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Ultimate Quick & Easy Thai Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken and Cashews

A close-up of vibrant yellow pineapple fried rice served in a white bowl, topped with green onions.
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Make this sweet and savory Thai Pineapple Fried Rice quickly. This one-pan dish uses chicken, pineapple, and cashews for a tropical flavor profile perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled (day-old is best)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup cashews, lightly toasted
  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, hollowed out for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble until just set. Remove the eggs and set them aside.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the eggs.
  4. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the chilled rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted.
  7. Push the rice to one side of the skillet. Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the empty side and let the sauces bubble for 10 seconds before mixing them into the rice.
  8. Return the cooked chicken and eggs to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and cashews. Stir everything together well.
  9. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly, until all ingredients are combined and hot.
  10. Stir in the white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions. If you have a pineapple shell, serve the rice inside it for presentation.

Notes

  • Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture in fried rice; fresh rice tends to clump.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes and use vegetarian oyster sauce instead of fish sauce.
  • To make this a spicy ginger fried rice, add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with the garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sugar.
  • If you want a creamy finish, add 2 tablespoons of coconut milk when adding the sauces.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/pineapple-fried-rice-quick-easy-thai-recipe/