Pineapple fried rice, a vibrant and savory dish that blends the exotic sweetness of pineapple with the rich flavors of Asian cuisine. The ingredients come together to create a symphony of texture and taste, surprising the palate with each bite. This dish is perfect for those who love a fusion of sweet and savory.
Most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry or fridge. However, a few like jasmine rice and toasted sesame oil might need a trip to the supermarket. Jasmine rice renowned for its aroma and flavor is often found in the Asian section. Toasted sesame oil, another Asian cuisine staple, has a distinctive nutty flavor. Make sure to pick ripe pineapple for natural sweetness.
Ingredients for Pineapple Fried Rice
Jasmine rice: Fragrant long-grain rice that cooks up light and fluffy.
Chicken breast: Lean protein source that will be cooked and cut into small pieces.
Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients.
Onion: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
Carrots: Adds a sweet, earthy taste and a nice crunch.
Red bell pepper: Gives a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
Frozen peas: Adds color and a slight sweetness.
Pineapple: Adds a tropical sweetness to the dish, cut into small chunks.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty and savory flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Green onions: Gives a mild, sweet oniony flavor and adds color to the dish.
One reader, Cornelia Reich says:
This pineapple fried rice recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and crispy bacon is simply divine. The flavors blend together perfectly, and the dish is so easy to make. It's now a regular in my dinner rotation. Highly recommend trying it out!
Essential Techniques for Crafting Pineapple Fried Rice
How to cook the rice: Follow the package directions to cook the jasmine rice until it is tender and fluffy.
How to sauté the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
How to prepare the vegetables and pineapple: Chop the onion, carrots, and red bell pepper. Cut the pineapple into small chunks.
How to cook the bacon: Cook the bacon until it is crispy, then crumble or chop it into small pieces.
How to combine the ingredients: Add the cooked rice, sautéed chicken, vegetables, pineapple, and bacon to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, mixing gently until everything is thoroughly combined.
How to serve: Serve the pineapple fried rice immediately, and sprinkle with sliced green onions as a garnish.
How To Make Pineapple Fried Rice
If you want to put a twist to the usual fried rice, try adding chunky pineapples. Add chicken and bell peppers, this pineapple fried rice is a must-try.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsSuccess® Jasmine Riceor cooked rice, leftover is fine!
- ¾lbchicken breastboneless
- 1tbspvegetable oildivided
- ½cuponionchopped
- ½cupcarrotschopped
- ½cupred bell pepperchopped
- ½cupfrozen peas
- 1cuppineapplediced
- ⅓cupbaconcooked
- 3tbspsoy sauce
- 1tbsptoasted sesame oil
- Salt and pepperto taste
- sliced green onionsoptional
Instructions
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Cook the rice according to package directions.
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In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and saute until browned and cooked through for about 4 to 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
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Wipe out the pan with a paper towel. Heat the remaining teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
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Add the onion and carrot to the pan, cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the red bell pepper, pineapple and bacon; cook 2 to 3 minutes more.
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Add the rice to the pan, along with the reserved chicken and frozen peas. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil and mix gently until everything is thoroughly combined. Season to taste with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Serve immediately, sprinkle with sliced green onions.
Nutrition
- Calories: 652.51kcal
- Fat: 15.80g
- Saturated Fat: 3.63g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.73g
- Carbohydrates: 99.59g
- Fiber: 3.73g
- Sugar: 6.06g
- Protein: 25.24g
- Cholesterol: 48.52mg
- Sodium: 679.19mg
- Calcium: 61.98mg
- Potassium: 495.94mg
- Iron: 5.98mg
- Vitamin A: 157.45µg
- Vitamin C: 39.12mg
A Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Pineapple Fried Rice
When cooking the chicken, ensure it's thoroughly cooked by cutting into the thickest part. If the juices run clear and there is no pink meat, it's done. Overcooking can make the chicken tough, so keep an eye on it. Also, when adding the soy sauce and sesame oil, drizzle them around the pan rather than dumping in one spot for a more even distribution of flavors. Lastly, using fresh pineapple instead of canned can significantly enhance the flavor of your fried rice.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pineapple Fried Rice
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and rice cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean to work efficiently and avoid wasting time searching for ingredients or tools.
Substitute Ingredients For Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
Success® jasmine rice - Substitute with Basmati rice: Basmati rice has a similar texture and fragrance to jasmine rice, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
Chicken breast - Substitute with Firm tofu: Firm tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken, providing a similar texture and protein content.
Vegetable oil - Substitute with Coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a hint of tropical flavor that complements the pineapple in the fried rice.
Bacon - Substitute with Smoked turkey bacon: Smoked turkey bacon offers a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture while being a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.
Soy sauce - Substitute with Tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, providing a rich umami flavor to the dish.
Toasted sesame oil - Substitute with Peanut oil: Peanut oil adds a nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste of the fried rice.
Pineapple - Substitute with Mango: Mango can be used as a tropical fruit alternative, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
Frozen peas - Substitute with Edamame: Edamame provides a similar pop of green color and texture while offering a boost of plant-based protein.
Red bell pepper - Substitute with Yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper adds a vibrant color and a slightly sweeter flavor to the fried rice.
Onion - Substitute with Shallots: Shallots offer a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Pineapple Fried Rice
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pineapple fried rice, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a ring mold to shape the rice into a neat mound at the center of the plate. This will create a clean and professional presentation.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the dish with finely sliced green onions. Sprinkle them delicately over the rice, ensuring each piece is strategically placed to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant colors to the plate by using a combination of red bell peppers, carrots, and pineapple. The contrast of these colorful ingredients against the white rice will create a visually striking presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and instead, focus on creating a balanced composition that showcases the pineapple fried rice as the focal point.
Emphasize texture: Consider adding a crispy element to the dish, such as a delicate rice cracker or a crispy bacon chip, to introduce an element of texture and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Pineapple Fried Rice
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used for stir-frying, steaming, and more.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or flipping ingredients.
- Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and serving food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Rice cooker: A kitchen appliance used to cook rice automatically.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying and searing food.
- Strainer: A kitchen tool used for separating liquids from solids.
- Meat thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of meat and poultry.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Can opener: A tool used to open cans.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining foods.
- Pineapple corer: A tool used to core and slice pineapples.
- Toaster: An appliance used to toast bread and other items.
- Cutting shears: Scissors used for cutting herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Mortar and pestle: A tool used to crush, grind, and mix substances.
Storing and Freezing Pineapple Fried Rice: A Guide
- Allow the pineapple fried rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the fried rice, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later on.
- When you're ready to eat the frozen fried rice, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat, transfer the thawed fried rice to a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it's hot and steaming.
- If the fried rice seems dry after reheating, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten it up.
- For best results, consume the reheated fried rice within a day or two of thawing it out. Avoid refreezing previously frozen fried rice, as this can affect its texture and quality.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Pineapple Fried Rice
Stovetop method: heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the leftover pineapple fried rice and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If the rice seems dry, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten it.
Microwave method: place the leftover pineapple fried rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the rice is heated through. Cooking times may vary depending on the amount of rice and the power of your microwave.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pineapple fried rice in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the top to crisp up slightly.
Steaming method: place the leftover pineapple fried rice in a heat-proof bowl that fits inside your steamer basket. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket with the rice bowl inside the pot, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the pineapple fried rice well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any cold spots. You can also add a bit of fresh soy sauce, sesame oil, or green onions to enhance the flavor of the reheated dish.
A Fascinating Fact About Pineapple Fried Rice
Pineapple fried rice is a popular dish in Thai cuisine and is known for its unique combination of sweet and savory flavors. It is often served in a hollowed-out pineapple, adding a decorative and festive touch to the presentation of the dish.
Is Making Pineapple Fried Rice at Home Cost-Effective?
This pineapple fried rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as jasmine rice, chicken breast, vegetable oil, onion, carrots, red bell pepper, frozen peas, pineapple, and bacon, are all reasonably priced and widely available. The dish is flavorful and satisfying, making it a great option for a family meal. I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it an affordable and delicious option for a family dinner.
Is Pineapple Fried Rice Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pineapple fried rice recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. The use of chicken breast provides lean protein, while the jasmine rice offers complex carbohydrates for energy. The inclusion of onion, carrots, red bell pepper, and peas adds a variety of vitamins and minerals to the dish. Pineapple provides a natural sweetness and contains enzymes that aid in digestion.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of soy sauce used, as it is high in sodium. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce or replacing some of the soy sauce with a mixture of rice vinegar and water.
- Use a leaner cut of bacon or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as turkey bacon or diced tofu, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish to boost the fiber and nutrient content. Consider adding more carrots, peas, or other colorful vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
- Opt for brown jasmine rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients like magnesium and selenium.
- Use a healthier cooking oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, which are more stable at high temperatures and contain beneficial fatty acids.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this pineapple fried rice recipe, you could:
- Add some chopped nuts, such as cashews or almonds, to provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
- Incorporate additional protein sources, like shrimp or tofu, to create a more filling and balanced meal.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as ginger, garlic, or turmeric, to add flavor and potential health benefits without relying on excessive salt or oil.
- Serve the fried rice with a side of steamed or stir-fried leafy greens, such as spinach or bok choy, to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal.
The Editor's Opinion on This Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe
This pineapple fried rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The succulent chicken pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple, while the crispy bacon adds a savory depth. The colorful medley of vegetables brings freshness and vibrancy to the dish, and the aromatic jasmine rice ties everything together. The balance of soy sauce and sesame oil enhances the overall umami profile. This recipe is a wonderful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, creating a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
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Why trust this Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal experience. The succulent chicken is expertly seasoned and paired with vibrant pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist. The addition of savory bacon and colorful bell peppers enhances the dish's depth. Furthermore, the incorporation of fragrant jasmine rice and aromatic toasted sesame oil elevates the overall sensory appeal. With a harmonious blend of ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey, showcasing the chef's expertise and passion for creating memorable dishes.
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