The perfect pineapple fried rice combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in one irresistible skillet meal. This homemade Thai fried rice comes together quickly with fragrant jasmine rice, tender pineapple chunks, and a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive weekend treat that feels restaurant-quality.

I first fell in love with this vibrant dish during a trip to Thailand, where the bustling street markets were filled with the aroma of sizzling woks. The combination of warm rice with sweet pineapple and a hint of curry powder instantly won me over. Now, I make this easy pineapple rice for family gatherings, often pairing it with my vegan Thai red curry for a complete feast, or enjoying leftovers alongside a simple bowl of easy egg fried rice. It’s a tropical escape right in my own kitchen.

What Makes This Pineapple Fried Rice Special

Authentic Flavor: You get the genuine taste of Thai fried rice with perfectly balanced sweet and savory notes.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Family Favorite: The bright, tropical flavors and fun presentation appeal to both kids and adults.
Versatile Base: Easily customize this homemade fried rice with your favorite proteins or vegetables.

Ingredients for Perfect Pineapple Fried Rice

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Main Ingredients

Cooked Jasmine Rice: Use day-old, chilled rice for the best texture in your Asian fried rice.
Fresh Pineapple: Ripe, sweet pineapple chunks provide the signature tropical flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce gives the dish its savory, umami base.
Curry Powder: A touch of yellow curry powder adds warmth and authentic color.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced aromatics create a fragrant foundation for the dish.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs add protein and richness to the quick fried rice.
Peas and Carrots: Classic vegetables provide color, texture, and nutrition.
Green Onions: Fresh scallions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Thai Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Learn to make delicious Thai grilled chicken with a savory peanut marinade, tender chicken thighs, and authentic flavors in under 30 minutes of active time. Perfect weeknight meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 16

Total Time 1 6

Course Dinner

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
knife
measuring spoons
measuring cups
whisk
resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
grill or grill pan
cutting board

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until a smooth marinade forms.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Reserve the remaining third of the marinade in a separate bowl for serving.
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely charred.
Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken against the grain into strips.
Arrange the sliced chicken on a platter. Drizzle with the reserved marinade and garnish with chopped cilantro and peanuts before serving.

Notes

Reserve some marinade for serving. Letting the chicken rest ensures it stays juicy.

Keyword grilled chicken, peanut sauce, quick dinner

Delicious Ways to Customize Your Rice

Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make this a heartier meal.
Vegetarian Version: Simply omit any meat and add edamame or extra vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Include a diced Thai chili or red pepper flakes for some heat.

My Secrets for Perfect Pineapple Fried Rice

Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice that’s been chilled fries up much better than fresh, warm rice.
High Heat Cooking: Cook over medium-high to high heat to achieve that authentic wok hei flavor.
Prep Everything First: Have all ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed to ensure everything gets nicely seared.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: This tropical fried rice freezes well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a damp paper towel covering.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop all vegetables and pineapple a day in advance to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rice for pineapple fried rice?

Jasmine rice is traditional for pineapple fried rice because of its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked. You can also use long-grain white rice or basmati rice. The key is using rice that has been cooked and chilled, which helps prevent it from becoming mushy.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works well if fresh isn’t available. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. I prefer pineapple packed in juice rather than heavy syrup for a more natural sweetness that complements the savory elements.

How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming soggy?

The most important tip is to use cold, day-old rice that has dried out slightly. Also, make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients, and avoid overcrowding the pan. If adding moist ingredients like pineapple, pat them dry first.

What protein goes well with pineapple fried rice?

Shrimp and chicken are classic choices that pair beautifully with the tropical flavors. For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh work wonderfully. If you’re looking for inspiration, my chicken lo mein uses similar savory Asian flavors that complement this dish.

More Tropical and Rice Recipes to Try

Why This Pineapple Fried Rice Will Become a Favorite

With its perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory rice, this dish brings a taste of the tropics to your table effortlessly. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it as beautiful as it is delicious. I know this easy pineapple fried rice will become a regular in your meal rotation, just like it has in mine.

Thai Pineapple Chicken Rice