Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Easy vegan pineapple fried rice is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory stir-fried vegetables and rice. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout option among typical fried rice recipes. Plus, it’s healthy, gluten-free, and great for meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of tamari and maple syrup gives this vegan pineapple fried rice an irresistible sweet and savory flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge or your personal preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and whole grains, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
- Great Leftovers: Enjoy it the next day! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier.
Tools and Preparation
To make the perfect vegan pineapple fried rice, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Ideal for high-heat cooking; it retains heat well and creates a nice char on the ingredients.
- Whisk: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavor.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes prepping your ingredients quicker and safer.
Ingredients
Easy vegan pineapple fried rice made with perfectly stir fried veggies, a simple sweet and savory tamari sauce, and tons of flavor. Healthy, filling, gluten-free, and makes perfect leftovers.
For the Rice
- 4-5 cups brown rice (cooked and chilled)
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3/4 cup green peas (frozen & thawed in hot water)
- 1 cup purple cabbage (shredded)
- 1/2 red onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce
- 4 tbsp tamari
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp hot sauce or red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
How to Make Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together all the stir-fry sauce ingredients and set aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry Pineapple
Start with a hot cast iron skillet that has been seasoned well; this way you won’t need to even use any oil. Quickly stir-fry the pineapple chunks until some caramelization takes place. Once desired color is achieved, transfer them to a bowl. If you don’t have a seasoned cast iron skillet, use whatever skillet you have available with a drizzle of sesame oil or a drop of water.
Step 3: Cook Bell Pepper and Onion
Add the bell pepper and onion to the hot skillet. Stir quickly until they start to get some color. Work quickly to avoid burning anything. If things stick, add a splash of water to keep everything moving. Scoop out the onion and pepper together with the reserved pineapple.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Cabbage
In the same skillet, add the purple cabbage and stir-fry for about one minute until it starts to wilt. Move it to one side of the pan. Add a little drop of oil (or water if following WFPB & Plantricious diets) before adding garlic. Cook until fragrant while stirring quickly so it won’t burn.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice along with green peas into the skillet. Pour in your prepared sauce. Remove from heat before gently mixing in all reserved veggies.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh cilantro, scallions, and sesame seeds over your dish before serving. Enjoy your vegan pineapple fried rice with a fresh squeeze of lime!
How to Serve Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
As a Main Dish
- Serve it hot directly from the skillet for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions for added freshness and color.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, to create refreshing wraps.
- Spoon the fried rice into the leaves and enjoy as a fun finger food option.
With a Side of Tofu
- Pair your fried rice with crispy baked or sautéed tofu for extra protein.
- Marinate tofu in soy sauce or tamari before cooking for more flavor.
In a Bowl
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a salad-like experience.
- Drizzle with additional tamari or your favorite dressing for extra zing.
With Sliced Avocado
- Top your rice with creamy avocado slices for richness.
- This adds healthy fats and makes the dish even more satisfying.
How to Perfect Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
To achieve the best results with your Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips.
- Use chilled rice: Cold, day-old rice works best as it prevents clumping and ensures even frying.
- High heat is key: Cooking on high heat allows veggies to sear quickly, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the ingredients instead of frying them.
- Experiment with flavors: Add more spices like cumin or coriander for an extra flavor kick.
- Adjust sweetness: Modify the maple syrup based on your taste preference; add less for savory versions.
- Fresh herbs matter: Always finish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for brightness in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Pairing side dishes with Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These light appetizers complement the fried rice perfectly with their crunchy texture.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and complements the flavors of the fried rice beautifully.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides a crunchy contrast.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring smokiness that enhances the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame make for an easy protein-rich snack alongside your main dish.
- Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a cool complement to the warm fried rice.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas can serve as a delightful topping or snack next to your dinner plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky for fried rice. Always use chilled or day-old rice for the best texture.
- Overcooking veggies: Overcooked vegetables lose their crunch and flavor. Stir-fry them just until tender and vibrant in color.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not adjusting the sauce can lead to bland fried rice. Taste and adjust the tamari and maple syrup to suit your preference.
- Skipping the pineapple caramelization: Skipping this step means missing out on delicious flavors. Ensure you caramelize the pineapple chunks for added sweetness.
- Not preparing the ingredients beforehand: Cooking can become chaotic without prep. Have all your ingredients ready to go before you start cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Divide into portions for easy thawing.
Reheating Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a skillet and reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice:
Can I customize the Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice?
Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you like or substitute with your favorites, such as broccoli or carrots.
What type of rice is best for Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice?
Brown rice works best because it adds a nutty flavor and holds up well during stir-frying.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
Can I make Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and makes great leftovers, so feel free to prepare it in advance.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of pineapple with a medley of fresh vegetables and hearty brown rice. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 30 minutes from prep to plate. Packed with nutrients and gluten-free, it’s an excellent option for meal prep or a quick family dinner. The delightful combination of tamari and maple syrup lends a sweet-savory profile that makes this fried rice stand out from traditional recipes. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or in lettuce wraps, this vegan creation promises satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4–5 cups cooked brown rice (chilled)
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3/4 cup green peas (frozen & thawed)
- 1 cup purple cabbage (shredded)
- 1/2 red onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp tamari
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- Optional: hot sauce or red chili flakes, ground ginger
Instructions
- Whisk together tamari, maple syrup, garlic powder, hot sauce, and ginger in a small bowl; set aside.
- In a hot skillet, stir-fry pineapple chunks until caramelized; transfer to a bowl.
- Stir-fry bell pepper and onion until slightly charred; remove from the skillet.
- Sauté purple cabbage until wilted, then add garlic until fragrant.
- Mix in chilled rice and green peas, pour the prepared sauce over it, and combine all reserved vegetables.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs and lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
