▢ 1 cup Basmati Rice (equals 3 cups cooked rice): The Foundation of Flavor

Basmati rice is the star of this dish, providing the perfect canvas for all the vibrant flavors. Its long grains and slightly nutty aroma complement the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory notes of the soy sauce and curry powder beautifully.

• Why Basmati? Basmati rice is known for its fluffy texture when cooked, which is ideal for fried rice. It separates well and doesn’t become mushy, even when stir-fried. Its subtle fragrance also enhances the overall aroma of the dish.
• Day-Old Rice is Key: The recipe explicitly mentions using leftover rice, and this is not just a suggestion – it’s a crucial step for achieving authentic fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will clump together in the pan, resulting in sticky, less appealing fried rice. Day-old rice, having dried out slightly in the refrigerator, fries up beautifully, creating those delightful, slightly chewy grains we all crave in fried rice. Plan ahead and cook your rice a day in advance, or even in the morning for an evening meal.
• Rice Cooking Tips: To ensure perfectly cooked basmati rice, rinse it thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. Cook it according to package instructions, typically using a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool completely before refrigerating.
• Rice Variations (Though Basmati is Recommended): While basmati is traditional and highly recommended, you can experiment with other long-grain rice varieties like Jasmine rice. Jasmine rice is also fragrant but tends to be slightly stickier than basmati. If using Jasmine, ensure it’s well-chilled and day-old to minimize stickiness. Brown rice can also be used for a healthier, nuttier option, but it will have a chewier texture and require a longer cooking time.

▢ 1 Onion, Chopped: Aromatic Base

Onion forms the aromatic foundation of countless savory dishes, and Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is no exception. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that balances the other ingredients.

• Yellow or White Onion? Both yellow and white onions work well in this recipe. Yellow onions are more versatile and offer a balanced flavor, while white onions have a slightly sharper, more pungent taste. Choose based on your preference and what you have on hand.
• Chopping Technique: Chop the onion into small, even pieces so they cook quickly and evenly in the stir-fry. Diced onions blend seamlessly into the fried rice, distributing their flavor throughout the dish.

▢ 3 Cloves of Garlic, Chopped: Pungent Perfume

Garlic is another essential aromatic ingredient that infuses the dish with its pungent and savory notes. Its bold flavor complements the sweetness of the pineapple and adds complexity to the overall taste profile.

• Fresh Garlic is Best: Fresh garlic cloves are always preferable to pre-minced garlic in jars. Fresh garlic has a brighter, more intense flavor.
• Chopping vs. Minced: Chopping the garlic releases its flavor more subtly compared to mincing or pressing, which can make the garlic flavor more assertive. For this recipe, chopped garlic provides a balanced garlic flavor.
• Garlic Safety Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as burnt garlic becomes bitter. Sauté it until fragrant and lightly golden, but not brown.

▢ 1 Tablespoon Oil: Cooking Medium

A neutral-flavored oil is used for stir-frying the ingredients, ensuring they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

• Neutral Oil Choices: Canola oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil are all good choices for stir-frying as they have high smoke points and don’t impart strong flavors. Peanut oil is often favored in Asian cooking for its subtle nutty flavor, but be mindful of nut allergies.
• Oil Quantity: One tablespoon of oil is sufficient for this recipe. You don’t want the fried rice to be greasy.

▢ 2 Carrots, Cut into Thin Sticks: Sweet Crunch

Carrots add a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch to the fried rice, both in terms of flavor and texture. Their vibrant orange color also contributes to the dish’s visual appeal.

• Julienne Cut for Quick Cooking: Cutting the carrots into thin sticks (julienne) ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the stir-fry. They retain a pleasant crispness while still becoming tender.
• Baby Carrots Shortcut: For convenience, you can use baby carrots and simply cut them in half or quarters lengthwise to create thin sticks.
• Carrot Variety: Regular orange carrots are classic, but you can also use colorful heirloom carrots for added visual interest.

▢ ½ Red Bell Pepper, Cut into Thin Sticks: Sweet and Vibrant

Red bell pepper adds another layer of sweetness, a slight tang, and a beautiful pop of red color to the dish. It also provides a satisfyingly crisp-tender texture.

• Red Bell Pepper’s Sweetness: Red bell peppers are the sweetest variety of bell peppers. Their sweetness complements the other flavors in the fried rice.
• Other Bell Pepper Options: You can also use yellow or orange bell peppers for a slightly different flavor profile and color variation. Green bell peppers are less sweet and slightly more bitter, so red, yellow, or orange are generally preferred in this recipe.
• Consistent Cutting: Cut the bell pepper into thin sticks similar in size to the carrots for even cooking and visual harmony.

▢ ½ cup Frozen Peas: Sweet and Tender Green Gems

Frozen peas bring a burst of fresh sweetness and a tender texture to the fried rice. They add a vibrant green color and are a convenient and readily available vegetable.

• Frozen Peas Convenience: Frozen peas are a fantastic pantry staple. They are pre-shelled, pre-cooked (blanched), and freeze-dried at their peak freshness, making them just as nutritious as fresh peas and incredibly convenient.
• Adding Peas Last: Frozen peas cook very quickly. They are added towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy. Simply stir them in until they are heated through and bright green.
• Fresh Pea Alternative (Seasonal): If fresh peas are in season, you can certainly use them. Shell them and blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding them to the stir-fry.

▢ ½ cup Cashews: Crunchy Nutty Delight

Cashews provide a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. They add textural contrast and a richness to the dish.

• Unsalted Roasted Cashews: Unsalted roasted cashews are recommended to control the salt level in the dish. Roasting enhances their nutty flavor and crispness.
• Cashew Alternatives (For Allergies or Preferences): If you have nut allergies or prefer a different texture, you can substitute cashews with other nuts like peanuts (if no allergies), almonds (sliced or slivered), or even sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Toasted sesame seeds can also provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor profile without nuts.
• Adding Cashews Last for Crunch: Add the cashews towards the end of cooking to maintain their crunch. If added too early, they can become soft.

▢ 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce: Umami Depth

Soy sauce is the key umami ingredient that adds a savory depth and saltiness to the fried rice. It enhances the flavors of all the other components and provides that characteristic savory note we expect in Asian dishes.

• Regular Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is suitable for this recipe.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce Option: If you are watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without compromising flavor.
• Gluten-Free Tamari (for Gluten Sensitivity): For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is typically gluten-free (always check the label to confirm).

▢ 1 Tablespoon Curry Powder: Warm Spice Blend

Curry powder adds a warm, aromatic spice blend that provides a distinctive flavor to the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. It introduces notes of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices, creating a complex and inviting aroma.

• Mild Curry Powder: Use a mild curry powder for this recipe to ensure it’s not overpowering. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
• Freshness Matters: Use relatively fresh curry powder for the best flavor. Spices lose their potency over time.
• DIY Curry Powder (Optional): If you are adventurous, you can make your own curry powder blend to customize the spice profile to your liking. Recipes are readily available online.

▢ 1 cup Pineapple, Cut into Small Pieces: Tropical Sweetness and Tang

Pineapple is the signature ingredient that defines Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. It brings a burst of tropical sweetness and a refreshing tang that balances the savory and spicy notes of the dish.

• Fresh Pineapple is Best: Fresh pineapple is highly recommended for its superior flavor and texture. Choose a ripe pineapple that smells sweet and fragrant.
• Canned Pineapple (Acceptable Substitute): In a pinch, you can use canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup). Drain the pineapple well before adding it to the fried rice to avoid excess moisture. Canned pineapple will be sweeter and softer than fresh pineapple.
• Pineapple Cutting: Cut the pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the fried rice and are easy to eat.

▢ 2 Green Onions, Cut into Rings: Fresh Herbaceous Garnish

Green onions, also known as scallions, add a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a vibrant green color as a garnish. They provide a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.

• Green Parts Only: Use the green parts of the green onions for garnish. They have a milder flavor than the white parts.
• Adding at the End: Green onions are added at the very end of cooking or as a final garnish to retain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.

▢ Salt, to Taste: Seasoning Enhancer

Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients and bringing the dish into balance.

• Taste and Adjust: Season with salt to taste. Start with a small amount and add more gradually, tasting as you go. Keep in mind that soy sauce also contains salt.
• Sea Salt or Table Salt: Both sea salt and table salt work well. Sea salt often has a slightly cleaner taste.

▢ Black Pepper, to Taste: Subtle Warmth and Spice

Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a gentle spice note that complements the other flavors.

• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its more robust flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Season with black pepper to taste.

▢ Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Heat Kick for Spice Lovers

Red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a touch of heat. They add a fiery kick to the dish.

• Adjust to Your Spice Preference: Use a pinch or two of red pepper flakes, or more if you like it spicy. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Alternative Heat Sources: If you don’t have red pepper flakes, you can use a dash of chili oil or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper (like bird’s eye chili or Thai chili) for heat.

▢ Fresh Cilantro (Optional): Fresh Herbaceous Finish

Fresh cilantro is another optional garnish that adds a bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of green color. It provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fried rice.

• Cilantro Preference: Cilantro is a polarizing herb – some love it, and some dislike it. If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh parsley or Thai basil for a slightly different herbaceous note.
• Adding as a Garnish: Fresh cilantro is typically sprinkled on top of the fried rice just before serving as a final garnish.