Tropical Pineapple Fried Rice with Cilantro

Tropical Pineapple Fried Rice with Cilantro – An Easy Vegan Thai-Inspired Dish

Dive into the vibrant world of Tropical Pineapple Fried Rice with Cilantro, where every forkful delivers a burst of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ideal for those seeking a delightful twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe is a fusion of hearty jasmine rice with juicy pineapple, creating a nutritious dish that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Thai Inspiration

Inspired by the colorful and aromatic dishes of Thailand, this vegan-friendly recipe captures the essence of Thai cuisine with a simple, plant-based twist. The use of pineapple not only infuses the dish with sweetness and vibrancy but also adds a fresh layer of complexity to the rich flavors of traditional fried rice.

Why You’ll Love It

• Sweet Meets Savory: The perfect balance of pineapple’s sweetness with savory Asian seasonings.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fresh vegetables and pineapple for a healthy meal option.
• Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast, fulfilling dinner.
• Visually Appealing: Bright colors and fresh ingredients make this dish a feast for the eyes.

Quick Grocery List

For the Fried Rice Base:

• Jasmine rice
• Sesame oil or neutral oil
• Garlic
• Green onion
• Bell pepper
• Carrot (optional)
• Pineapple chunks
• Peas (optional)
• Fresh cilantro

For the Sauce:

• Soy sauce or tamari
• Pineapple juice
• Curry powder
• Black pepper
• Chili flakes

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

• Prep & Cook Time: 15 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking for a total of 30 minutes.
• Equipment Checklist: Large skillet or wok, spatula, knife, cutting board, measuring cups, and spoons.
• Dietary Adjustments: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with tamari and gluten-free rice options.
• Serving Size: Makes 4 generous servings.

Tropical Pineapple Fried Rice with Cilantro – Easy Vegan Thai-Inspired Rice Recipe with Sweet and Savory Flavor

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time15 minutes

Total time30 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Fried Rice Base:

• 3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice, (preferably day-old)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil, (like canola or avocado)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small green onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, (red or yellow), diced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, (for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp pineapple juice, (optional, from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 1 tsp curry powder, (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes, (optional, for heat)

For Garnish (optional):

• Lime wedges
• Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts
• Extra fresh cilantro
• Green onions, sliced

Instructions:

• 1

  1. Prep Ingredients

  1. Dice all vegetables and pineapple, and measure out sauce ingredients.
  2. Make sure your rice is cold and separated (use hands or fork to break apart clumps).
• 2

  2. Cook the Aromatics

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and red onion; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
• 3

  3. Add the Veggies & Pineapple

  1. Stir in diced bell pepper and carrot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
  2. Add pineapple chunks and peas. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to caramelize the pineapple slightly.
• 4

  4. Stir in the Rice

  1. Add cold rice and gently break up with a spatula.
  2. Stir everything together and allow the rice to lightly toast for 2–3 minutes.
• 5

  5. Add the Sauce

  1. Mix together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Pour sauce over rice and stir to evenly coat. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
• 6

  6. Finish & Serve

  1. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
  2. Serve hot with lime wedges, cashews, or green onions if desired.

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and knife
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Small bowl (for mixing sauce)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition

Calories	320
Carbohydrates	50g
Cholesterol	0mg
Fat	9g
Fiber	4g
Protein	6g
Saturated Fat	1g
Sodium	530mg
Sugar	10g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	7g

General Notes

This vegan fried rice leverages the texture of day-old rice, which helps prevent the dish from becoming too mushy. It’s an excellent way to use leftover rice and transform it into a completely new meal.

Substitutions

• Rice: Substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain alternative.
• Protein Boost: Add tofu or chickpeas to enhance the protein content.
• Herbs: Swap cilantro for Thai basil for a different flavor profile.

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the cashews or peanuts if allergies are a concern.
• Extra Crunch: Add roasted cashews or sliced almonds for added texture.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to cater to your preference for heat.

Let’s Get Cooking: Pro Tips

• Tip 1: Use cold rice to prevent the fried rice from becoming soggy.
• Tip 2: Increase the heat to high when adding the rice to the pan to get some crispy bits for added texture.
• Tip 3: Be generous with the cilantro and lime juice at the end to brighten up the flavors.

Art Of Perfect Fried Rice

Achieving the perfect fried rice texture involves using rice that’s been refrigerated overnight. The grains firm up, making them ideal for stir-frying without turning mushy.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 50g — Provides a good source of energy.
• Cholesterol: 0mg — Great for heart health.
• Fat: 9g — Use healthy oils to keep it nutritious.
• Fiber: 4g — Aids in digestion.
• Protein: 6g — Consider adding tofu for a higher protein content.
• Saturated Fat: 1g — Low in unhealthy fats.
• Sodium: 530mg — Moderate sodium, can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce.
• Sugar: 10g — Natural sugars from pineapple provide a sweet flavor.
• Trans Fat: 0g — Heart-healthy with no trans fats.
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g — Contains healthy fats that are good for the heart.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Best reheated in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or additional soy sauce to refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this with fresh pineapple?
A: Absolutely, fresh pineapple will add a delightful burst of flavor!

Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, it keeps well in the fridge and the flavors even enhance overnight.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
A: Yes, it’s completely vegan-friendly and can be adapted for other dietary needs too.

Engage and Share

Loved this recipe? Share your version on social media and tag us! Don’t forget to rate and comment below with your tweaks and experiences. For more delicious recipes, try these tasty treats:

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