This pineapple fried rice recipe is a vibrant, Thai-style dish combining sweet pineapple, savoury sauce, and colourful vegetables in one quick and easy meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s fresher than takeout and perfect as a healthy dinner, side dish, or meal prep option.
With a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours, this easy fried rice is ideal for weeknights or entertaining.
Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe (Thai-Style, Easy & Healthy)
Course: DinnerCuisine: Thai4
servings10
minutes10
minutes385
kcalIngredients
2½ cups cooked white rice
2 cups pineapple, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup carrots
1 cup edamame
1 cup sugar snap peas
1 tbsp sesame oil
Sauce:
2 tbsp soy sauce
1½ tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp chili paste
2 cloves garlic
Lime zest + juice
Garnish:
Peanuts
Cilantro
Directions
- Whisk sauce ingredients
- Cook vegetables in sesame oil
- Add seasoning
- Stir in rice, pineapple, and sauce
- Toss and serve with garnish
What Is Pineapple Fried Rice?
Pineapple fried rice is a Thai-inspired dish made with cooked rice, fresh pineapple, vegetables, and a savoury sauce. It’s known for its unique balance of sweet and savoury flavours and is often served in a hollowed-out pineapple for presentation.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy – Ready in 20 minutes
- Better than takeout – Fresh and flavourful
- Customisable – Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Healthy and balanced – Loaded with vegetables
- Perfect for leftovers – Uses cooked rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2½ cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup edamame
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red chili paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest + juice of ½ lime
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro

How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice
- Make the sauce
Whisk soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, honey, chili paste, garlic, and lime zest/juice. - Cook vegetables
Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Add vegetables and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender. - Add seasoning
Stir in ginger and onion powder. - Combine everything
Turn off heat. Add rice, pineapple, and sauce. Toss until evenly coated. - Serve
Garnish with peanuts and cilantro and serve warm.
How to Make the Best Fried Rice
- Use cold, day-old rice to prevent clumping
- Cook on high heat for better texture
- Don’t overcook vegetables—they should stay crisp
- Add sauce at the end to avoid soggy rice
Pro Tips
- Use coconut rice for extra flavour
- Fresh pineapple gives the best taste
- Prep everything before cooking (it cooks fast)
- Use a large pan to avoid overcrowding
Variations
- Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Make it vegetarian (skip fish sauce)
- Use cashews instead of peanuts
- Add scrambled eggs for extra protein
What to Serve With Pineapple Fried Rice
- Thai curry
- Chicken satay
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Grilled fish or shrimp
- BBQ or summer dishes

FAQ
What is pineapple fried rice made of?
Pineapple fried rice is made with cooked rice, fresh pineapple, vegetables, and a savoury sauce. It often includes soy sauce, garlic, lime, and sometimes protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Why use cold rice for fried rice?
Cold rice works best because it is drier and less sticky, which prevents clumping. This helps create the perfect fried rice texture with separate grains.
Is pineapple fried rice healthy?
Yes, pineapple fried rice can be a healthy meal when made with fresh ingredients and vegetables. It provides fibre, vitamins, and balanced carbohydrates, especially when paired with lean protein.
Can I make pineapple fried rice vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
What protein goes well with pineapple fried rice?
Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or pork all pair well with pineapple fried rice. These proteins complement the sweet and savoury flavours.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well if drained properly. Fresh pineapple is preferred for flavour, but canned is a convenient alternative.
How do you store leftover fried rice?
Store leftover pineapple fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for best texture.
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