Pineapple Fried Rice Vegetarian Recipe / Thai Cuisine

Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Last week , I was on a family vacation to Krabi - a southern town of Thailand . The beautiful tropical beaches and the timeless natural beauty of Thailand mesmerized us ! Got a chance to know about exotic Thai Cuisine. One such dish was The Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. Back home from the heavenly vacation , the first thing in my mind was to try hands on this exotic dish .

The Thai fried rice recipe differs from the Chinese fried rice as it is prepared from the Thai Jasmine  Rice instead of the regular long grain rice. The typical Thai Pineapple fried rice normally contains meat (Chicken , Shrimp, Crab) Eggs ,Onion and Garlic. The seasoning includes Soy sauce, fish curry powder, sugar and salt.

The Pineapple Fried Rice is the signature dish of the Thai Cuisine. Here I am sharing the vegetarian version of the classic Thai dish . The recipe calls for use of fresh Pineapple chunks which give the wonderful flavor . The sweet and spicy fried rice gets its rich texture due to the addition of Cashew nuts and Raisins. Easy and quick recipe which can transform left over cooked rice to a flavorful fried rice dish. This dish can be served as main course during vegetarian dinner , specially the festive seasons. It will surely be a treat to ones taste buds !

Source: http://thaifood.about.com/od/thairecipesstepbystep/ss/pineapplerice.htm

 Juicy, deliciously tangy and sweet Pineapple fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. Very low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium. This delicious, healthy and nutritious fruit can be eaten raw or used in cooking.

Ingredients for Vegetarian Thai Pineapple fired rice:

• 3 cups cooked rice, preferably 1 day old. 
• 1 Cup Pineapple chunks ( have used fresh..but can use canned too)
• 1/4 cup frozen pea
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 2 shallots , thinly sliced
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp garlic ginger paste
• 1/4 cup cashews and raisins
• 1 tsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 4 tsp oil for stir- frying
• salt as per taste
• 1/4 cup -Spring onion greens and fresh Coriander for garnishing

Method :

1. The recipe calls for using at least one day old cooked rice, if using left over cooked rice add little oil to the rice ( 1 tbsp and work through with your fingers. This is to separate the grains and avid them from sticking together. Set aside. (I have cooked the rice 4 hrs prior to making the fried rice as I believe in fresh cooking )
2. In a small bowl mix the curry powder and Soy sauce .( I have used regular vegetarian curry powder)

  3. Drizzle 1-2 Tsp. oil in a wok over medium- high heat. Fry the cashews and raisins and keep aside.

  4.  Now add Chili flakes, garlic ginger and shallots , stir fry until fragrant. 

 5.  Add the carrots and peas. Add little salt.  Stir fry for another 1-2 minutes. Now add the soy sauce and curry powder mixture. mix well. Be careful while adding salt as soy sauce also has salt and cooked rice too.

   6. Now add the rice, Pineapple chunks, fried cashews and raisins. Gently stir fry to combine over medium high heat and keep stirring for 4-5 minutes. can drizzle little (3-4 Tsp) vegetable stock or water so the rice does not completely dry. If desired can push ingredients aside and add a little more oil to the wok ( this is to give the rice a special shine like we get in the restaurant fried rice)

   7.  Remove from heat. Do a taste- test for salt/ flavor, adding a few shakes of salt or little more Soy sauce, as needed. If too salty for your taste , add a squeeze or two of lime juice. Top with spring onions and coriander.

  8.  To serve, scoop rice onto a serving p,latter ( or in a carved -out Pineapple, if serving at a party and enjoy !

    If you are looking for some more recipes using Pineapple, you can check out for Pineapple Jam and Pineapple Jam Tarts recipes on my blog.