Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Fried rice with pineapple, cashews and a curry-scented edge, served in the hollowed shell if you are feeling theatrical. Fifteen minutes and a great use for yesterday's rice.
Method
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Break up the cold rice with wet hands until every grain is separate.
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Toast the cashews in a dry wok for 3 minutes until golden, then set aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil, pour in the beaten eggs, let them set for 15 seconds, then scramble roughly and remove.
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Add the remaining oil and stir-fry the onion for 2 minutes, then the garlic and red pepper for 90 seconds.
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Add the curry powder and turmeric and fry for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
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Add the rice and stir-fry over the highest heat for 3 minutes, pressing and tossing, until every grain is hot and separate.
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Pour the soy sauce, fish sauce and sugar around the edge of the wok and toss for 60 seconds so the seasoning coats evenly.
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Add the peas, raisins, egg and cashews and toss 60 seconds more.
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Fold in the pineapple off the heat so it stays fresh and firm, then finish with spring onions, coriander and lime.
Chef’s Tips
- Fresh pineapple, added last. Tinned pineapple is too sweet and too soft for this.
- Cook in two batches if your wok is small — crowding steams the rice instead of frying it.
- A pinch of white pepper at the end lifts the whole dish.
Pairing Suggestions
- A cold lager or an off-dry Riesling
- Serve alongside a green curry or on its own
- Finish with coconut ice cream
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate 2 days. Reheat in a hot wok. Cool cooked rice quickly and never leave it at room temperature.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.