If you love vibrant flavors that dance on your taste buds, the Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish is a delightful blend of sweet pineapple, aromatic curry, crunchy cashews, and fluffy jasmine rice, all brought together with a touch of coconut oil and a hint of honey for balance. It’s colorful, comforting, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an absolute winner whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to nailing this incredible dish. Each ingredient here plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe truly special.
- 1 1/2 cup Jasmine Rice from Mahatma® Rice: The base of the dish, offering a fragrant, fluffy texture that’s perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical note and helps sauté the veggies and eggs to perfection.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a mellow pungency that wakes up the palate.
- 1 medium bell pepper (chopped): Brings vibrant color and a slight sweetness that balances the curry.
- 1 cup cashews: Adds delightful crunch and a nutty depth that complements the softness of the rice.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Offers a fresh, sharp bite that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup cubed pineapple (approx 1/4″ cubes): The star ingredient providing juicy sweetness and tropical flair.
- 2 large eggs: Adds protein and richness, making the fried rice hearty.
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce: Infuses savory umami that balances the sweetness of pineapple and honey.
- 1/2 Tbsp honey: Sweetens the sauce gently and helps caramelize the ingredients.
- 1 Tbsp curry powder: Gives the dish its distinctive warm, fragrant spice without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice to lift the flavors.
How to Make Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking the jasmine rice according to the package directions. It’s important to have fluffy, well-separated grains because they provide the perfect canvas for the curry sauce and other vibrant ingredients to shine.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
Heat half of the coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, which should take just a couple of minutes. Next, toss in the chopped bell pepper, green onions, and cashews. Keep cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the bell pepper to soften and the cashews to toast slightly, enhancing their crunch and nuttiness.
Step 3: Add the Pineapple
Now it’s time for that juicy pineapple to join the party. Add the cubed pineapple into the skillet and continue to cook everything for 5 to 7 more minutes. The pineapple will caramelize gently, lending a beautiful golden color and tropical sweetness that perfectly balances the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Set the vegetable and pineapple mixture aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining coconut oil and scramble the eggs until just cooked through. The eggs bring delicious creaminess and protein to the dish, making it more satisfying.
Step 5: Prepare the Curry Sauce
While the eggs cook, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ground pepper, and curry powder. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse that unites all the ingredients with a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Step 6: Combine and Stir-Fry
Add the cooked rice to the skillet along with the curry sauce mixture. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes so that the rice can absorb all those brilliant flavors. Then, fold the cooked eggs, veggies, pineapple, and cashews back into the skillet and stir-fry for another 5 minutes. This final step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
How to Serve Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped cilantro or extra green onions on top. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a zesty brightness that balances out the richness and sweet notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish works wonderfully as a complete meal, but you can also serve it alongside light cucumber salad or crispy spring rolls to add freshness and crunch. A simple bowl of coconut soup also pairs nicely to keep things tropical and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, festive touch, serve your Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out pineapple halves. This not only makes a stunning presentation but also enhances the tropical vibe, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at dinner parties or casual family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Pineapple Curry Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the fried rice in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be aware that pineapple texture might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the rice moist. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and preserve that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, you can substitute with basmati or even leftover cooked rice. Just ensure the rice grains are separate for the best fried rice experience.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, this Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe can easily be adapted for a vegan diet by omitting the eggs or substituting them with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour scramble.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! The curry powder adds warmth but is not overly spicy. If you like more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chilies when sautéing the vegetables.
What can I substitute for cashews if I have a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds make great crunchy alternatives that won’t compromise the texture.
How do I prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy?
Using day-old or cooled cooked rice helps prevent mushiness because the grains are firmer and less likely to clump. Also, stir-fry on medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s easy to make but impressive to serve. Its combination of sweet pineapple, warm curry, and crunchy cashews makes every bite a delightful adventure. I can’t recommend it enough for your next meal—once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved favorite. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and enjoy the delicious magic yourself!
Print
Pineapple Curry Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Curry Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining fragrant jasmine rice with sweet pineapple, crunchy cashews, and a savory curry-spiced sauce. Perfectly stir-fried with bell peppers, green onions, garlic, and scrambled eggs, this recipe brings a delightful balance of textures and tropical flavors in just 30 minutes, serving 6.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Jasmine Rice from Mahatma® Rice
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup cubed pineapple (approx 1/4″ cubes)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Rinse and cook the jasmine rice according to package directions until fluffy and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the minced garlic for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables and cashews: Add chopped bell pepper, green onions, and cashews to the skillet. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the bell pepper begins to soften.
- Add pineapple: Stir in the cubed pineapple and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until heated through, then set aside this vegetable and nut mixture.
- Scramble eggs: In the same skillet, add the remaining coconut oil and scramble the eggs until cooked through. Set aside with the vegetable mixture.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ground pepper, and curry powder.
- Stir-fry rice with sauce: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked vegetable, pineapple, cashew, and egg mixture to the skillet with the rice. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the pineapple curry fried rice to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for better texture and less clumping in fried rice.
- Adjust curry powder quantity to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger curry flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit eggs and use tamari instead of soy sauce if gluten-free is needed.
- Cashews can be toasted beforehand to enhance their crunch and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
