Thai Curry Fried Rice with Pineapple

This curry flavored rice is easy to make and so delicious, you'll whole family will love it. This dish can be made as a side dish, or simply add shrimp or chicken for a full course meal. The Thais always add pineapple chunks to their curried rice, and I find this makes for the most wonderful tasting results. Currents or raisins are also added, adding a hint of sweetness to this savory dish, and a handful of cashews adds that special crunch. This special fried rice is one of the signature dishes of Thailand, usually served in a carved out pineapple. Give it a try - you'll love it!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Yield: SERVES 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1 small can pineapple chunks, drained, OR 1+1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 3-4 cups cooked rice, preferably several days old (Tip: if fresh, leave for an hour or more in the refrigerator uncovered)
• optional: generous handful raw shrimp, shells removed
• 3-4 Tbsp. chicken stock
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 red or green chili, thinly sliced, OR 1/4 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili (chili flakes)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup frozen peas
• optional: 1 small carrot, grated (about 1/4 cup)
• ¼ cup raisins or currants
• ½ cup roasted unsalted whole cashews
• 3 spring onions finely sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh coriander
• STIR-FRY SAUCE:
• 2+1/2 Tbsp fish sauce, OR 3 Tbps. soy sauce if vegetarian
• 2 tsp. Thai curry powder OR regular curry powder

Preparation:

For a chicken version of this recipe, see: Thai Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

1. If using old rice, pour 1-2 tsp. coconut oil or other vegetable oil onto your fingers and then run fingers through the rice, separating any chunks back into grains. Set aside.
2. In a cup, stir the soy sauce/fish sauce together with the curry powder. Set aside.
3. Drizzle 1-2 Tbsp. oil in a wok/large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shallots, garlic, and chili, stir-frying until fragrant (1 minute). Also add shrimp at this point (if using). Whenever the wok/pan becomes dry, add a little stock (1/2 to 1 Tbsp. at a time to keep ingredients sizzling).
4. Push ingredients aside and crack egg into wok, stirring quickly to cook (like making scrambled eggs).
5. Add the carrot (if using) and peas. Stir-fry 1 minute in the same way, adding more stock if needed.
6. Now add the rice, pineapple chunks, cashews, and raisins/currents. Drizzle the fish/soy sauce mixed with curry powder over and gently stir-fry to combine over medium-high to high heat until the rice "dances" (begins to make popping sounds) - about 3 minutes.Tip: Avoid adding any more stock from here on, or your rice will turn out soggy. Add a little more oil if pan becomes too dry (this is how the restaurants achieve that special 'shine' on their fried rice).
7. Remove from heat. Do a taste-test for saltiness, adding more fish sauce or soy sauce until desired taste is achieved. If you happen to over-salt the dish, add a squeeze or two of lime juice.
8. To serve, scoop rice onto a serving platter or individual plates and top with spring onions and coriander. ENJOY!

Thai Curry Fried Rice with Pineapple