This Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice is a fun and tasty mix of flavors. With juicy shrimp, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies, it’s a meal that brings a smile!
Making this dish is a breeze—just stir-fry everything together, and you’ve got a delicious dinner. I love how the pineapple adds a sweet twist to the savory rice. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: Day-old rice is best as it holds up better. If you don’t have jasmine, you can use basmati or even brown rice for a heartier option.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is fantastic, but frozen shrimp work fine too! Just make sure they’re properly thawed. If you have seafood allergies, you could swap it with diced chicken or tofu for a different flavor.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple really adds a burst of sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple can work; just drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Eggs: Instead of eggs, you could make this a vegan dish by using scrambled tofu or leave them out entirely for a simpler recipe.
Sauces: Soy sauce is key here. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. The oyster and fish sauces add umami, but you can skip them or use mushroom sauce for a vegan option.
How Do I Properly Cook Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky, but it’s simple once you know how. The goal is to turn them pink and slightly curled, indicating they are cooked through without being rubbery.
- Start with a hot pan, around medium-high heat, which helps them cook quickly.
- Season immediately after adding to the pan for better flavor. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Keep an eye on the color; they should transition to a pink hue. Remove from heat as soon as they’re ready to prevent overcooking.
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: additional sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the curry powder. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the white parts of the green onions and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until you smell their delicious fragrance.
3. Cook the Bell Pepper:
Add the diced red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften, but still has a bit of crunch.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the cooked veggies to one side of the pan to create some space. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until just cooked through.
5. Add the Rice:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked rice! Break up any clumps while adding it to the pan, then stir everything together so it’s evenly mixed.
6. Mix in the Sauces:
Sprinkle the remaining curry powder over the rice mixture. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce if you’re using them. Stir well to combine all the flavors and coat the rice evenly.
7. Add Pineapple and Shrimp:
Gently fold in the pineapple chunks and the cooked shrimp. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your fried rice! If needed, adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt, some pepper, or a splash more of soy sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove your beautiful fried rice from heat. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions for some color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice!
Can I Use Other Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice works beautifully for its texture and flavor, you can substitute it with basmati or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially with brown rice.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure that the oyster sauce and fish sauce you choose are also labeled gluten-free.
What Should I Do with Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or oil to help restore moisture.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep various elements ahead of time! Chop the veggies and pineapple, and even cook the shrimp. Store everything separately in the fridge for easy assembly when you’re ready to cook.
