Pineapple Fried Rice (In a pineapple bowl)

Looking for a vibrant and delicious twist on fried rice? This Pineapple Fried Rice brings a burst of tropical flavor, the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. Whether you’re hosting guests or spicing up a weeknight meal, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold flavors and colorful veggies
Sweet pineapple chunks contrast perfectly with savory shrimp and fluffy rice
A beautiful dish to serve straight out of a pineapple bowl!
Quick and easy once you prep all ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ripe pineapple (halved and cored for presentation)
2 cups long grain rice (parboiled or cooked a day before)
1 cup diced pineapple (from the cored fruit)
2 eggs (whisked)
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 cup chopped scallions (spring onions)
1 tbsp garlic (grated)
1 tbsp ginger (grated)
200g shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper, white pepper, chili flakes
All-purpose seasoning
Soy sauce
Umami salt (optional, highly recommended)
Garlic herb butter (or regular butter)
Vegetable oil
Sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pineapple

Wash the whole pineapple thoroughly with a sponge.
Cut it in half and carefully core one side to use as a serving bowl.

Dice the fruit into small chunks and set aside.

Scrape out excess juice from the core to avoid soggy rice during plating.

2. Cook the Rice

Parboil long grain rice for 5–7 minutes, rinse under cold water until clear.
Cook until just tender (avoid overcooking), then set aside.

3. Prep the Ingredients

Chop all vegetables: carrots, scallions, pineapple.

Whisk eggs and season the shrimp with black pepper, onion powder, and salt.
Grate your garlic and ginger.

4. Cook in Layers

In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil and fry shrimp for about 1.5 minutes per side. Set aside.

Scramble eggs in the same pan, then remove and set aside.
Add a bit more oil along with sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
Add carrots and peas. Stir-fry for 1 minute.

Toss in diced pineapple and cook on high heat to avoid excess moisture.
Season with white pepper, chili flakes, and all-purpose seasoning.

5. Bring It All Together

Return the scrambled eggs and shrimp to the pan.

Add the cooked rice and toss everything to combine.
Add soy sauce and Umami salt (if using).

Stir in garlic butter for richness.
Finish with fresh spring onions.

Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Fried Rice

Use day-old rice for the best texture, but fresh rice works too if properly cooled and fluffed.
High heat is key: It prevents sogginess and keeps everything crisp.
Don’t skip the butter: It adds flavor depth and helps the rice come together smoothly.
Adjust spice: Add more chili flakes for extra heat or reduce it for a milder version.

Creative Serving Tip

Serve your pineapple fried rice in the scooped-out pineapple shell—it’s eye-catching, tropical, and fun!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using wet rice: always ensure rice is dry and separated before stir-frying.
Overcrowding the pan: cook in batches if necessary to keep ingredients crisp.
Adding too much pineapple juice: this can make the dish soggy.

What Makes Pineapple Fried Rice Special?

It’s the perfect marriage of flavors—sweet, spicy, savory, and aromatic. The juicy pineapple chunks bring freshness, the shrimp adds protein, and the rice carries all the wonderful spices and seasonings. It’s a meal and presentation in one!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage: Let the rice cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of water to bring it back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks if fresh pineapple isn’t available. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the rice.

What type of rice works best for pineapple fried rice?

Long grain rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice work great. Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and doesn’t clump together during stir-frying.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Skip the shrimp and eggs, and load it up with veggies like bell peppers, sweet corn, or mushrooms. Use soy-based protein or tofu as a substitute.

Is sesame oil necessary?

Sesame oil adds a deep, nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor. While optional, it’s highly recommended for that authentic fried rice taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead and cook the rice a day before. The final stir-frying takes only a few minutes, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

How do I prevent the rice from getting soggy?

Use dry, cooked rice and cook the pineapple on high heat to evaporate moisture quickly. Also, avoid adding too much sauce or juice during cooking.

What protein can I use besides shrimp?

You can use diced chicken, beef, or even tofu. Just make sure it’s cooked separately before combining it with the rice.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Fried Rice is vibrant, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish you’ll return to again and again, whether for a family dinner or a fun gathering.

Have you tried this recipe? Please rate it below and leave a comment to share your thoughts or ask a question. I’ll love to hear from you!