Beef Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

I love this beef pineapple fried rice recipe because it perfectly combines savory and sweet flavors with juicy pineapple and tender beef in each bite, making every mouthful a delightful experience. Plus, the mix of jasmine rice and vegetables is not only delicious but also brings back nostalgic memories of family dinners and fun takeout nights, making it my go-to comfort food.

Explore a delectable variation on a traditional recipe with my Beef Pineapple Fried Rice. I adore how the sweet, juicy pineapple chunks partner with the savory thinly sliced beef.

Day-old jasmine rice elevates the dish’s texture, while soy and oyster sauces deepen its flavor. Try this nutrient-packed, unbelievably delicious dish today!

Ingredients

Jasmine Rice:
Fragrant and fluffy, it provides carbohydrates and blends well with umami flavors.

Beef:
Protein and iron make it a dish that is both hearty and savory.

Pineapple Chunks:
Provides a sweet and tart counterpoint, and is high in Vitamin C and fiber.

Garlic:
Pungent and fragrant, it has a flavorful flair with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Onion:
Improves flavor depth, offers vitamins and minerals, with a touch of mellow sweetness.

Eggs:
Supply protein, and a sumptuous, silky richness when fried.

Sesame Oil:
Imparts a nutty sweetness and complexity; a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 pound beef (such as sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews (optional)
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until they’re fragrant and the onion is translucent.

2. Add the beef slices to the pan and cook them until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

3. In the original pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, add the beaten eggs. Cook them in the pan until they are fully set, scrambling them lightly as you go. Once the eggs are cooked, shove them to the side of the pan.

4. Add the peas and carrots to the pan, and stir for about 2 minutes until they are heated through.

5. Mix the day-old jasmine rice in well with the vegetables and eggs—this involves breaking up clumps of rice (there will be some) and ensuring everything is well combined.

6. Return the beef to its pan and add the chunks of pineapple. Stir everything together.

7. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients and ensure the rice is coated evenly with everything.

8. Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting according to what you like best.

9. Add the sliced green onions and optional roasted cashews and red chili for an added crunch and heat, if desired.

10. Take the dish off the heat and serve the beef pineapple fried rice hot, garnishing with any additional green onions desired. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or wok
2. Spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Bowl (for mixing eggs)
7. Plate or bowl (for setting aside cooked beef)
8. Spoon (for stirring)

FAQ

• Can I use freshly cooked rice for this recipe?For this dish, day-old cooked jasmine rice is best because it’s less sticky and better at absorbing flavors. You could use it hot and freshly cooked for the dish, but your tones might easily drift toward Chinese or Thai territory, given the nature of the flavors you could impart to the rice. If the rice is fresh, you might achieve that difference in tone, but fresh rice tends to be more mushy.
• What cuts of beef are best for this recipe?For this recipe, thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak is ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender when stir-fried.
• Can I substitute the beef with another protein?Certainly, alternative proteins such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu can be used instead of the protein specified in this fried rice dish.
• Is it necessary to use sesame oil?Although not required, sesame oil provides a delightful nuttiness, aroma, and flavor to the fried rice. You can leave it out if you don’t have it on hand.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?Certainly, simply substitute the tofu for beef or toss in some more vegetables. Just be sure to either forgo the oyster sauce or peddle a shellfish-free version.
• How can I adjust the spice level?If heat is what you are looking for, the sliced red chili is your answer. But you can easily adjust this dish to serve your exact temperature preference. A milder version is equally delicious and can be made by omitting the chili altogether.
• Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?Certainly, you may chop the onion, finely chop the garlic, and cut the green onions in advance of cooking to help make the prep workflow more efficient. Also, have the peas and carrots thawed in advance of cooking.

Substitutions and Variations

Beef: Use chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Pineapple: If you can’t find any pineapple, use either cubes of mango or diced peaches.
Jasmine Rice: Substitute basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa for jasmine rice.
Oyster sauce: Hoisin sauce or a blend of soy sauce and a little sugar can stand in.
Substitute peanuts, almonds, or omit them entirely for cashews.

Pro Tips

1. Use Day-Old Rice Always use day-old jasmine rice for the best texture in fried rice. It will be drier and less sticky, preventing the dish from becoming mushy.

2. Prep Ingredients Ahead Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as the process is quick and you want to ensure nothing overcooks or burns.

3. High Heat for Stir-Frying Cook everything over high heat to quickly sear and maintain the flavors and texture, especially in a wok. This helps in caramelizing the meat and vegetables while keeping everything crisp.

4. Marinate the Beef For enhanced flavor, marinate the beef slices in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for about 15 minutes before cooking. This makes the beef tender and flavorful.

5. Cook in Batches, If Necessary If your pan or wok isn’t large enough, cook the ingredients in batches to prevent overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and allows everything to get a nice sear.