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Instant Pot Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

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Our Instant Pot Thai pineapple fried rice recipe brings home this delicious restaurant favorite in an effortless recipe. With its savory blend of veggies, sweet and tart juicy pineapple pieces throughout, and carefully balanced spice blend, this dish will get even your pickiest of eaters to devour their veggies. Your family will beg for this delicious Thai fried rice recipe!

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Thai pineapple fried rice
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What is Thai Pineapple Fried Rice?

Thai pineapple fried rice is one of several stir fries that come from Thailand. The rice has a savory, sweet heat and is loaded with fresh veggies.

Our pineapple fried rice recipe is vegan. You get some healthy fat from the oil and nuts, and protein from the cashews and peas. But if you like more protein sources, you can easily add in tofu pieces or other sources of protein.

Pineapple fried rice

What goes in Pineapple Fried Rice - Ingredients

When you make pineapple fried rice, you will need the following ingredients on hand.

  • Jasmine rice - You can use freshly cooked rice or leftover rice to make this version of Thai fried rice.
  • Water - You can use tap water, it is used to cook the rice.
  • Vegetable oil - You could use canola oil or other type of oil if you prefer.
  • Curry powder - Use your preferred type of curry.
  • Roasted whole cashews - If you can’t find whole cashews, then you could use halved cashews.
  • Red Thai chill - You just need to slice it thinly. If you can’t find a Thai chili, you could use another type of hot pepper.
  • Garlic cloves - Mince it or use a garlic press.
  • Onion - You can use your preferred type of onion.
  • Red bell peppers - If you prefer, then you could use another type of bell pepper.
  • Peas - We use frozen peas since they are easy to work with.
  • Pineapple pieces - We prefer using fresh pineapple, but you could use canned instead.
  • Green onion - You can slice it or cut it into wheels.
  • Soy sauce - You can use regular or light or sub in a gluten free version.

Why make Thai Fried Rice in the Instant Pot

When we make pineapple fried rice, we often cook the jasmine rice in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot takes a lot of guess work and frustration out of making rice, so we highly recommend getting one if you like to make a lot of rice dishes.

How to make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice in an Instant Pot

When you want to make the best tasting Thai pineapple fried rice, you will want to follow these easy steps:

pineapple fried rice step by step instructions
  • First, rinse the rice under cold water by gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circling motion. Once rinsed, pour out the milky water and continue to rinse until water is clear, which will take about 4 to 5 times. When done, make sure to drain it well.
  • Next, add the rice and water to an Instant Pot. When ready, close the lid, turn the venting knob to the sealing position and pressure cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.
  • When the timer goes off, allow a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes. 
  • After 10 minutes, turn the venting knob to the venting position to release the remaining pressure and then carefully open the lid.
  • Next, use a fork to fluff the rice, then spread the rice on a baking sheet pan and pop it in the refrigerator or freezer to cool for a few minutes till you prep the veggies.
  • When the rice is cooling, stir the soy sauce together with the curry powder in a small bowl and then set aside.
 pineapple fried rice step by step instructions
  • Next, heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat.
  • Add garlic, Thai red chili, and onion and then cook for 1 minute.
  • Next, add in the bell pepper and cook for another 1 minute.
  • After a minute, add peas and give it a stir.
  • Next, add the pineapple, rice, cashews, and sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes or until rice grains go from being wet with sauce to sort of caramelized.
  • Finally, stir through green onions then serve in a bowl!
Thai pineapple fried rice step by step instructions

How to make Thai Pineapple Fried Rice in a Stove Top

When you want to make Thai pineapple fried rice with freshly cooked rice, then you will want to follow these easy instructions:

  1. First, rinse the rice under cold water by gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circling motion. Once rinsed, pour out the milky water and continue to rinse until water is clear, which will take about 4 to 5 times. When done, make sure to drain it well.
  2. Once rinsed, follow the instructions for cooking rice found on the packaging. It is generally a 1 to 1-1/2 ratio of water to rice when cooking on the stove top.
  3. Next, use a fork to fluff the rice, then spread the rice on a baking sheet pan and pop it in the refrigerator or freezer to cool for a few minutes till you prep the veggies.
  4. When the rice is cooling, stir the soy sauce together with the curry powder in a small bowl and then set aside.
  5. Next, heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat.
  6. Add garlic, Thai red chili, and onion and then cook for 1 minute.
  7. Next, add in the bell pepper and cook for another 1 minute.
  8. After a minute, add peas and give it a stir.
  9. Next, add rice, pineapple chunks, cashews, and sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes or until rice grains go from being wet with sauce to sort of caramelized.
  10. Finally, stir through green onions then serve in a bowl!
pineapple fried rice

How to make Pineapple bowl

When you make Thai pineapple fried rice, it is very easy to serve it in a bowl. You can simply scoop the fried rice into bowls for your family to eat, or you can add additional flare to each bowl. 

Some serving ideas include:

  • Pick fancy or fun bowls to serve the fried rice in
  • Add additional green onion strips, cashews, crushed pineapple, or tofu to the top of the fried rice
  • If you use fresh pineapple, you could serve the rice in a cored pineapple, just cut it in half to make a bowl or slice it lengthwise to make a boat.
 pineapple fried rice

Pro tips and tricks

When you want to make the best tasting pineapple fried rice recipe, follow these simple tips and tricks:

  • Use freshly cut pineapple 
  • Though you can use day old rice, it tastes best with freshly made rice
  • Make sure to thoroughly rinse the rice before cooking it to help it become fluffier

FAQs

How to serve

You can serve Thai pineapple fried rice in a bowl, plate, or even a cored pineapple sliced in half either lengthwise to make a boat or to make a bowl. 

We often add additional garnishes on top, like more cashews, green onions, fresh pineapple, and potentially tofu or other veggies.

How to store

When you have left over pineapple fried rice, you can easily store it. To store, place the leftover rice in an airtight container and then place in the fridge. It should stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.
pineapple fried rice recipe

Can I use day old rice / leftover rice?

You can use day old rice or leftover rice if you have some on hand. However, it may not taste as fresh when you do. Also, you will want to use plain rice instead of rice that has had other stuff added to it.

Can I use a pineapple bowl to serve Thai fried rice

Yes! You can use a pineapple bowl to serve Thai fried rice. Serving the fried rice in a pineapple bowl adds a nice touch and will really wow your guests or just give your family a fancier bowl to eat from. And it is really easy. All you need to do is cut the pineapple in half either lengthwise or widthwise.

Don’t have a full pineapple shell left? You can use a small portion to garnish the bowl or make it look financier, like you would an orange peel.

Can I use regular or brown rice instead of Jasmine

You can use other versions of rice to make pineapple fried rice if you like. We find that long grains, like jasmine, work well, but you can definitely switch out the rice if you like.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Our Thai pineapple fried rice is naturally vegan, so you won’t need to make any modifications to make it vegan.

Thai pineapple fried rice recipe

Other Instant Pot recipes you may like

When you are hungry for more Instant Pot recipes or other great tasting recipes, then you will want to check out these other great eats:

Let us know what you think

If you make this delicious recipe, let us know how it went! When you make this, be sure to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind or Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind!

Thai pineapple fried rice

Delicious Homemade Pineapple Fried Rice

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

With its savory blend of veggies, sweet and tart juicy pineapple pieces throughout, and carefully balanced spice blend, this Pineapple Fried Rice will get even your pickiest of eaters to devour their veggies

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cup Jasmine rice
  • 1-1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/2 cup roasted whole cashews
  • 2 red Thai chill / sliced thinly
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup peas, frozen
  • 1-1/2 cups pineapple pieces, fresh or canned drained
  • 1/2 cup green onion, sliced
  • 1-1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. First, rinse the rice under cold water by gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circling motion. Once rinsed, pour out the milky water and continue to rinse until water is clear, which will take about 4 to 5 times. When done, make sure to drain it well.
  2. Next, add the rice and water to an Instant Pot. When ready, close the lid, turn the venting knob to the sealing position and pressure cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.
  3. When the timer goes off, allow a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. After 10 minutes, turn the venting knob to the venting position to release the remaining pressure and then carefully open the lid.
  5. Next, use a fork to fluff the rice, then spread the rice on a baking sheet pan and pop it in the refrigerator or freezer to cool for a few minutes till you prep the veggies.
  6. When the rice is cooling, stir the soy sauce together with the curry powder in a small bowl and then set aside.
  7. Next, heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat.
  8. Add garlic, Thai red chili, and onion and then cook for 1 minute.
  9. Next, add in the bell pepper and cook for another 1 minute.
  10. After a minute, add peas and give it a stir.
  11. Next, add the pineapple, rice, cashews, and sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes or until rice grains go from being wet with sauce to sort of caramelized.
  12. Finally, stir through green onions then serve in a bowl!

Stove Top Instructions

  1. First, rinse the rice under cold water by gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circling motion. Once rinsed, pour out the milky water and continue to rinse until water is clear, which will take about 4 to 5 times. When done, make sure to drain it well.
  2. Once rinsed, follow the instructions for cooking rice found on the packaging. It is generally a 1 to 1-1/2 ratio of water to rice when cooking on the stove top.
  3. Next, use a fork to fluff the rice, then spread the rice on a baking sheet pan and pop it in the refrigerator or freezer to cool for a few minutes till you prep the veggies.
  4. When the rice is cooling, stir the soy sauce together with the curry powder in a small bowl and then set aside.
  5. Next, heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat.
  6. Add garlic, Thai red chili, and onion and then cook for 1 minute.
  7. Next, add in the bell pepper and cook for another 1 minute.
  8. After a minute, add peas and give it a stir.
  9. Next, add rice, pineapple chunks, cashews, and sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes or until rice grains go from being wet with sauce to sort of caramelized.
  10. Finally, stir through green onions then serve in a bowl!

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About Soniya

Hello, I am Soniya, the cofounder of The Belly Rules The Mind.  Originally from Mumbai, India, I am settled in Virginia US with my husband.

I am a mother of 2 energetic boys, referred to as R2 (15-year-old) and R3 (10-year-old) on the blog. In case you are wondering who is R1, well that is my husband. 

My hubby and I were born in Mumbai, India, where we were spoiled by the wealth of food choices available to us. We could enjoy everything from yummy street food to multi-cuisine restaurants and we became very picky about what we like and what we don't. Read more

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Rachel

Monday 24th of April 2023

Hi — any suggestions of where to find Thai red chilis? Are the ones you use dried? Thanks!

Soniya Saluja

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Try are easily available in any Asian store... You can skip and use red chili flakes too :)

Lisa

Saturday 11th of March 2023

What can be used instead of curry powder ?

Soniya Saluja

Thursday 16th of March 2023

Hi Lisa, curry powder gives that extra oomph to the recipe. There is no substitution to it. You can skip it if you like.

Christine

Thursday 8th of December 2022

Hi, I’m just wondering how many portions this makes? Thank you

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