Tropical Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Tropical Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice. This dish combines succulent shrimp with sweet, juicy pineapple and aromatic jasmine rice, all tossed together in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Enjoy the fusion of textures and flavors in every bite, making it not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
jasmine rice
4 cups (cooked and chilled)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
garlic
1 tablespoon (coarsely chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
medium shrimp
1/2 lb (peeled and deveined)
fish sauce
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (to balance flavor)
crushed pineapple
8 ounces (undrained)
green onions
2 tablespoons (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the jasmine rice. If using leftover rice, crumble it gently with your fingers to break up any clumps, and set it aside in a bowl.
2
Heat a wok or large deep skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil and allow it to shimmer.
3
Add the coarsely chopped garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until they become golden and fragrant.
4
Incorporate the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Stir-fry, tossing occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and the onion wilts, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
5
Next, add the chilled rice to the skillet along with the fish sauce and sugar. Toss everything together until well combined.
6
Pour in the crushed pineapple, undrained, and add the thinly sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is heated through and everything is well mixed.
7
Serve the fried rice hot or warm, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice?
It is a vibrant Thai-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp, sweet pineapple, and aromatic jasmine rice in a savory sauce.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its distinct aroma and texture.
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Chilled rice is preferred as it is easier to crumble and prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
How do I prevent the rice from clumping?
If using leftover rice, you should crumble it gently with your fingers to break up any clumps before cooking.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point suitable for high-heat sautéing.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be coarsely chopped for this recipe.
Can I use a skillet if I do not have a wok?
Yes, a large deep skillet can be used as an alternative to a wok.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté them for about 1 minute or until they become golden and fragrant.
What size shrimp is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for medium-sized shrimp.
Do I need to peel the shrimp?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the skillet.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
The shrimp are ready when they turn pink, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before stir-frying.
What is the purpose of fish sauce in this dish?
Fish sauce is used to provide a deep, savory umami flavor characteristic of Thai cuisine.
Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
While it changes the flavor profile, soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative can be used.
Why is sugar added to the rice?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the savory flavors of the fish sauce and the acidity of the pineapple.
Should I drain the crushed pineapple?
No, you should add the crushed pineapple undrained to incorporate its juice into the sauce.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works well, though you may want to add a splash of pineapple juice to replace the liquid from the canned version.
What kind of onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses both chopped regular onion for the base and thinly sliced green onions for flavor and garnish.
How should I garnish the fried rice?
Garnish the dish with extra thinly sliced green onions before serving.
Is this Tropical Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice spicy?
As written, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chilies if you prefer heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or diced carrots would be excellent additions.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on 4 cups of rice and half a pound of shrimp, it typically serves about 4 people.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the shrimp and replace the fish sauce with light soy sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce.
How do I store leftover fried rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat the rice?
Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or oil to keep it from drying out.
Can I use a different protein besides shrimp?
Absolutely; chicken, pork, or tofu are all great alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure your fish sauce is certified gluten-free, as the other main ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How long does this dish take to cook?
Once ingredients are prepped, the actual cooking process takes less than 10 minutes.
What temperature should I cook the rice at?
The recipe recommends using high heat to ensure the rice fries correctly rather than steaming.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but ensure it is previously cooked and chilled; note that the texture will be chewier than jasmine rice.