Cooking for one doesn’t mean settling for bland, repetitive meals. It’s an opportunity to create something special, just for yourself. Thai pineapple fried rice is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is surprisingly quick and easy to make. With the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, it’s both satisfying and exciting to eat.
This dish is also a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and random vegetables you have in your fridge. It’s flexible, doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients, and comes together in about 15 minutes. Whether you need a quick dinner after a long day or want to indulge in a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe has you covered.
When to Eat Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
This dish is perfect whenever you need a quick yet flavorful meal. It’s light but filling, making it great for lunch or dinner. It also works well as a post-workout meal since it contains protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to refuel your body.
If you like to meal prep, you can cook a batch of rice in advance and store chopped ingredients in the fridge, cutting down on cooking time even more.
It’s also a great “feel-good” meal. The combination of warm, fragrant rice, juicy pineapple, and crunchy cashews makes each bite interesting, and it’s a wonderful way to bring a little excitement to your routine.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Singles
Cooking for one has its challenges, but this recipe solves many of them:
- Quick and easy – No complicated steps or long prep times.
- No food waste – Everything is perfectly portioned.
- Minimal cleanup – Only one pan and a cutting board.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients based on what you have.
Ingredients (1 serving)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old and cold)
- ½ cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, well-drained)
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper (red or yellow for color)
- ¼ cup frozen peas or chopped green beans
- 1 spring onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons roasted cashew nuts
- A few fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce Mix:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon white or black pepper
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure everything is chopped, measured, and ready to go. Stir-frying happens quickly, so having everything within reach makes the process smoother.
If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a plate and let it cool in the fridge for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This prevents it from turning mushy when fried.
Step 2: Scramble the Egg
Heat half a tablespoon of oil in a small pan or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten egg and scramble quickly until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the pan, then stir-fry the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the chopped bell peppers, peas, and spring onions. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
Step 4: Add Rice and Sauce
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the cold rice. Pour the sauce over the rice and mix everything well, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to absorb.
Step 5: Add the Final Ingredients
Stir in the scrambled egg, pineapple chunks, and cashew nuts. Toss everything together for another minute, making sure the pineapple is heated through but not overcooked.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite.
Tips for the Best Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
- Use cold rice – Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried. If you don’t have day-old rice, chill it for 20 minutes before using.
- Toast the cashews – If they aren’t already roasted, toast them lightly in a dry pan for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pineapple – It should be warm but still juicy. Overcooking makes it too soft.
- Cook on high heat – Stir-frying should be quick and hot to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Substitutions and Variations
Rice Alternatives:
- Brown rice – For a nuttier, more fibrous option.
- Cauliflower rice – A low-carb alternative.
- Quinoa – A protein-packed substitute.
Protein Options:
- Tofu or tempeh – Great plant-based choices.
- Chicken or mushrooms – If you want a more filling meal.
Vegetable Swaps:
- Swap peas for edamame or shredded carrots.
- Use snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini for added crunch.
- Add baby corn or mushrooms for more texture.
Flavor Enhancements:
- Add red chili flakes or Sriracha for extra heat.
- Drizzle toasted sesame oil at the end for a rich finish.
- Replace basil with mint or parsley for a different herbal note.
Making It Even Easier
If you want to make this meal even faster, you can:
- Use pre-cooked frozen rice – It reheats well and saves time.
- Buy pre-chopped vegetables – No need to spend time slicing.
- Make extra sauce – Store it in the fridge for quick meals.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 400–450 kcal |
| Protein | 10–15g |
| Carbohydrates | 55–60g |
| Fat | 12–15g |
| Fiber | 5–6g |
| Sugar | 10–12g (from pineapple & sauce) |
Tip: To lower calories, use less oil and swap cashews for almonds or sunflower seeds.
Optional Additions:
– Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes with minimal effort.
– Balanced Flavors: Sweet pineapple, savory garlic, and crunchy cashews make this dish stand out.
– Customizable: Swap out protein options or add a spicy kick with red chili flakes.
– Perfect for One: No leftovers, just a delicious meal portioned just for you!
- Want it spicier? Add sliced red chili or a pinch of chili flakes.
- More garlic flavor? Stir in a teaspoon of garlic-infused oil at the end.
- Extra crunch? Garnish with more roasted cashews before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy – Ready in 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Balanced flavors – The sweet pineapple, savory garlic, and crunchy cashews make it interesting.
- Highly customizable – You can adapt it based on what you have in your kitchen.
- Perfect for one – No leftovers to worry about, just a delicious meal made exactly for you.
There’s something really satisfying about cooking a meal that’s not only easy but also feels special. This Thai pineapple fried rice is one of those dishes you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s colorful, flavorful, and makes eating alone something to look forward to.
Enjoy every bite!
If you enjoy tasty rice dishes like I do, don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it later! Pin it to your favorite boards for quick and easy access. Follow me for further delicious, quick and easy solo recipes!
