Spicy Pineapple Rice Stir-fry

Name: Spicy Pineapple Rice Stir-fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 jalapeño, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional); Crushed peanuts for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Spicy Pineapple Rice Stir-fry for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of sweet and spicy adds a unique twist to simple fried rice, making it a family favorite. The juicy pineapple chunks meld beautifully with the fiery jalapeños and colorful vegetables, creating a savory dish that tantalizes the taste buds. It's a perfect way to use leftover rice, and in just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress at the dinner table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T04:33:27.856Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of mixing pineapple with fried rice, I was skeptical. However, after trying it, I was captivated by the playful contrast of flavors. The heat from the chili peppers balanced the sweetness of the pineapple, providing a delightful eating experience. This dish has become a go-to recipe for entertaining guests or sharing with my family, all while being easy to prepare.

An essential tip I've found is to use day-old rice. It holds up better when stir-fried, preventing the rice from becoming mushy. I also love to add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts at the end for extra crunch. Trust me, it elevates the dish to another level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes
A colorful and vibrant dish that’s visually appealing

Harnessing the Sweetness of Pineapple

Pineapple is not only a delicious fruit but also adds a wonderful sweetness and acidity that balances the dish. When using fresh pineapple, ensure it is ripe to maximize its juiciness. If you opt for canned pineapple, be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture that can make the rice soggy. Chopping the pineapple into bite-sized pieces allows it to integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients, ensuring that every bite packs a punch of flavor.

Incorporating pineapple into your stir-fry not only enhances the sweet and spicy profile but also brings a touch of tropical flair. The caramelization that occurs when you sauté the pineapple for a couple of minutes helps to deepen its flavor, which perfectly complements the heat from the jalapeños. You may notice the pineapple starting to brown slightly at the edges—a sign that it's reaching the ideal level of sweetness for this dish.

Balancing Heat and Flavor

The jalapeño in this recipe adds a fiery kick that pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the pineapple. If you're concerned about the heat level, feel free to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before chopping, as these parts contain the highest concentration of capsaicin. Alternatively, you can substitute with a milder pepper like Anaheim for less heat while still contributing flavor to the dish.

Sriracha not only enhances the heat but also adds a layer of complexity with its garlicky undertones. If sriracha isn’t available, you can experiment with other hot sauces, adjusting the quantity to suit your preference. You might start with half the amount and gradually increase it during cooking, tasting frequently to ensure you achieve your ideal heat level.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Spicy Pineapple Rice Stir-fry is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish or as a flavorful side alongside grilled meats or tofu. To elevate the presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch. Fresh cilantro not only garnishes the dish but enhances the overall flavor, so I recommend not skipping it.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish reheats well in a skillet over medium heat, allowing you to revitalize the flavors without losing texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the stir-fry. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, and it should maintain its quality for up to a month.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother. Here's what you will need:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Crushed peanuts for topping (optional)

Make sure to prepare fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your stir-fry. Enjoy!

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and jalapeño, stirring frequently until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Pineapple and Rice

Stir in the diced pineapple and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps, and mix well with the vegetables.

Add Sauce and Serve

Pour the soy sauce and sriracha over the rice, mixing thoroughly. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Spicy Pineapple Rice Stir-fry!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some cooked chicken or shrimp to the stir-fry. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

While jasmine rice provides a lovely fragrant base for this stir-fry, you can easily switch to brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so adjust your preparation accordingly or use pre-cooked brown rice to save time.

For a gluten-free version, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both alternatives will maintain the savory depth of flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions. You can also experiment by incorporating other vegetables such as snap peas or carrots to diversify your nutritional profile.

Cooking Techniques

Utilizing a wok can significantly enhance the cooking process due to its high, sloping sides which allow for even heat distribution and plenty of room for tossing the ingredients. If you don't have a wok, a large non-stick skillet will work just fine, but make sure to keep the heat high enough to achieve some browning without burning.

Stir-frying is all about timing. I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process. Because the high heat cooks quickly, having everything ready to go will prevent any ingredients from overcooking and losing their crispiness.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize the flavor profile by adding ingredients like garlic and ginger for an aromatic boost. Adding minced garlic during the vegetable sautéing step will infuse the oil with a robust flavor, enhancing the overall dish. When paired with ginger, it gives your stir-fry a vibrant zing that can be particularly refreshing.

You could also swap the sriracha for other flavor-infused sauces like chili garlic sauce or even sweet chili sauce for a slightly different flavor dimension. If you add sweet chili sauce, consider reducing the amount of pineapple to prevent the dish from becoming overly sweet.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds a wonderful juiciness and flavor to the dish.

→ What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, but any leftover rice will work.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as is! Just ensure your sauces are also vegetarian-friendly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.