It’s a sunny day, and the aroma of sizzling fried rice dances through the air, beckoning everyone to the kitchen. Hawaiian Fried Rice is not just a dish; it’s a tropical escape, packed with vibrant colors and unexpected flavors that make your taste buds do a happy hula dance. cheesy beef taco pasta.
Picture this: you’re hosting a casual get-together, and as friends gather around, the enticing scent of pineapple mingling with savory soy sauce fills the room. This dish has a way of turning any ordinary day into a mini-vacation in Hawaii. Just one bite transports you to paradise!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hawaiian Fried Rice is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Its sweet and savory flavor profile keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- The bright colors make it visually appealing and perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various proteins or veggies based on what’s in your fridge
Every time I whip up Hawaiian Fried Rice, my kids treat it like it’s the best thing since sliced bread—seriously, they think I’m some sort of culinary wizard. lemon raspberry cookies no bake lemon blueberry pie.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jasmine Rice: Opt for day-old jasmine rice; it’s less sticky and fries up beautifully.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works great; just ensure they’re drained if using canned.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch; chop them finely for even distribution.
Carrots: Shredded carrots give color and sweetness; feel free to use frozen ones in a pinch.
Peas: Frozen peas are perfect here; they cook quickly and add vibrant green pops.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide protein and richness—don’t skip these!
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds nutty flavor; just be careful not to overdo it!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the taste; avoid powdered garlic if possible.
Chicken or Tofu (optional): Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein if desired. For more inspiration, check out this salsa chicken crockpot recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the green onions finely, shred the carrots if needed, and drain the pineapple chunks. This will make cooking smoother.
Cook the Eggs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked and slightly golden, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary. Toss in minced garlic followed by shredded carrots and peas. Cook until they soften—about three minutes—while enjoying that delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Add Rice & Pineapple: Stir in your day-old jasmine rice along with pineapple chunks. Stir-fry everything together until heated through—this should take about five minutes—allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Season It Up!: Pour in low-sodium soy sauce and drizzle some sesame oil over everything while mixing well. Taste-test at this point; adjust seasoning according to your preference.
Finish with Eggs & Green Onions: Finally, fold back in those scrambled eggs along with chopped green onions. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through—just two more minutes will do!
Now serve hot! Garnish with additional green onions if you feel fancy.
Enjoy your delightful Hawaiian Fried Rice! It’s like having a party on your plate every time! strawberry swirl cheesecake cups.
You Must Know
- Hawaiian fried rice is a delightful dish that brings together tropical flavors in a satisfying way
- It’s perfect for using leftover rice and can be customized to suit your taste
- The combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce creates an unforgettable meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your vegetables before adding pre-cooked rice to achieve the best flavor and texture. This ensures everything heats evenly while allowing those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins like chicken or shrimp with tofu for a plant-based option. Toss in some chopped nuts or extra spices to elevate the dish even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Hawaiian fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist. For more inspiration, check out this easy rice pudding recipe recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice can become mushy
- Sauté vegetables until just tender, retaining their crunchiness
- Experiment with different proteins and vegetables for unique flavor combinations each time you make this dish
The first time I made Hawaiian fried rice, my friends couldn’t believe I whipped it up from leftovers. They raved about it, and now it’s a staple at our potlucks!
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white for Hawaiian fried rice?
Yes, brown rice works well but may require slightly longer cooking time.
What vegetables can I add to Hawaiian fried rice?
Consider bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Is Hawaiian fried rice suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for quick meals.
Hawaiian Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a vibrant, tropical dish that transforms leftover rice into a flavorful meal. Bursting with the sweetness of pineapple, the richness of scrambled eggs, and the crunch of fresh vegetables, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, it’s a dish that will transport your taste buds to paradise with every bite!
Ingredients
- 3 cups day-old jasmine rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or drained canned)
- 4 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu
Instructions
- Gather and chop all ingredients: finely chop green onions, shred carrots, and drain pineapple.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, scramble the eggs in a bit of oil until golden. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds before adding shredded carrots and peas. Cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in jasmine rice and pineapple chunks; stir-fry for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil; mix well and adjust seasoning.
- Fold in scrambled eggs and green onions, stir to combine for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: For added protein or variety, substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Feel free to include other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for more color.