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Flavorful Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe with Crunchy Cashews

pineapple fried rice with crunchy cashews - featured image

A quick and easy pineapple fried rice recipe combining sweet caramelized pineapple, crunchy roasted cashews, and savory seasonings for a tropical twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked long grain jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • ½ cup raw or roasted cashews
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 green onions, sliced thin
  • ½ cup carrots, finely diced
  • ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Cook 1 cup (200g) uncooked long grain jasmine rice according to package instructions. Spread on a baking sheet and cool completely, ideally refrigerate overnight.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup (60g) raw cashews and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (3–5 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Dice 1 cup (165g) fresh pineapple, ½ cup (60g) carrots, slice 3 green onions thin, and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently, until just set but still soft. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the wok. Toss in garlic and carrots, stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  6. Add pineapple and peas; stir-fry for another 2 minutes until pineapple edges start caramelizing and peas are heated through.
  7. Crumble cold rice into the wok, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until well combined and heated through.
  8. Pour in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (if using). Stir thoroughly to coat all the rice evenly.
  9. Return scrambled eggs and roasted cashews to the pan. Toss gently to combine without breaking the rice.
  10. Remove from heat and squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice over the top. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid mushiness. Dry-roast cashews for extra crunch and flavor. Scramble eggs separately to keep them fluffy. Add lime juice last to brighten flavors. Use tamari and omit oyster sauce for gluten-free and vegan versions. Fresh rice can be used if cooled and dried before frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple fried rice, cashews, tropical fried rice, easy fried rice recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian option, gluten-free option