Pineapple Rice is a sweet and savory dish that combines fluffy rice with juicy pineapple chunks, making it a delightful side dish for Asian-inspired meals, tropical-themed dinners, or even as a standalone dish. The sweet, tangy pineapple pairs beautifully with fragrant rice and aromatic seasonings. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like vegetables, nuts, or protein.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice (or long-grain rice)
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional for extra umami)
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional for color and flavor)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
• ½ cup green peas or diced bell peppers (optional for added color)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• ¼ cup toasted cashews or peanuts (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
• ½ cup cooked shrimp or chicken for a complete meal
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for nutty flavor

For Serving:

• Lime wedges for squeezing over the top

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. If using, stir in the green peas or diced bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Add the Pineapple and Seasonings

1. Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to caramelize slightly.
2. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), turmeric, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Combine the Rice and Pineapple

1. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the pineapple and vegetables, stirring gently to combine everything.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors and heat through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer the Pineapple Rice to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with green onions, toasted cashews or peanuts, and fresh cilantro.
3. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Cooking Notes

• Rice: For the best results, use jasmine rice or any other fragrant long-grain rice. Day-old rice also works great for this recipe because it absorbs flavors well and has a firmer texture.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds the best flavor, but canned pineapple can be used if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture.

Variations

1. Spicy Pineapple Fried Rice

For a spicy twist, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha when cooking the aromatics. You can also top the dish with chili oil or crushed chili flakes for added heat.

2. Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

Add ½ cup of cooked shrimp or chicken to the rice for a protein-packed meal. Simply sauté the shrimp or chicken with the garlic and onions before adding the other ingredients.

3. Coconut Pineapple Rice

For a tropical version, cook the rice with 1 cup of coconut milk and ½ cup of water. The coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the pineapple for a creamy, fragrant dish.

4. Pineapple Cashew Rice

Add ¼ cup of toasted cashews to the dish for extra crunch and richness. You can substitute cashews with toasted peanuts for a similar texture.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb content.
• Omit the brown sugar or use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit for sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Pineapple Rice ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the rice on the stovetop with a little extra oil or water to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time and a chewier texture. Be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions if using brown rice.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the fish sauce and use soy sauce or tamari. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or a vegan-friendly sweetener.

Q: What can I serve with Pineapple Rice?
Pineapple Rice pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it alongside your favorite Thai, Chinese, or Hawaiian-inspired dishes.

This Pineapple Rice is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish that brings a tropical flair to your table. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory seasonings, and fragrant rice makes this dish perfect for pairing with grilled meats, seafood, or as a stand-alone vegetarian meal. Whether you like it spicy, crunchy, or with added protein, Pineapple Rice is a refreshing and satisfying dish everyone will love.