Imagine a warm tropical breeze wafting through your kitchen, as the tantalizing aroma of Hawaiian Fried Rice fills the air. This dish combines sweet and savory flavors, with colorful ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony. Just close your eyes and picture the vibrant hues of bell peppers, succulent pineapple chunks, and perfectly cooked rice glistening like treasures from an island paradise. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of rice is best for Hawaiian Fried Rice?
- Can I make Hawaiian Fried Rice vegetarian?
- How can I adjust the sweetness level?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you on a little journey. I first made Hawaiian Fried Rice during a particularly dull Tuesday night when I wanted to impress my family without breaking a sweat. To my surprise, they all gathered around the table like seagulls at a beach picnic. The laughter, smiles, and empty plates told me I had just created something magical. So whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this dish promises a flavor experience that will leave everyone craving more. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hawaiian Fried Rice is easy to whip up even on busy nights
- The balance of sweet and savory flavors will have your taste buds dancing
- Its colorful presentation makes any meal visually appealing and Instagram-ready
- Perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables while being versatile enough for any occasion!
Creating Hawaiian Fried Rice became one of those culinary lightbulb moments for me. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it at our potluck; they still ask me to make it at every gathering!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jasmine Rice: Use one day-old jasmine rice for best results; it’s less sticky and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Fresh Pineapple: Opt for ripe pineapple for sweetness; canned works too but fresh is superior.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds color and crunch; chop them finely for even cooking.
Green Onions: Use both white and green parts for added flavor; they bring a fresh kick to the dish.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing umami flavors; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
Eggs: Scramble two eggs for protein; they add creaminess and richness to the dish.
Vegetable Oil: Use high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil for frying; it keeps everything from sticking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice
Start by preparing your rice: If you haven’t already done so, cook 2 cups of jasmine rice as per package instructions. Let it cool completely or use leftover rice straight from the fridge—this helps achieve that perfect fried texture.
Prep your ingredients: While the rice cools, chop your pineapple, bell peppers, and green onions. The vibrant colors should be enough to make you want to dive right in!
Heat your pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You’ll know it’s hot enough when it sizzles as you add ingredients.
Sauté veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers and stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. The sweet aroma will have you dreaming of Hawaii!
Add eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan and crack in two beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble them gently until just set before mixing everything together.
Combine with rice: Add your cooled jasmine rice to the pan along with soy sauce and pineapple chunks. Stir everything together thoroughly until heated through—aim for about 5 minutes—ensuring each grain gets coated in that savory goodness.
Finish up: Toss in chopped green onions just before serving for freshness. Taste-test your creation; adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot! Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if feeling fancy!
With each bite of Hawaiian Fried Rice, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away on a magical vacation—right from your kitchen!
You Must Know
- Hawaiian Fried Rice is a delightful dish perfect for using leftover rice and veggies
- The combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver on busy nights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by frying your vegetables first, then add cold, day-old rice to achieve the best texture. This sequence prevents mushiness and maximizes flavor absorption.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins or add spices like garlic or ginger for extra kick. Personalize this dish based on what you enjoy or have handy in your pantry.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Hawaiian Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat until warm throughout.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The secret to perfect Hawaiian Fried Rice lies in using day-old rice; it helps prevent clumping
- A splash of sesame oil adds wonderful depth and aroma to the dish
- Don’t skip the fresh cilantro; it brightens every bite!
Cooking Hawaiian Fried Rice always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly waited for dinner.
FAQ
What type of rice is best for Hawaiian Fried Rice?
Day-old jasmine rice is perfect as it holds its shape well while frying.
Can I make Hawaiian Fried Rice vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit meat and load up on colorful veggies like bell peppers and peas.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
Add more or less pineapple according to your taste preference for sweetness balance.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Hawaiian Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a colorful, flavorful dish that combines sweet pineapple, vibrant bell peppers, and savory soy sauce for a delightful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this recipe makes use of day-old jasmine rice for optimal texture and taste. With its easy preparation and stunning presentation, Hawaiian Fried Rice is sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying your cravings for tropical flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups day-old jasmine rice
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, green), chopped
- 4 green onions (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- If not using leftover rice, cook jasmine rice according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
- Chop the pineapple, bell peppers, and green onions while the rice cools.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
- Push veggies to one side; add beaten eggs on the other side and scramble until just set.
- Stir in the cooled rice, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks. Mix thoroughly and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Toss in chopped green onions before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
