Pineapple Fried Rice

Authentic Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pineapple fried rice is a delicious and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory fried rice. This dish is popular in many Asian countries and is often served as a main course or as a side dish.

History

Pineapple fried rice is believed to have originated in Thailand, where it is known as "Khao Pad Sapparot." The dish is a fusion of Thai and Chinese flavors, combining the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of fried rice. Over time, the recipe has spread to other parts of Asia and beyond, becoming a popular dish in many restaurants and homes around the world.

Ingredients

1 large fresh pineapple, trimmed and diced
2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1 oz (28 g) Chinese dried mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp oil, preferably peanut
0.25 lb (113 g) Chinese long beans (or green beans)
2 eggs
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)

How to prepare

Carefully cut off and save the pineapple top, leaving about 1 inch of the pineapple under the leaves.
Scoop out the inside fruit, leaving the skin of the pineapple intact to use as a bowl for the fried rice.
Coarsely chop the pineapple meat.
Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until they become soft.
Squeeze the excess liquid from the mushrooms and remove and discard their stems.
Cut the mushroom caps into small dice.
Heat a wok or large frying pan until it becomes hot.
Then add the oil and wait until it is almost smoking.
Add the mushrooms, onions, and beans, and stir-fry for one minute.
Mix in the cooked rice and stir-fry for one minute.
Add the eggs, soy sauce, and fish sauce, and continue to stir-fry for five minutes over high heat.
Add the chopped pineapple and continue to stir-fry for about two minutes.
Scoop the mixture into the hollowed-out pineapple shell, replace the top, and serve the remaining rice on a platter.
Enjoy.

Variations

Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for added protein.
Include cashews or peanuts for extra crunch.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use day-old rice for this recipe, as freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky.

- Be sure to cook the rice until it is slightly crispy before adding the other ingredients, as this will give the dish a nice texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple fried rice can be served on its own as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other Asian dishes such as stir-fries or curries. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or frying pan. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the ingredients while ensuring they are cooked evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Chinese long beans are not available, you can use green beans as a substitute.

- If you do not have Chinese dried mushrooms, you can use fresh mushrooms or other dried mushrooms such as shiitake.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for this dish ahead of time, such as chopping the vegetables and pineapple, and cooking the rice. This will help to save time when you are ready to cook the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pineapple fried rice in the hollowed-out pineapple shell for a fun and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of Asian dishes such as stir-fries, curries, or grilled meats. It also goes well with tropical fruit salads or coconut-based desserts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pineapple fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry the rice until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Pineapple fried rice is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious meal option.

Summary

Pineapple fried rice is a flavorful and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory fried rice. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal with family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Pineapple Fried Rice. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Thailand. My grandmother, who was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills, had a friend who was visiting from a neighboring town. This friend had just come back from a trip to the bustling city of Bangkok, and she brought with her a new recipe that she had learned while she was there.

As soon as my grandmother's friend mentioned Pineapple Fried Rice, my ears perked up. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was immediately intrigued. My grandmother's friend described the dish as a flavorful combination of sweet and savory, with chunks of juicy pineapple mixed in with rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it.

My grandmother's friend graciously agreed to show us how to make the dish, and we spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, cooking rice, and sautéing the ingredients together in a wok. As the fragrant aroma of the dish filled the kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement. When the Pineapple Fried Rice was finally ready, we all sat down to eat, and it was even more delicious than I had imagined. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complemented the savory flavors of the dish, and I knew that this would become one of my favorite recipes.

From that day on, Pineapple Fried Rice became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, and sometimes just because. She would always say that cooking was a way to show love and care for those around you, and I could see that she truly believed it. As I grew older, I started to help her in the kitchen more and more, learning the intricacies of Thai cooking and mastering the art of balancing flavors.

Over the years, I have made Pineapple Fried Rice countless times, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and experimenting with different ingredients. I have added shrimp, chicken, and even tofu to the dish, and each variation has been just as delicious as the original. Whenever I make Pineapple Fried Rice now, I think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, learning how to make the dish for the first time. It reminds me of the joy and love that can be shared through food, and I am forever grateful for the lessons that my grandmother taught me.

As I sit here now, writing down this recipe for Pineapple Fried Rice, I can't help but smile. The recipe has been passed down through generations, from my grandmother's friend to me, and now to you. I hope that you will enjoy making this dish as much as I have, and that it will bring a little taste of Thailand into your own home. Cooking is a journey, a way to connect with others and create memories that will last a lifetime. And for me, Pineapple Fried Rice will always be a reminder of the love and warmth that can be found in a simple meal shared with family and friends.