Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

Whether it’s the supporting actor or the star of the show, fried rice is always welcome on the table. It’s one of the most popular orders for Chinese or Thai takeout, and it’s not surprising why. Packed full of vegetables and fruit, lightly crisped from the wok, vegan pineapple fried rice goes with pretty much everything.

Once you start cooking, you’ll fall in love with the scents, colors, and textures mixed into one scintillating, savory dish. Juicy pieces of fresh pineapple sweeten the deal, in bright contrast to the spicy base, while toasted cashews add an extra crunchy, crave-worthy finishing touch.

This plant-based recipe proves that you can easily experience a whole world of flavors, right from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy a relaxing staycation and dig into a big bowl of warm, crispy, and spicy rice—you’ll be hooked with the first bite!

If rice recipes are your side dish of choice, don’t miss out on our round up of favorite vegan rice recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this vegan pineapple fried rice recipe! It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making each bite a delicious adventure. With easy steps and vibrant ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to brighten up your meal time.

• Ideal for using up leftovers. Cook up too much rice, or go overboard when ordering takeout? You’ll never have the problem of such excess ever again! In fact, you might want to make extra rice to ensure leftovers next time.
• One-pan meal. Get your complete protein and whole grains all in one bowl! Tofu is an excellent source of protein, in addition to all the essential amino acids your body needs. Toss in that high- fiber rice for a hearty and satisfying meal without dirtying a ton of dishes.
• Naturally gluten-free. There’s no wheat here! Just check labels to make sure the rice isn’t processed in the same facilities as wheat-containing products, for those with severe allergies.
• Bold flavors. A little bit sweet, a little bit sour, and a whole lot of savory, this recipe works because the primary tastes are all in perfect balance.
• Infinitely adaptable. If you’re the type that gets bored easily, this one is for you. You’ll never need to eat the same fried rice twice with a few simple swaps. No matter what you have on hand, it’s guaranteed to be delicious!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Finding the right ingredients can make all the difference in vegan pineapple fried rice. Here are the key ingredients you need and some easy substitutions, in case you’re missing anything. This way, you can enjoy a tasty, tropical meal no matter what’s in your pantry!

• Cooked Rice – Plan in advance to have cooked and cooled rice ready to go for when the craving strikes. Prepared, frozen rice is a great shortcut to keep handy, too.
• Tofu – Extra-firm tofu (our favorite is the extra firm tofu from Hodo) will give you the best texture that won’t crumble while cooking or liquefy in the wok. Press out additional liquid before stir-frying for a perfect sear, every time.
• Curry Powder – Mild yellow curry powder, otherwise known as Madras curry powder, is used as a way of adding more flavor without too much heat. No two blends are exactly alike, so use your favorite, turmeric-based brand!
• Chili Powder (or Bird’s Eye Chili) – Use with caution! Bird’s eye chilies are especially potent, around the same level as a habanero, but concentrated into a much smaller package. You can also swap for crushed red pepper or leave it out altogether if you’d like a milder version.
• Pineapple -Fresh is always ideal when possible, but it can be a pain to break down, so there’s nothing wrong with using canned or frozen tidbits instead. Substitute with fresh chunks of mango or peach, if pineapple is not a favorite.
• Cashews – You’ll go nuts for this crunchy finishing touch that pairs beautifully with the naturally nutty toasted flavor of the rice! If you want to make your version nut free, though, you can omit them or substitute 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (either black or white) for the same flavor sensation.

How To Make

Pineapple fried rice is a breeze to whip up, combining sweet pineapple, crispy tofu, and crunchy cashews for a flavor-packed dish. Here’s what you’ll do to bring it all together. For the full recipe instructions, scroll to the end of this post!

Step 1: Prepare the Rice – Break apart any clumps of rice in a large bowl, or cool freshly cooked rice under a fan for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Press the Tofu – Press tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into ½-inch cubes.

Step 3: Cook the Tofu – Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook tofu until golden on all sides, about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Sauté Veggies – Push tofu to the side, then add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until tender, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Fry the Rice –
Add rice to the skillet.

Step 6: Season – Add the soy sauce, sugar, curry powder, and chili powder. Mix well and adjust salt and white pepper to taste.

Step 7: Add Pineapple – Increase heat to high, stir in pineapple, and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Final Touches – Mix in cashews, green onions, and tomato. Cook for another 2 minutes, then taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 9: Serve – Serve hot in bowls or hollowed-out pineapple halves, garnishing with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Tasty Tips for Making the Best Vegan Fried Rice

Making the best vegan fried rice is all about getting the right flavors and textures. With a few simple tips, you can turn this classic dish into a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Here are the top four suggestions that helped us the most:

1. Medium or long grain rice is best. Short grain rice is too sticky and will form large clumps where seasonings can’t penetrate.
2. Cook your rice well in advance and make sure it’s completely cool. Once chilled, the grains will become firmer and give you fried rice with a more satisfying, toothsome bite.
3. Use your biggest skillet or wok. Whatever you do, don’t crowd the pan! The best flavors and textures come from direct contact with a hot surface to ensure a crispy, lightly charred finish.
4. Go easy on the salt. Many of the seasonings like soy sauce and chili powder can be high in sodium, so you may not need any additional salt at all.

How to Personalize Your Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

The real beauty of fried rice is that there are no hard and fast rules. Use the basic formula to come up with your very own unique stir fry creations.

• Go with Grains instead of rice, or a mixture to add an irresistible variety of textures. Cooked quinoa, millet, and barley are just a few of my favorites.
• Go grainless! On the other hand, you can skip the grains altogether in favor of low-carb cauliflower rice. Just be sure to cook it a bit less than you would regular rice, so it doesn’t become mushy.
• Eat your veggies the easy way, by doubling or tripling the quantities, and mixing up the inclusions. There’s no shame in frozen mixed vegetables, too, since a ready-made blend makes the prep work effortless.
• Play with fire, or at least, fiery flavors with potent spices. Switch up the type of curry and chili powder to try different levels of heat. If you’re all about the burn, go ahead and add hot sauce to your heart’s content.