Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp – Thai Style

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, ensuring the leaves remain intact. Carefully score the flesh of each pineapple half, leaving about a 1/2 inch border from the skin. Use a spoon to scoop out the pineapple chunks, setting them aside for later use in the fried rice.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

Dice the carrot, red bell pepper, and green beans into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger. Chop the white parts of the spring onions and set aside the green parts for garnish.

Step 3: Marinate Shrimp

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Season with black pepper and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Mix well to coat the shrimp.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of curry powder and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of coconut milk. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5: Cook Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a hot wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.

Step 6: Stir-fry Vegetables

Add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the same hot wok. Add the diced carrots, red bell pepper, green beans, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 7: Cook Eggs

In a separate small pan, heat a little oil. Pour in the whisked eggs and scramble them until cooked. Break them into small pieces and set aside.

Step 8: Combine and Cook Rice

Add the cooked rice to the wok with the stir-fried vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the rice and vegetables. Mix everything thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 9: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the scrambled eggs and cashews to the fried rice. Mix well. Then, add the cooked shrimp and the pineapple chunks. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Finally, add the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped green parts of the spring onions, and fresh cilantro to the fried rice. Stir briefly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then turn off the heat. Spoon the pineapple fried rice into the hollowed-out pineapple halves for a beautiful presentation.

• Always use cooked and cooled rice for fried rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.

• Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.

• Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before adding ingredients for best stir-fry results.

• Substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein.

• Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms.

• For a vegetarian option, omit shrimp and eggs, and use a plant-based oyster sauce alternative.