There’s something magical about Hawaiian Fried Rice that makes it the ultimate comfort food. Imagine sizzling rice tossed with a colorful medley of veggies, sweet pineapple chunks, and savory proteins—each bite bursts with flavors that dance in your mouth like a hula dancer at a luau. The combination of sweet and salty makes your taste buds do a happy little jig, while the aroma wafts through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It takes me back to lazy summer days spent with friends, where laughter mingled with the scent of grilled meats and tropical fruits. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a quick dinner, Hawaiian Fried Rice is your ticket to flavor paradise that promises to impress without requiring you to don a chef’s hat. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hawaiian Fried Rice is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors will have everyone asking for seconds
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any table spread
- Perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course, this recipe is endlessly versatile!
I once made this dish for some friends who had never tried Hawaiian Fried Rice before. Their delighted reactions were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cooked Jasmine Rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture; it prevents mushiness and gives you perfect fried rice.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works well; opt for juicy pieces that add sweetness.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for visual appeal; they also add crunch and freshness.
Green Onions: Chopped scallions provide brightness; sprinkle them on top for garnish.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Protein (Chicken/Shrimp): Choose your favorite protein; cooked chicken or shrimp elevates the dish’s heartiness.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds rich flavor; use it sparingly for an aromatic finish.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs bring creaminess; be sure to mix them in when the rice is hot!
Frozen Peas and Carrots: Convenient and colorful additions that balance the dish nutritionally.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients, chopping vegetables, and measuring out sauces. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fun!
Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped green onions until fragrant, then toss in bell peppers and cook until they soften.
Add Protein and Pineapple: Stir in your choice of cooked chicken or shrimp along with pineapple chunks, letting them heat through while combining flavors beautifully.
Toss in Rice and Sauce: Add day-old jasmine rice to the pan. Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over it, stirring well until every grain is coated evenly.
Mix in Eggs and Peas/Carrots: Push rice mixture aside in the pan. Scramble eggs until just set before folding into the rice along with frozen peas and carrots.
Serve Hot and Garnish!: Once everything is heated through, serve hot! Top with additional chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
And there you have it—delicious Hawaiian Fried Rice that’s sure to transport you straight to the islands! This dish not only tastes amazing but comes together quickly, making it excellent for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings with friends. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
You Must Know
- This Hawaiian Fried Rice is a delightful fusion of flavors that can transform leftover rice into a tropical feast
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it an irresistible dish, perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly cooked Hawaiian Fried Rice, start by sautéing your proteins first, then add vegetables before the rice, ensuring everything blends well.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pineapple for mango or use different proteins like shrimp or tofu to personalize your Hawaiian Fried Rice experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Hawaiian Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect texture, use day-old rice as it absorbs flavors better and prevents mushiness
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking; this helps achieve that delightful stir-fry char
- Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning enhances the overall flavor beautifully
Sharing my first attempt at Hawaiian Fried Rice reminds me of my college days, where friends raved about my “exotic” culinary skills during a late-night study session.
FAQ
What is Hawaiian Fried Rice?
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a flavorful dish featuring rice stir-fried with vegetables, meats, and tropical fruits.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, using brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to your Hawaiian Fried Rice.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the meat and add more vegetables or tofu for protein in your Hawaiian Fried Rice.
Hawaiian Fried Rice
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked jasmine rice with colorful vegetables, sweet pineapple, and your choice of savory protein. This delightful meal offers a beautiful balance of sweet and salty flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food that transports you straight to the islands. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Treat your taste buds to this tropical feast that guarantees smiles all around!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken or shrimp)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and measuring sauces.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat; sauté green onions until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Stir in your choice of cooked chicken or shrimp along with pineapple chunks until heated through.
- Add day-old rice; drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat evenly.
- Push rice mixture aside; scramble eggs in the pan, then fold into rice with frozen peas and carrots.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: - For added variety, substitute pineapple with mango or try different proteins such as tofu for a vegetarian option. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
