Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice — asian , rice / grains — For Two, Please

August 04, 2009

Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice



Pineapple fried rice is a popular dish that can be found in almost every Thai or Asian-fusion restaurant in the U.S. I actually associate this entree with my time in China, when I would frequently eat it at a neighborhood Uyghur restaurant near my dormitory.

Regardless of the location, pineapple fried rice is always a delicious treat for me. I love how the juicy pineapple chunks add a delicate sweetness to the bold undertones of curry, cilantro and chilies in the rice. Throw in some fresh shrimp and vegetables, and you have a colorful and flavorful meal that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Now I'm a little embarrassed to admit, but I'll spill anyways (since I love ya'll so much!) -- we didn't actually use fresh pineapple and shrimp this time. I know, I know...what was I thinking?? I must have been quite delusional because substituting for those two key ingredients was a HUGE mistake. As a result, the pineapple which usually is light and juicy when fresh ended up being too sweet; the shrimp which usually soaks up all the juices/spices while cooking ended up tasting flat. Believe me, taking the extra step to use fresh pineapple and shrimp is so worth it! You will thank me in the end :)


Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice
Recipe adapted from the wonderful Closet Cooking

Serves 4

1 T oil
2 shallots, sliced
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 red chili (chopped)
1 red pepper (diced)
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
3 tablespoons chicken stock (or vegetable broth)
3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup cashews (roasted)
4 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old)
1 cup fresh pineapple (cut into bite sized pieces)
1 cup raw shrimp, de-veined and peeled
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
2 green onions (sliced)
1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)

Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan.
2. Add the shallots, garlic, chillies and red pepper and stir-fry until fragrant, about a minute.
3. Add the egg and stir-fry for a minute.
4. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until almost pink, about a minute.
4. Add the chicken stock, fish sauce, curry powder and sugar and stir-fry.
5. Add the cashews and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
6. Add the rice, break up any clumps and stir-fry for a few minutes.
7. Add the pineapple and peas and stir-fry to mix them in.
8. Remove from heat and serve garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro.

3 comments:

  1. I am definitely going to try this one. It looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. No way!! We are totally going to follow your blog and make all your recipe's!! We love cooking together, but never know what to make! :) You guys are so cute, thanks for sharing!!

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  3. Fried rice has to be my favorite dish. It's the one thing that I could eat every day and not get sick of. Your recipe looks fantastic.

    BTW, you have a wonderful blog. I'll be a regular visitor!

    ReplyDelete

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