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Flavorful Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice

vegetarian pineapple fried rice - featured image

A quick and easy tropical-inspired vegetarian fried rice featuring sweet pineapple, crisp vegetables, and savory soy sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked day-old jasmine rice (about 600g)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (about 150g)
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup crushed cashews or roasted peanuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • Chili flakes or fresh chili, optional and to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice pineapple into ½-inch pieces, chop bell peppers, shred carrots, mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice green onions. (10 minutes)
  2. Heat a wok or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat. (2 minutes)
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. (30 seconds)
  4. Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp. (4 minutes)
  5. Add diced pineapple chunks. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly. (2 minutes)
  6. Add day-old cooked rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until heated through and evenly mixed. (5 minutes)
  7. Drizzle soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to distribute flavor. Add lime juice and chili flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. (2 minutes)
  8. Toss in crushed cashews or roasted peanuts if using. Stir to combine. (30 seconds)
  9. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top, give a final toss, and remove from heat. (30 seconds)

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture; fresh rice should be spread out and chilled for 30 minutes before cooking to avoid mushiness. Adjust soy sauce and lime juice to taste. Optional chili flakes add heat. For protein, add tofu, tempeh, or scrambled eggs. Can substitute pineapple with mango or diced apples. Use tamari for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple fried rice, vegetarian fried rice, tropical dinner, easy dinner recipe, quick fried rice, vegan fried rice, gluten-free fried rice