Easy Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice

This shrimp fried rice is fragrant with shallots and garlic, and a spoonful of Thai curry paste gives it real depth. Sweet, juicy pineapple balances the savory base, while tender shrimp and crisp, fresh vegetables add contrast in every bite. This easy shrimp pineapple fried rice is complex and deeply satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice

Sweet and savory: Pineapple adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce.

Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

A great way to use leftover rice: Day-old jasmine rice works perfectly and helps create that classic restaurant-style fried rice texture.

The Origin of Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is inspired by Thai cuisine where Thai dishes tend to have all the flavor profiles: sweetness, tanginess, spicy, and savoriness. It is usually served in a hollow pineapple for a fun presentation.

Ingredients

Shrimp

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Main protein in the recipe
• Salt, to taste
  • Add flavors to the shrimp
• 1–2 tbsp cooking oil
  • Helps sear the shrimp

Fried Rice

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old
  • Fragrant rice with a nice chew
• ¾ cup pineapple chunks
  • Adds natural tropical sweetness
• ¾ cup carrots, finely diced
  • Adds color and texture
• 2 eggs
  • Adds extra protein
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fragrant aromatic
• ½ small shallot, diced
  • Adds a mile sharpness
• ½ tbsp red curry paste
  • Adds the classic Thai flavor
• 1 tsp turmeric
  • Gives it a nice earthy flavor
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
  • Adds umami
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • Adds a sweet and savory flavor
• ½ tbsp fish sauce
  • Adds umami and depth
• Thai chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Adds a nice spicy kick
• Green onions, chopped
  • Adds a mild sharpness
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • A nice refreshing garnish

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Cook the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics: Add a little more oil to the same pan. Add the shallots, garlic, and Thai chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the vegetables: Add the diced carrots and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble until just cooked.

Add the cooked jasmine rice and break apart any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together.

Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, turmeric, and red curry paste. Toss until the rice is evenly coated and the seasonings are well distributed.

Stir in the pineapple chunks and cooked shrimp. Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Finish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Easy Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice Cooking Tips

Use day-old rice: Cold, day-old jasmine rice works best for fried rice because it has less moisture and helps keep the grains separate.

Pat the shrimp dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the shrimp before seasoning. This helps them sear nicely instead of steaming.

Use high heat: Cook the fried rice over medium-high to high heat to get that delicious restaurant-style texture.

Break up rice clumps: Use a spatula to break apart any clumps of rice before adding the sauces. This helps distribute the seasonings evenly.

Add pineapple toward the end: Stir in the pineapple near the end of cooking to keep the chunks intact and prevent them from becoming too soft.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Microwave in intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Yes! However, day-old rice is best because it is drier and less likely to become mushy. If using fresh rice, spread it onto a baking sheet and let it cool before cooking.

What type of rice is best for pineapple fried rice?

Jasmine rice is my favorite because it has a slightly chewy texture. You can also use other long-grain rice type.

Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

Definitely! Chicken, tofu, or diced beef are great alternatives. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Why is my fried rice mushy?

Fried rice can become mushy if the rice is too wet or freshly cooked. Use chilled, day-old rice and avoid adding too much sauce. Cooking over high heat also helps prevent excess moisture.

Common Mistakes

Using freshly cooked, wet rice: Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture, which can make your fried rice mushy.

Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the pan too long.

Cooking over low heat: Low heat can cause the ingredients to steam rather than fry. Use medium-high to high heat to get better texture and flavor.

Ingredient Subsitutions

Shrimp → Substitute with chicken, diced beef, tofu, or your favorite protein.

Jasmine rice → Use basmati rice or another long-grain rice.

Carrots → Substitute with frozen peas or diced bell peppers.

Turmeric → Use a small amount of curry powder for a slightly different flavor.

What to Serve with Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice

Cucumber Salad: A crunchy cucumber salad with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing balances the savory fried rice.

Tom Yum Soup: This spicy and tangy Thai soup pairs nicely with the sweetness of the pineapple.

If you enjoyed this shrimp pineapple fried rice recipe, you might also like my Vietnamese fried rice recipe or my crab fried rice recipe.

Authentic Thai Crab Fried Rice with Canned Lump Crab

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