Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice: A Tropical Twist on a Takeout Classic

If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful, and absolutely delicious dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your kitchen, then Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is the recipe for you! This bright, wholesome meal combines fluffy rice with juicy pineapple, crisp vegetables, and a hint of spice, creating a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be served as a side dish or a satisfying main meal for your next Meatless Monday.

Not only is this recipe a healthier spin on traditional fried rice, but it’s also simple to make and ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into how to make this vibrant and tasty vegan dish!

Why You’ll Love Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: Pineapple adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory rice and soy sauce.
2. Packed with Veggies: Filled with bell peppers, carrots, peas, and more, this dish is nutrient-rich and bursting with color.
3. Quick and Easy: With pre-cooked rice and a few pantry staples, this meal comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, extra spice, or even some nuts for extra crunch to make this recipe truly your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice:

For the Fried Rice

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (best if made the day before)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup cashews (optional, for added crunch)

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce (for extra sweetness and spice)
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice

• If possible, use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight. Cold rice has a firmer texture, which helps prevent it from getting mushy when stir-fried. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 10 minutes.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin or sweet chili sauce, curry powder, and turmeric powder. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables and Pineapple

• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
• Add the diced carrot and bell pepper, stirring frequently until the vegetables are slightly tender, about 4–5 minutes.
• Toss in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes, letting them caramelize slightly to enhance their sweetness.

4. Add the Rice and Sauce

• Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Pour the sauce over the rice and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
• Toss in the green onions and peas, mixing until everything is well combined and the rice is heated through, about 3 minutes.

5. Add the Cashews (Optional)

• For an added layer of texture, stir in the cashews during the final minute of cooking. This adds a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the rice and vegetables.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
• Enjoy your Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice warm, as a standalone meal or paired with your favorite vegan sides.

Tips for the Best Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

• Use Day-Old Rice: This is key for achieving the perfect texture in fried rice. Day-old rice is drier, which helps it fry better and absorb flavors without becoming sticky.
• Choose Fresh Pineapple if Possible: While canned pineapple works well in a pinch, fresh pineapple adds an extra level of natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Add a dash of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the dish if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, toss in tofu cubes, edamame, or chickpeas, which will pair well with the sweet-savory flavors.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the tropics. It’s a fresh and nutritious alternative to takeout fried rice and is easily customizable, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights. The combination of caramelized pineapple, crisp veggies, and fluffy rice covered in a savory-sweet sauce is incredibly satisfying, bringing new excitement to a classic dish.

Next time you’re in the mood for a flavor-packed meal, give this vibrant, tasty recipe a try. This Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation, offering a balance of wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and plenty of options to make it uniquely yours!