Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Easy vegan pineapple fried rice is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory flavors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this vegan pineapple fried rice is not only delicious but also healthy and filling. Its vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, while the simple ingredients ensure that it is both accessible and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 30 minutes of total time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of sweet pineapple, fresh veggies, and a savory tamari sauce creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish at your next gathering; it pairs well with various cuisines.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and whole grains, this fried rice is nutritious and gluten-free.
- Great Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep and easy lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some must-have items for preparing this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Perfect for high-heat cooking, allowing for excellent caramelization without needing excess oil.
- Mixing bowl: A key tool for combining your sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to your stir-fry.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending liquids efficiently when preparing your stir-fry sauce.
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 Veggies
- 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 Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together all the stir-fry sauce ingredients until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Sauté the Pineapple
Start by heating your seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly stir-fry the pineapple chunks, allowing them to caramelize slightly. Once they achieve a light golden color, transfer them to a bowl.
Step 3: Cook Bell Pepper and Onion
In the same hot skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and red onion. Stir quickly until they begin to soften and develop some color. If things start sticking to the pan, add a splash of water to help deglaze.
Step 4: Add Purple Cabbage
Next, add in the shredded purple cabbage, stirring until it wilts slightly—just about one minute. Move it aside in the skillet and introduce a little oil or water before adding in the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Sauce
Add your chilled brown rice along with thawed green peas. Pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce from earlier. Gently mix everything together while removing from heat.
Step 6: Final Touches
Finish by sprinkling fresh cilantro, scallions, and sesame seeds over your fried rice. Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness!
Now enjoy your flavorful vegan pineapple fried rice!
How to Serve Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways to suit your taste and occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a Main Dish
- Serve it hot directly from the skillet for a cozy family dinner.
- Pair it with a fresh side salad to balance the flavors.
With Fresh Herbs
- Top with chopped cilantro for an added layer of flavor.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a crisp finish.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the fried rice into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Serve with sweet chili sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Include soy sauce or tamari for an extra savory kick.
How to Perfect Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
To achieve the best version of Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips.
- Use cold rice: Cold, day-old rice helps prevent mushiness and clumping.
- High heat is key: Cooking on high heat gives that classic stir-fry texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: Customize the maple syrup amount based on your desired sweetness level.
- Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
- Add nuts or seeds: Incorporate cashews or sesame seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Pairing sides with your Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options.
- Crispy Tofu Bites – Marinated and baked tofu adds protein and complements the rice’s flavors.
- Mango Salad – A refreshing salad with mango, cucumber, and lime dressing for a perfect contrast.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli provides nutrients and bright color to your plate.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls – Crunchy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies make an excellent appetizer.
- Coconut Soup – A light coconut soup can add warmth and richness to your meal experience.
- Garlic Edamame – Lightly salted edamame pods sprinkled with garlic offer protein-packed bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the sauce preparation: Always mix your sauce ingredients before starting to cook. This ensures that the flavors are well combined and ready to enhance your dish.
- Not using chilled rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried. Use cooked and chilled brown rice for the perfect texture.
- Overcooking vegetables: Stir-frying should be quick! Overcooked veggies lose their crunch and flavor. Cook them just until they are tender but still vibrant.
- Ignoring the heat level: A hot skillet is crucial for stir-frying. Using low heat can lead to steaming rather than frying, which alters the dish’s texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially if using different brands of tamari or maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil to a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use white rice if preferred. Just ensure it’s cooked and chilled before stir-frying for the best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! By using tamari instead of soy sauce, this Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice remains gluten-free and delicious.
How can I customize my Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice?
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or broccoli, or even tofu for added protein. This recipe is versatile!
What can I serve with Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice?
This dish pairs well with fresh salads or steamed greens for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is not only simple but also bursting with flavor. It’s healthy, filling, and perfect for meal prep. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this delightful recipe a try!
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice, a quick and satisfying meal that combines the sweetness of pineapple with colorful veggies. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a nutritious dish that’s both gluten-free and packed with flavor. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can savor each bite of this hearty fried rice, making it an ideal option for family dinners or gatherings. The delightful mix of textures and tastes ensures you’ll want to make this dish again and again!
Ingredients
- 4–5 cups cooked and chilled brown rice
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3/4 cup green peas (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
- In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, maple syrup, garlic powder, hot sauce, and ginger. Set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry pineapple until caramelized, then transfer to a bowl.
- Sauté red bell pepper and onion in the same skillet until softened.
- Add purple cabbage; stir until slightly wilted. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Incorporate chilled brown rice and green peas into the skillet; pour in the prepared sauce and mix well.
- Top with fresh cilantro and sliced scallions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Vegan/Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
