06/10/2026
Thai-style Pineapple Fried Rice (Khao Pad Sapparod)
This colourful Thai fried rice combines savoury, slightly sweet and nutty flavours with juicy pineapple, vegetables, egg and chicken. Traditionally served in a hollowed-out pineapple, it makes a beautiful centrepiece for a meal.
Serves : 2-3
➡️Ingredients :
* 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably cold and refrigerated overnight
* 1½ cups fresh pineapple, cut into small chunks
* 200 g chicken breast or boneless chicken thigh, cut into small pieces
* 2 eggs
* ½ cup cashews, lightly roasted
* ½ cup carrots, finely diced
* ½ cup frozen peas
* 2 spring onions, finely sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 1-2 Thai red chillies, finely sliced, optional
* 2 tbsp neutral oil
* 1 tbsp Thai fish sauce
* 1 tbsp light soy sauce
* 1 tbsp oyster sauce
* 1 tsp curry powder
* ½ tsp white pepper
* ½ tsp sugar
* Salt, if needed
* Fresh coriander, to garnish
To serve :
* 1 whole pineapple, halved lengthwise
* Cucumber slices
* Lettuce or fresh coriander
➡️Method :
1. Prepare the pineapple : Cut the pineapple lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. Cut the flesh into small chunks and measure out 1½ cups for the fried rice.
2. Prepare the rice : Use completely cold, preferably day-old, jasmine rice. Break up any lumps with your fingers or a fork.
3. Cook the chicken : Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Scramble the eggs : Add a little more oil to the wok. Crack in the eggs and stir gently until just set. Push them to one side of the wok.
5. Fry the aromatics : Add the remaining oil, followed by the garlic, onion and chilli. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the vegetables : Add the carrots and peas and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, keeping them slightly crisp.
7. Add the rice : Increase the heat and add the cold rice. Toss and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any remaining lumps.
8. Season : Add the fish sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, curry powder, white pepper and sugar. Toss well so that the rice is evenly seasoned.
9. Add the chicken and pineapple : Return the cooked chicken to the wok and add the pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, keeping the pineapple slightly firm and juicy.
10. Finish : Fold in the roasted cashews and most of the spring onions. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
11. Serve : Spoon the fried rice into the hollowed-out pineapple. Garnish with the remaining spring onions and fresh coriander. Serve immediately with cucumber slices and lettuce.