Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian Fried Rice is a perfect combination of sweet and savory, with the natural sweetness from pineapple complementing the and the savory soy sauce. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and turn it into a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable—you can add your favorite veggies or proteins, and the fried rice always tastes amazing. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s a fun dish that brings a taste of the islands to your dinner table.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old rice)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh if preferred)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the rice: If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes to prevent clumping. Day-old rice works best because it’s less sticky.
Cook the eggs: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown slightly. Add the frozen peas and carrots (or fresh) and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender.
Add the rice: Add the rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, letting the rice heat through and slightly crisp up in places.
Add pineapple and season: Stir in the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, sesame oil, and the cooked eggs. Mix everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to warm up and the flavors to meld.
Finish and garnish: Taste the rice and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving.
Serve: Serve hot as a side dish or a main course. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 20-30 minutes

Variations

Add more protein: You can add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make the dish even heartier. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs particularly well with the sweet pineapple.
Use brown rice: For a healthier twist, you can substitute white rice with brown rice.
Spicy variation: For some heat, add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes when adding the soy sauce to give the fried rice a spicy kick.
Vegan version: To make this dish vegan, skip the eggs and use tofu or tempeh instead . You can also swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Hawaiian Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together sweet pineapple, and the perfect blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether served as a main or a side dish, this tropical-inspired fried rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and its vibrant flavors will make it a staple in your meal rotation!