Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe with Shrimp and Cashews

Don’t let leftover ingredients go to waste. After the holidays you often have extras like pineapple and ham, and their sweet-tart contrast makes them perfect together. I combined these with a few more ingredients to create a vibrant, flavorful Pineapple Fried Rice that turns leftovers into a standout meal.

What does pineapple fried rice taste like?

Pineapple Fried Rice blends sweet and tangy pineapple with savory elements like minced garlic, chopped onion, green onions and soy sauce. The dish balances those bold flavors so nothing overwhelms — the pineapple provides a bright, refreshing contrast while the savory ingredients give depth. Roasted cashews and green peas add pleasant texture, and using leftover rice (which is drier and less starchy) helps the grains separate and fry up nicely.

For a playful presentation, serve the fried rice in the hollowed pineapple shell to create an attractive Pineapple Fried Rice Bowl. It’s a simple touch that elevates the meal and makes it great for entertaining. Now let’s make it.

How to Make Pineapple Fried Rice

1. Fry the egg

• Prep and heat oil — Beat 1 egg. Heat about 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a pan until hot.
• Cook the egg — Pour in the beaten egg and fry until set, flip to cook the other side.
• Slice the egg — Remove the cooked egg and slice into bite-sized strips. Set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics and add mix-ins

• Saute garlic and onion — In a second pan, heat about 3 tablespoons cooking oil. Add 1 chopped onion and 4 cloves minced garlic, then sauté until fragrant.
• Add pineapple and ham — Add pineapple tidbits and sauté briefly. Push ingredients to the side and add 300 grams diced ham. Sauté together for about 2 minutes.
• Combine vegetables and nuts — Stir in 2 diced bell peppers, ½ cup roasted cashew nuts and ¼ cup green peas. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Add the rice and finish seasoning

• Incorporate the rice — Add 4 cups of leftover rice and toss. Stir-fry the mixture for about 1 minute so the rice heats through and picks up flavors.
• Season the dish — Add soy sauce to taste and fold in ¼ cup chopped green onions. Season with salt and ground black pepper as desired.
• Finish and plate — Mix the sliced egg into the rice, then transfer to a serving plate or a pineapple shell for a festive presentation. Serve immediately.

There you have it — a colorful, satisfying Pineapple Fried Rice that makes excellent use of leftovers. It works well as a complete meal, but you can also pair it with other dishes for an even heartier spread.

What to Serve with Pineapple Fried Rice

Sweet Chicken Asado

Pair the rice with a saucy, slightly sweet chicken asado. The savory-sweet sauce — often built from soy sauce, garlic and a touch of sugar — complements the pineapple’s brightness and makes for a comforting combination.

Pork Adobo in Pineapple Juice with Boiled Egg

A pork adobo cooked with pineapple juice emphasizes the sweet-acidic notes that play so well with the fried rice. Tender pork in a tangy, slightly sweet adobo sauce echoes the dish’s flavor profile and provides a richer main to enjoy alongside the rice.

Have other pairing ideas? Share them in the comments — it’s always great to see new combinations and twists for Pineapple Fried Rice.