Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant, one-pan meal bursting with tropical flavor and irresistible texture. Juicy chunks of pineapple mix with savory jasmine rice, crunchy cashews, colorful veggies, and scrambled eggs—all brought together with aromatic curry, soy sauce, and fish sauce. It’s the perfect fusion of sweet and savory, ideal for a quick dinner, a flavorful side, or an exotic potluck dish. Bonus: It’s easily customizable for vegetarians or protein lovers alike!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old and refrigerated

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ½ cup diced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp minced ginger

• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple

• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots

• ½ cup roasted cashews

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 tsp curry powder

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp white pepper

• Salt to taste

Directions

1. If using day-old rice, break up clumps with your hands. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray to cool and dry slightly.

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until nearly set. Remove to a plate.

3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Stir-fry the onion, garlic, and ginger for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add pineapple, peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

5. Add the rice, cashews, and green onions. Toss to combine.

6. Sprinkle in curry powder, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through and well seasoned.

7. Gently fold in the scrambled eggs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

8. Serve hot, garnished with more cashews and green onions. For a fun twist, serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 9g

• Sodium: 680mg

• Cholesterol: 100mg

A Harmony of Sweet and Savory

One of the most distinctive features of this dish is its ability to balance bold, contrasting flavors in perfect harmony. The natural sweetness of pineapple complements the savory elements of soy sauce and fish sauce, while the curry powder adds depth and an earthy, slightly spicy aroma. A touch of sugar ties it all together without overwhelming the dish.

This careful layering of flavor is what sets Thai-style fried rice apart from other versions. The result is a fusion that’s anything but ordinary—rich, aromatic, and bursting with complexity, yet still light and refreshing thanks to the pineapple.

The Secret’s in the Rice

At the heart of this dish is jasmine rice, known for its delicate fragrance and slightly sticky yet fluffy texture. The best results come from using day-old rice that has had time to dry out in the refrigerator. This prevents clumping and ensures that each grain stir-fries beautifully without becoming mushy.

Using the right rice is crucial because it forms the base that soaks up the curry, sauces, and the juices from the pineapple. Jasmine rice brings a subtly floral note that enhances the tropical profile and adds an unmistakable Thai essence to every bite.

Cashews: The Crunch Factor

To elevate the texture and add another layer of richness, roasted cashews are mixed into the dish. Their buttery crunch provides contrast to the tender vegetables and fluffy rice. Cashews also absorb some of the sauce, giving them a savory edge that makes them more than just a garnish—they’re an integral part of the dish’s personality.

In addition to taste, cashews offer a nutritional boost, adding healthy fats and plant-based protein to make the dish more satiating. For a slightly different take, toasted almonds or peanuts can be substituted to vary the texture and flavor profile.

Bright Vegetables for Color and Freshness

This dish wouldn’t be the same without the medley of vegetables that bring both flavor and a pop of color to the plate. Common additions like peas, carrots, onions, and green onions add sweetness, bite, and depth. They also balance the rich flavors of the sauce and cheese the dish’s visual appeal.

You can easily modify the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, baby corn, edamame, and snap peas all work wonderfully. The key is to keep everything chopped to a similar size for even cooking and a pleasing bite.

Protein Optional but Welcome

While the base recipe includes eggs for richness and structure, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is incredibly flexible when it comes to added protein. It can be served as-is for a vegetarian-friendly dish or easily customized with your choice of shrimp, chicken, pork, or tofu.

Shrimp is a classic pairing, often seen in Thai restaurants, offering a juicy, sweet contrast to the pineapple. Chicken or pork adds a more hearty, meaty flavor. For plant-based eaters, cubes of crispy tofu can be added to make the dish more filling while keeping it vegan.

Curry Powder: The Aromatic Backbone

A teaspoon of curry powder may not seem like much, but it plays a huge role in defining the flavor of Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. This spice blend introduces warmth and complexity, tying the sweetness of the pineapple with the richness of the cashews and the saltiness of the sauces.

It also gives the dish its signature golden hue, which not only enhances the appearance but also nods to the dish’s Southeast Asian roots. Curry powder may vary by brand, so you can adjust the amount to suit your taste, or even try a homemade blend for a more personal touch.

Sauce Trio: Umami in Every Bite

Thai cuisine is known for balancing flavor elements, and the sauce in this fried rice is no exception. The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and just a hint of sugar creates a deeply savory base that enhances every ingredient in the dish.

Fish sauce adds a distinctly Thai depth with its bold umami kick. Soy sauce provides a rounded saltiness, and sugar subtly boosts the pineapple’s natural sweetness without making the dish overly sweet. The result is a deeply seasoned, incredibly moreish rice that you won’t want to put down.

Serve It in a Pineapple for Extra Flair

One of the most iconic ways to serve Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is in a hollowed-out pineapple shell. Not only does this offer a striking presentation, but it also infuses the rice with even more tropical aroma. It’s a great conversation starter at dinner parties or potlucks and makes the dish feel special with very little extra effort.

For practicality, you can also serve it in a large bowl or portion it into individual containers for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and tastes just as good reheated, making it ideal for leftovers.

Quick to Prepare, Easy to Love

Despite its complex taste, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings. With basic prep and one pan, the cooking process is fast and satisfying. From stove to table, the entire dish can be ready in under 30 minutes.

The convenience factor, paired with its stunning presentation and incredible flavor, makes this recipe a go-to option for home cooks of all levels. It’s impressive enough for guests and simple enough for a solo dinner.

Conclusion: A Tropical Favorite That’s Anything but Ordinary

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a celebration of vibrant ingredients and well-balanced flavors. With its perfect blend of sweet pineapple, savory sauces, warming curry, and crunchy cashews, it offers a unique take on a classic comfort dish. It’s colorful, crave-worthy, and endlessly customizable—ideal for those who want to shake up their dinner routine without a lot of effort.

Whether you’re recreating your favorite Thai takeout dish at home or exploring international flavors for the first time, this fried rice is a great place to start. It brings joy to the table with every bite and proves that even the simplest ingredients, when combined with care and creativity, can deliver something extraordinary.