Though it was first prepared in Thailand, many countries around the world now enjoy pineapple fried rice. Pineapple, veggies, and rice come together to create a dish that is both sweet and savory. Pineapple fried rice can be easily adapted to meet the needs of those with specific dietary requirements or preferences.
Rice, pineapple, veggies, and seasonings are the staples from which pineapple fried rice is derived. Onions, bell peppers, carrots, and peas are the usual veggies in this dish. After the vegetables have been cooked in oil until tender, they are joined by rice and diced pineapple. Once the rice has been heated through in a stir-fry, the seasonings can be added. Soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce are the usual condiments for pineapple fried rice. These ingredients make the dish more salty and flavorful.
The dish’s namesake, pineapple, is the main attraction. Its sweetness and tartness complement the savory tones of the rice and vegetables. Pineapple adds a juiciness and a coolness to the dish. Pineapple is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C and the mineral manganese. Pineapple also has bromelain, a digestive enzyme.
Pineapple fried rice is versatile and may be altered to fit any diet. Vegetarians, for instance, can substitute vegetarian oyster sauce for the fish sauce. Soy sauce and tamari sauce made without wheat are options for those with gluten intolerance. Brown rice can be substituted for white rice in pineapple fried rice to make a more nutritious meal.
Pineapple fried rice can be a main meal or a side dish, depending on the context. It’s perfect for picnics and potlucks because it can be eaten either warm or cold. To further enhance the dish’s flavor and texture, chopped nuts like cashews and almonds can be sprinkled on top of pineapple fried rice.
In conclusion, pineapple fried rice is a tasty and healthy recipe that is simple to make and adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs. Its refreshing flavor and texture combine with its sweet and savory taste to make this meal a global favorite. Pineapple fried rice is a crowd-pleaser as an entree or a side dish.
Here is a simple recipe for delicious pineapple fried rice that can be made in just 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the frozen peas, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cooked rice to the other side. Stir-fry the rice for 1-2 minutes until it starts to get crispy.
- Add the diced pineapple, soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Season the pineapple fried rice with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish the pineapple fried rice with chopped scallions and cilantro and serve immediately.
Tips:
- If you don’t have fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple instead. Just make sure to drain the pineapple before using it.
- You can use any vegetables you like in this recipe. Broccoli, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great options.
- For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the fish sauce and use vegetarian oyster sauce instead.