Description
A flavorful and colorful Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice recipe combining juicy shrimp, sweet pineapple, and fresh vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection with savory soy sauce and fragrant sesame oil. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner anytime.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail removed; about 20 large shrimp)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1-2 julienne cut carrots (about ½ cup julienne cut)
- 1 finely chopped red bell pepper (about ¾ cup finely chopped)
- 5-6 green onions (about ⅓ cup chopped, divided in 2)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tablespoon minced fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
Oils & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Dry & Seasonings
- Salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)
Grains
- 3 cups cooked rice (fully cooled, white or brown)
Instructions
- Prepare rice: Ensure you have pre-cooked or leftover rice that is completely cooled down and ready to use. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy when fried.
- Cook shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then flip each shrimp with tongs. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are opaque. Timing may vary depending on shrimp size.
- Chop shrimp: Remove cooked shrimp from skillet, place on a plate, and allow to cool for a couple of minutes. Then chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add sesame oil to the skillet, then toss in the julienned carrots and chopped red bell pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 4-6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add half of the chopped green onions, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice: Incorporate the cold cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
- Season and add pineapple: Pour in soy sauce and add chopped pineapple. Mix thoroughly and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Scramble eggs: Push the fried rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Spray the empty side with cooking oil if needed. Pour beaten eggs onto the cleared side, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and scramble the eggs for about 2 minutes until fully cooked and no longer runny.
- Combine and finish: Mix scrambled eggs into the rice evenly. Add chopped shrimp back into the skillet and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious shrimp pineapple fried rice!
Notes
- Using fully cooled rice is key to preventing sogginess in fried rice dishes.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and black pepper according to your taste preference.
- Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and texture but canned pineapple (drained) can be used as an alternative.
- For a spicier version, consider adding chopped chili or a dash of chili sauce.
