Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

This shrimp pineapple fried rice is ready in about 30 minutes and brings together the best sweet and savory flavors in one easy skillet meal. Tender shrimp, juicy pineapple, colorful vegetables, fluffy rice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil make every bite bright, satisfying, and full of texture. It is a fun family dinner for busy weeknights, and it also feels special enough to serve when you want something a little more exciting than plain fried rice.

This recipe may include references to products or tools used in the kitchen. Choose the ingredients and equipment that work best for you.

You’ll Love This Recipe!

• It is full of flavor. This shrimp pineapple fried rice has a delicious balance of savory soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, sweet pineapple, fresh aromatics, and tender shrimp. The vegetables add crunch, while the eggs make the rice richer and more satisfying.
• It is quick and easy. Everything comes together in one large skillet in about 30 minutes. Once the rice is cooked and cooled, the rest of the recipe moves fast, making it a great choice for a simple weeknight dinner.
• It is easy to adjust. Use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos if needed. Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or another hot sauce for spice. You can also replace part of the rice with cauliflower rice if you want a lighter version.
• It is a complete meal. With shrimp, eggs, rice, pineapple, and vegetables all in one dish, this recipe is filling without needing many sides.

Key Ingredients

• Shrimp: Thawed frozen shrimp works very well for this recipe. Large shrimp are a great choice, but medium or extra-large shrimp can also be used since they are chopped into bite-size pieces after cooking. Smaller shrimp cook faster, while larger shrimp may need an extra minute. Make sure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and have the tails removed.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives this fried rice the best sweet, juicy flavor. Canned pineapple can also be used in a pinch, but choose pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup. Pineapple chunks or slices are best because they can be chopped to the right size. Avoid crushed pineapple, which can add too much moisture.
• Rice: For the best fried rice texture, the rice should be cooked ahead of time and completely cooled. Leftover rice is ideal because it is drier than freshly cooked rice and less likely to become mushy in the skillet. White rice and brown rice both work well.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a deep savory flavor and ties the dish together. A little goes a long way, especially when paired with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil gives the fried rice a warm, nutty aroma and classic fried rice flavor.
• Carrots and Bell Pepper: These vegetables add color, crunch, and freshness. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a classic fried rice ingredient. They add protein, flavor, and a soft texture that blends beautifully with the rice.
• Green Onions: Also called scallions, green onions bring freshness and a mild onion flavor. Use some while cooking and save the rest for garnish.

How To Make Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice

• Start with cooked rice that has been fully cooled. Leftover rice works best because it is firm and dry enough to fry without turning sticky.
• Cook the shrimp first. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet, add the shrimp in a single layer, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C shape. Remove them from the skillet, let them cool slightly, and chop them into bite-size pieces. Be careful not to overcook them.
• Cook the vegetables. Add sesame oil, carrots, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until they are tender but still have a little bite.
• Add the aromatics. Stir in green onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook briefly, just until fragrant.
• Stir in the rice. Add the cold cooked rice and break up any clumps as you mix.
• Add pineapple and soy sauce. Stir everything together and let the rice absorb the flavor.
• Scramble the eggs. Push the fried rice to one side of the skillet, pour the beaten eggs into the empty side, and scramble until just cooked. Then mix them through the rice.
• Finish the dish. Add the chopped shrimp back to the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is warm. Garnish with extra green onions and serve hot.

Try These Other Delicious Recipes

• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
• Chicken Zucchini Boats
• Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
• Creamy Dijon Chicken with Mushrooms and Leeks

Tips And Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can leave them covered in the refrigerator overnight, or place them in a sealed bag and submerge the bag in cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Use cold water only.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover shrimp pineapple fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Why does the rice need to be cold? Cold cooked rice has less moisture than fresh hot rice, so it fries better and stays fluffy. Freshly cooked rice can still be used, but the texture may be softer.
• How should I cut the vegetables? Try to cut the carrots and bell pepper into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• What pan should I use? A large non-stick skillet is ideal because it gives the rice enough room to fry and helps prevent sticking.
• How do I keep the eggs soft? Lower the heat to medium-low before adding the beaten eggs. This helps them scramble gently instead of drying out.