Tropical Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Thailand with our Tropical Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. This enticing dish combines fragrant jasmine rice with the sweetness of fresh pineapple and the richness of coconut milk, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Featuring roasted cashews for a satisfying crunch and optional Chinese barbecue pork for a savory element, this one-dish meal is perfect for any occasion. Ideal for using up leftover cooked meat, each bite promises a burst of tropical goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to a sunny beach. Make sure to serve it garnished with fresh green onions, and if you're feeling adventurous, hollow out a pineapple half to serve it in for a stunning presentation. You'll have a hard time resisting this delicious dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
2-3 tablespoons (For cooking)
Freshly cooked rice
4 cups (Use Thai jasmine rice or regular white rice)
Roasted cashews
1/2 cup (As is)
Pineapple
1/2 (Cut into cubes)
Chinese barbecue pork or other leftover cooked meat
1/2-1 cup (Cut into bite-sized pieces (optional))
Chopped coriander roots
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (As is)
Sugar
1/4 cup (As is)
Fish sauce
1/4 cup (As is)
Coconut milk
1 1/2 cups (As is)
Green onion
To taste (Coarsely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting half of the pineapple into bite-sized cubes and setting aside.
2
Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready for use.
3
In a small saucepan, bring the coconut milk to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4
Add the chopped coriander roots, white pepper, sugar, and fish sauce to the boiling coconut milk.
5
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes. Once finished, strain the sauce to remove the coriander root.
6
Preheat a wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil to coat the sides evenly.
7
Once the oil is hot, add the optional meat, followed by the pineapple cubes, cashews, and freshly cooked rice. Stir thoroughly to combine.
8
Gradually pour in the seasoned coconut milk over the rice mixture, adding about 1/4 cup at a time, until the rice is just lightly moistened.
9
Continue stir-frying the rice until it is heated through and well combined with the ingredients.
10
For an impressive presentation, use the empty pineapple half to serve the fried rice, filling it generously with the mixture.
11
Garnish with coarsely chopped green onions, serve immediately, and enjoy the tropical explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?
It is a vibrant Thai dish that combines fragrant jasmine rice with the sweetness of fresh pineapple, the richness of coconut milk, and the crunch of roasted cashews.
What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
Thai jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrance, but regular white rice can also be used.
Can I add meat to this fried rice?
Yes, you can add Chinese barbecue pork or any other leftover cooked meat cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is the meat mandatory in this dish?
No, the meat is optional, making this a flexible dish that can be served as a vegetarian meal.
How do I prepare the pineapple for the rice?
Cut half of a pineapple into bite-sized cubes to mix into the rice, and optionally hollow out the other half to use as a serving bowl.
What ingredients are in the seasoned coconut milk sauce?
The sauce consists of coconut milk, chopped coriander roots, white pepper, sugar, and fish sauce.
How long should I simmer the coconut milk mixture?
The mixture should simmer for 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld.
Why do I need to strain the coconut milk sauce?
Straining the sauce removes the coriander roots after they have infused the liquid with flavor.
What is the best way to cook the fried rice in a wok?
Preheat the wok over medium-high heat, coat it with vegetable oil, and stir-fry the ingredients until well combined and heated through.
How do I add the coconut milk to the rice?
Gradually pour the seasoned coconut milk over the rice mixture, adding about 1/4 cup at a time until the rice is lightly moistened.
What gives the dish its signature crunch?
Half a cup of roasted cashews provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
How should I garnish Tropical Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?
Garnish the dish with coarsely chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe calls for freshly cooked rice, using leftover rice is a great way to ensure the grains stay separate during stir-frying.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar to balance the savory and tropical flavors.
What provides the savory element in the sauce?
1/4 cup of fish sauce is used to provide a deep, savory, and authentic Thai flavor profile.
Is this recipe good for using up leftovers?
Absolutely, it is an ideal one-dish meal for using up leftover cooked meats and rice.
How do I achieve an impressive presentation for this dish?
Serve the fried rice inside an empty pineapple half for a stunning, tropical-themed presentation.
What temperature should the wok be for stir-frying?
The wok should be preheated over medium-high heat to ensure the ingredients sear and combine correctly.
How much rice do I need?
The recipe requires 4 cups of freshly cooked rice.
Can I substitute the coriander roots?
While coriander roots offer a traditional flavor, you can use the lower stems of cilantro if roots are unavailable.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How many cashews are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of roasted cashews.
Is the coconut milk boiled?
Yes, the coconut milk should be brought to a gentle boil before adding the other sauce ingredients.
What kind of pepper is used?
1/2 teaspoon of white pepper is used to provide a subtle heat without the dark specks of black pepper.
How much coconut milk is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk.
When do I add the pineapple cubes to the wok?
Add the pineapple cubes along with the optional meat, cashews, and rice once the oil is hot.
Can I serve this dish cold?
It is best served immediately while hot to enjoy the textures of the fried rice and roasted cashews.
What if I don't have a wok?
A large, deep skillet can be used as a substitute for a wok for stir-frying the ingredients.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is generally mild, with the white pepper providing only a very light heat.
How much meat should I use if I include it?
Use between 1/2 to 1 cup of Chinese barbecue pork or other cooked meat.