma.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Thai Pineapple Fried Rice traditionally served in Thailand?

A

Traditionally it is served in the hollowed‑out top half of a fresh pineapple, garnished with whole shrimp, cashews, and fresh herbs. The pineapple bowl is presented whole on a platter, and diners scoop the rice onto plates, leaving the bowl as a decorative centerpiece.

cultural
Q

During which Thai occasions or celebrations is Kao Pad Subparod commonly prepared?

A

Kao Pad Subparod is popular at festive gatherings such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and family celebrations because its bright colors and sweet‑savory profile symbolize prosperity and joy. It is also a favorite street‑food offering for tourists visiting markets and night bazaars.

cultural
Q

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

A

The dish uniquely combines the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple with the richness of coconut‑infused rice, crunchy cashews, and umami‑rich shrimp. This contrast of textures and flavors exemplifies the Thai culinary principle of balancing multiple taste elements in one bite.

cultural
Q

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

A

Authentic ingredients include jasmine rice cooked with coconut milk, fresh pineapple, Thai curry powder, fish sauce, shrimp, and roasted cashews. Acceptable substitutes are long‑grain rice for jasmine, chicken or tofu for shrimp, and peanuts instead of cashews, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?

A

Kao Pad Subparod pairs beautifully with grilled satay skewers, green papaya salad (Som Tam), and a light coconut‑milk soup such as Tom Kha Gai. The fresh acidity of the salad balances the richness of the fried rice.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common mistakes include using fresh‑cooked rice (it should be slightly dry), overcooking the pineapple so it becomes mushy, and adding the onion too early, which makes it soggy. Also, overcrowding the wok prevents proper browning of the shrimp and rice.

technical
Q

Why does this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice recipe sear the shrimp separately instead of cooking them together with the rice?

A

Searing shrimp separately allows precise control of doneness and creates a caramelized crust that adds texture. If cooked with the rice, the shrimp can overcook and release moisture, making the rice soggy.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can cook the coconut rice a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat in a hot wok before adding the fresh pineapple and shrimp, which should be cooked just before serving for best texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pailin's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Pailin's Kitchen specializes in authentic Thai home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern kitchen hacks. Pailin often focuses on flavor balance, ingredient sourcing, and cultural education.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Pailin's Kitchen's approach to Thai cooking differ from other Thai cooking channels?

A

Pailin's Kitchen emphasizes practical home‑cook adaptations, such as using coconut rice for extra richness and explaining Thai product certification symbols. Unlike some channels that focus solely on restaurant‑style plating, Pailin provides detailed ingredient sourcing tips and cultural context.

channel

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