This Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice is a colorful and tasty dish! With juicy shrimp, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice, it’s like a party in a bowl.
Who knew that fruity flavors could make fried rice extra special? I love how quick it is to whip up. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when friends drop by!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for fried rice. If unavailable, try long-grain white rice or basmati for a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled before using.
Shrimp: Large shrimp is ideal for this dish. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken or tofu can work but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a sweet touch. You can use canned pineapple in juice, but make sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture.
Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil for a neutrally flavored frying base. Olive oil or sesame oil are great substitutes, but note that sesame oil has a strong flavor.
Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs help bind the rice. If you’re avoiding eggs, feel free to skip them or use scrambled tofu to mimic their texture.
How Do I Ensure My Fried Rice Doesn’t Clump Together?
One key to great fried rice is using day-old rice if possible. Fresh rice tends to be too moist. If you need to use fresh rice, let it cool on a baking sheet to dry out a bit before frying.
- Always cook rice ahead and store it in the fridge to firm up. This makes it easier to stir-fry.
- When adding rice to the pan, break up any clumps gently with your spatula to keep a nice, fluffy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan; if needed, work in batches to let the rice fry properly.
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick dinner option in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion; sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Bell Peppers:
Next, add the diced red bell pepper to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly softened. This adds a nice crunch and color to the dish!
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the veggies to one side of the pan, creating space. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared side and scramble them until just set (about 1-2 minutes).
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the cooked jasmine rice into the skillet. Stir it gently to combine it with the vegetables and scrambled eggs, breaking up any clumps so it’s nice and fluffy.
6. Add Sauces and Season:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce (if using), along with the ground white pepper. Mix everything together until evenly coated in the sauces.
7. Fold in Shrimp and Pineapple:
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, pineapple chunks, and most of the sliced green onions (save a little for garnishing). Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes to heat it through and meld the flavors.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, taste the fried rice and tweak the seasoning with salt or a splash more of soy sauce, if needed. You want it to be just right!
9. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the reserved green onions. Serve your delicious Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice hot, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What If I Don’t Have Jasmine Rice?
No problem! You can substitute jasmine rice with long-grain white rice or basmati rice. Just ensure whatever rice you use is cooked and cooled for the best texture in fried rice.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and replace it with cubed tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli to enhance the flavor and nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil if it seems dry, or in the microwave until hot. Enjoy!
