Pineapple Rice (Print)
Sweet pineapple and jasmine rice tossed with crunchy vegetables, curry spice, and lime for a bright Thai-inspired dish.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables & Fruit
01 - 1½ cups pineapple, diced (fresh or canned, drained)
02 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
03 - ½ cup carrots, peeled and diced
04 - ¼ cup green onions, sliced
05 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Rice
06 - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, cold)
→ Sauces & Seasonings
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
08 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, omit for vegetarian)
09 - 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11 - ½ teaspoon salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Protein & Garnish
13 - ½ cup roasted cashews or peanuts
14 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
02 - Add carrots and red bell pepper to the hot oil; sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
03 - Stir in the diced pineapple and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges begin to caramelize and turn golden.
04 - Push the vegetable and pineapple mixture to one side of the pan. Add the cold jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula or wooden spoon.
05 - Sprinkle curry powder evenly over the rice; toss and stir to combine, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and the rice is well coated.
06 - Pour in soy sauce and fish sauce (if using), then add salt and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly, incorporating the vegetables and pineapple back into the rice.
07 - Toss in the sliced green onions and half of the chopped cilantro, stirring to distribute evenly.
08 - Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are heated through and the flavors have melded.
09 - Remove from heat. Top with roasted cashews or peanuts and the remaining cilantro. Serve warm with fresh lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The curry powder sneaks in a warmth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
- Day-old rice transforms into something golden and slightly chewy in ways fresh rice never could.
- It comes together in under forty minutes and looks like you tried much harder than you did.
02 -
- Warm or fresh rice will turn gummy and clump together instead of frying into separate golden grains.
- Pineapple that is not dried before hitting the oil will steam the rice rather than caramelizing, which changes the entire character of the dish.
03 -
- Spread your cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered overnight so the surface moisture evaporates completely.
- Cook the pineapple in a single layer without stirring for the first minute to get real caramelization instead of a soggy steam.