Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice
This recipe is perfect when you need a quick meal. You can make it for dinner, lunch, or even for a party. It looks colorful, tastes amazing, and is ready in just 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Large Pan or Wok – For frying everything together
- Knife and Cutting Board – To chop the shrimp, pineapple, and vegetables
- Mixing Bowls – To prepare the sauce and ingredients
- Spatula or Spoon – To stir the rice and mix ingredients
- Measuring Spoons – To add the right amount of sauces
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 pound cleaned and peeled
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups use cold rice from the day before for the best results
- Pineapple Chunks: 1 cup fresh or canned, but drain the juice if using canned
- Vegetables: 1 cup you can use frozen peas and carrots or fresh ones
- Eggs: 2 large beaten
- Green Onions: 2 stalks chopped, for garnish
- Cashews Optional: ¼ cup (for crunch)
Sauce Ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons for salty flavor
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon adds extra taste
- Fish Sauce Optional: 1 teaspoon (makes it even tastier)
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon adds a yummy smell
- Garlic: 3 cloves chopped small
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon grated
- Brown Sugar or Honey: 1 teaspoon to make it a little sweet
- Red Pepper Flakes Optional: ½ teaspoon (if you like a little spice)
For Cooking:
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for frying
- Butter: 1 tablespoon for extra flavor
- Salt and Pepper: Add as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Clean the shrimp and remove the shells. Pat them dry.
- If you are using fresh pineapple, cut it into small pieces.
- If your rice is fresh, spread it out on a plate and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes before using it. Cold rice is best for frying!
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok on medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink.
- Take them out of the pan and set them aside.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and stir them quickly to scramble.
- Once the eggs are cooked, take them out and set them aside.
- Cook the Vegetables and Pineapple:
- Add the frozen peas and carrots (or any other vegetables you like).
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are soft.
- Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another minute to bring out their sweetness.
- Fry the Rice:
- Push the veggies and pineapple to one side of the pan.
- Add butter and a little oil to the empty space.
- Add the cold rice and break up any clumps with a spatula.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is hot and a little crispy.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Put the cooked shrimp and eggs back into the pan.
- Stir everything together.
- Add the Sauce:
- Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar over the rice.
- Mix everything well until all the flavors are combined.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Sprinkle green onions and cashews (if using) on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice!
Notes
- Use Cold Rice: Fresh rice is soft and can become mushy. Cold, day-old rice works best!
- Do Not Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. As soon as it turns pink, remove it from the pan.
- Caramelize the Pineapple: Let the pineapple cook for an extra minute to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like spicy food.
- Try Different Veggies: You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or corn for extra flavor.