Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white jasmine rice works well and will cook faster. Use the same quantity and ensure it's chilled before stir-frying.

Do I have to use coconut oil?

No. Any neutral vegetable oil works. Coconut oil adds subtle flavor but is not essential.

Can I make this ahead?

Prep ingredients in advance, but stir-fry just before serving. The rice will soften if stored with sauce.

How do I scale this recipe?

This recipe scales linearly. Double all ingredients for 4 large portions, keeping the oil ratio consistent.

What if I don't have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple chunks (drained well) work, though fresh fruit adds better texture and natural juices to the dish.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice (Vegetarian)

Name: Thai Pineapple Fried Rice (Vegetarian)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut oil or quality vegetable oil, divided; 2 eggs, beaten with a dash of salt; 1 ½ cups chopped fresh pineapple; 1 large red bell pepper, diced; ¾ cup chopped green onions (about ½ bunch); 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced; ½ cup chopped raw, unsalted cashews; 2 cups cooked and chilled brown rice*, preferably long-grain brown jasmine rice; 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce; 1 to 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha; 1 small lime, halved; Salt, to taste; Handful of fresh cilantro leaves, torn into little pieces, for garnishing

1

Heat a large wok, cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and place an empty serving bowl nearby. Once the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact, add 1 teaspoon oil. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring frequently, until the eggs are scrambled and lightly set, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer the eggs to the empty bowl. Wipe out the pan if necessary with a paper towel (be careful, it’s hot!).

2

Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and add the pineapple and red pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has evaporated and the pineapple is caramelized on the edges, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the green onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Transfer the contents of the pan to your bowl of eggs.

3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Pour in the cashews and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Add the rice to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until the rice is hot, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes.

4

Pour the contents of the bowl back into the pan and stir to combine, breaking up the scrambled eggs with your spoon. Cook until the contents are warmed through, then remove the pan from heat. Add the tamari and chili garlic sauce, to taste. Squeeze the juice of ½ lime over the dish and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and set aside.

5

Slice the remaining ½ lime into 4 wedges. Transfer the stir-fry to individual serving bowls and garnish each bowl with a lime wedge and a light sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with bottles of tamari and chili garlic sauce or sriracha on the side, for those who might want to add more to their bowls.