Recipe - Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of pineapple with the savory goodness of fried rice. This vibrant vegetarian dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a touch of exoticism to your dinner table. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious meatless meal. Let's dive into the world of tropical flavors and learn how to whip up a delightful vegetarian pineapple fried rice in no time.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably chilled
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup diced firm tofu or tempeh
1/2 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas, and corn)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 green onions, chopped
Handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts (optional, for garnish)
Cooking oil for stir-frying

Method

- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions and let it cool. For best results, use chilled rice to prevent it from becoming mushy during stir-frying.

- Dice the tofu or tempeh into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the vegetables by dicing them into small, uniform pieces. Also, dice the fresh pineapple into chunks.

- Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

- Add the diced tofu or tempeh to the skillet. Stir-fry until it's golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

- Add the diced vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften but are still slightly crisp.

- Add the fresh pineapple chunks and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the pineapple to caramelize slightly.

- Push the cooked tofu or tempeh, vegetables, and pineapple to one side of the skillet. Add a bit more oil if needed.

- Add the chilled cooked rice to the empty side of the skillet. Break up any clumps and mix it well with the rest of the ingredients.

- Drizzle soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, curry powder, and turmeric powder over the rice. Stir everything together until well combined.

- Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

- Add chopped green onions and fresh cilantro to the skillet. Give it a final stir to incorporate the flavors.

- If desired, garnish with roasted cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

- Transfer the vegetarian pineapple fried rice to a serving dish.

- Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and a wedge of fresh pineapple on the side for an extra tropical touch.