Skip the Takeout: Master Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice at Home!
Are you craving the vibrant, complex flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine without the hassle of ordering takeout? Look no further! This incredible Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is your ticket to a sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Forget about long waits and delivery fees – prepare to impress your taste buds and loved ones with this beloved classic.
As the temperatures rise, sometimes all we desire is a dish that transports us to sunnier, more exotic locales. This Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice does exactly that. With its harmonious blend of juicy shrimp, fragrant jasmine rice, sweet pineapple chunks, and a hint of curry, it’s a culinary escape. It reminds me of those unexpected shifts in weather, like reminiscing about a massive snowstorm while basking in 90-degree heat. Just as rapidly as the weather changes, so too can your dinner plans transform from mundane to magnificent with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.
Discovering Authentic Southeast Asian Flavors with “Rice. Noodles. Yum.”
This fantastic recipe comes from the pages of an inspiring cookbook, “Rice. Noodles. Yum.”, penned by my incredibly talented friend, Abigail from Manila Spoon. Abigail’s cookbook is a true treasure trove, brimming with authentic Southeast Asian dishes that promise to ignite your passion for cooking and introduce you to a world of exquisite tastes. For anyone who shares my deep love for Asian food, this collection is an absolute must-have.
My connection with Abigail goes back a long way in the online blogging world, and I can personally vouch for the reliability and deliciousness of her recipes. Every dish is tried, tested, and guaranteed to deliver. Her food photography alone is enough to make anyone drool, so when the opportunity arose to review her new cookbook, I didn’t hesitate to say “absolutely yes!”
Born and raised in the Philippines, Abigail brings a profound understanding and genuine passion for Southeast Asian culinary traditions to her work. Her extensive travels across the region have allowed her to gather and share an array of delicious recipes, each imbued with the authentic spirit of its origin. Through her experiences, Abigail discovered that noodles and rice serve as the perfect foundation, a blank canvas upon which the signature sweet, salty, and spicy flavors of Asian cuisine can truly shine. This fundamental insight forms the very heart and soul of every recipe in her book.
Why This Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice Will Become Your New Favorite
Among the many tempting recipes in “Rice. Noodles. Yum.”, I chose to highlight her Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice for a reason. It masterfully combines two elements I know many of you adore (myself included): succulent seafood and the delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is a symphony of textures, from the fluffy rice and tender shrimp to the crunchy cashews and juicy pineapple, all brought together by a flavor-packed sauce that is nothing short of genius. The addition of curry powder provides just the right amount of warmth and a subtle kick, reminiscent of the vibrant spices found in my own Red Curry Chicken.
There was a time when I lived just across the street from my favorite Thai restaurant, and let’s just say, I was a very frequent customer. Their pineapple Thai fried rice, paired with crispy spring rolls, was an addiction I happily indulged multiple times a week. That experience truly solidified my love for this specific flavor combination, inspiring me to recreate similar magic in my kitchen, like my homemade Chicken Avocado Spring Rolls. This recipe by Abigail captures that same authentic, irresistible charm, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality fried rice right at home.
Beyond Fried Rice: Exploring More Southeast Asian Delights
Abigail’s cookbook offers so much more than just incredible fried rice. I’m particularly excited to try her fried sticky rice balls with coconut caramel sauce. If you know me, you know my love for Thai sticky rice runs deep! I often serve it alongside my popular Thai Peanut Chicken Meatballs. The thought of frying it and smothering it in a decadent sweet sauce is already making my mouth water. These delightful creations are perfect examples of the diverse and exciting flavors awaiting you in her book.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Southeast Asian cooking, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Abigail’s amazing cookbook. You can find “Rice. Noodles. Yum.” here. And if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, don’t miss out on my own recipe for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken – another fantastic dish to add to your rotation. Embark on this delicious culinary journey today!
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
This recipe provides a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Asian dish at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
Recipe Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Author: Ashley (from Abigail’s “Rice. Noodles. Yum.” cookbook)
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Skip the takeout and make this vibrant Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice. It’s a delightful blend of sweet and savory, making it an easy and flavorful Asian recipe to prepare at home!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame oil
- 12 oz (340 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails intact for presentation
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 g) curry powder
- 4 cups (645 g) cooked long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati), cold or chilled (essential for non-sticky fried rice)
- 1 cup (150 g) raisins
- 1 cup (200 g) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup (75 g) cashews
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced and deseeded
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce (alternatively, use all fish sauce if oyster sauce is unavailable)
- ½ tbsp (8 g) granulated sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 3 stalks or about 2 tbsp (12 g) green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Whole pineapple, hollowed out, for a stunning serving presentation (optional, a bowl works just as well)
Instructions
- In a large wok or a spacious skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Once the oil is hot, add the prepared shrimp to the pan. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked, turning opaque and bright pink. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked shrimp from the wok and transfer them to a plate. Set aside, reserving half for garnish later.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the same pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Stir in the curry powder, continuing to stir constantly for another minute or until its aromatic fragrance is fully released.
- Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high. Using a spatula, pat down the rice grains, then fold them over. Repeat this process a few times until the rice grains are well separated and evenly coated with the curry powder, achieving that signature fried rice texture.
- Incorporate the raisins, pineapple chunks, cashews, and sliced tomatoes into the rice mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the delicious ingredients.
- Return half of the cooked shrimp to the wok/skillet. Season the entire mixture with the fish sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir diligently to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt if desired, to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Carefully transfer the Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice to a serving plate or, for an impressive presentation, spoon it into a hollowed-out fresh pineapple. Garnish generously with the remaining cooked shrimp and freshly sliced green onions before serving immediately. Enjoy this delightful homemade Asian culinary experience!