Imagine a plate of Hawaiian Fried Rice: fluffy grains coated in a fragrant blend of sweet soy sauce, bursts of bright pineapple, and colorful veggies that practically dance on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the air, making your mouth water and your heart skip a beat, like when you catch a glimpse of your favorite dessert at a bakery. It’s the kind of dish that can turn an ordinary weekday dinner into a tropical getaway—no plane tickets required. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Every time I whip up this Hawaiian Fried Rice, I’m reminded of summer barbecues with friends and family, where laughter is as plentiful as the food. This dish captures those sunny vibes perfectly and is ideal for any occasion—from a weeknight family dinner to an impromptu backyard party that suddenly feels like a luau. Get ready to indulge in flavors so good they should come with a beachside cabana!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hawaiian Fried Rice is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of savory and sweet flavors creates a delightful taste experience
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching addition to any table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any protein or veggie substitution you have on hand
Every time I serve this dish, my family’s eyes light up like Christmas morning; it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best; it’s dryer and prevents clumping.
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Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned; just make sure they’re juicy for that sweet burst.
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Bell Peppers: Use different colors for visual appeal; they add crunch and sweetness.
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Green Onions: Slice them thinly for added freshness and flavor; they’re like little green confetti.
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Frozen Peas: These add color and sweetness; no need to thaw them before cooking.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium works best; you can always add more if needed.
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Sesame Oil: A small drizzle elevates the flavor profile with its nutty essence.
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Eggs: Scrambled into the rice for richness; they help bind everything together.
For the Sauce:
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Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang; it’s not just for fries anymore!
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Sriracha Sauce: A dash adds heat; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
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Garlic Powder: For that essential savory note; fresh garlic can work too but powder is easier here.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice
Start by preparing your ingredients: Gather all your chopped veggies, cooked rice, and sauces so everything is within arm’s reach. This makes cooking smooth and fun—like being in a culinary dance-off.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You want that oil hot enough to sizzle when the veggies hit.
Add Bell Peppers and Peas: Toss in the chopped bell peppers and frozen peas first. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain their crunchiness.
Add Pineapple: Next, throw in those pineapple chunks! Sauté them for another 2 minutes until they caramelize just a bit—you’ll love that sweet aroma filling your kitchen.
Add Rice: Now it’s time for the star of our show! Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps as you stir it into those beautiful veggies. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Add Sauce: Drizzle soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, and Sriracha over the mix—toss everything together vigorously! Let it cook another few minutes until all those flavors meld beautifully.
Add Eggs: Finally, push everything to one side of the pan and scramble those eggs on the other side until fully cooked. Mix them into the rice mixture until well-combined.
And there you have it: Hawaiian Fried Rice that’s bursting with flavor! Serve hot while enjoying that delightful aroma lingering in your kitchen—it’s sure to impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it!
You Must Know
- This delightful Hawaiian Fried Rice is a colorful, vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory elements
- The tropical flavors will transport you to a beachside paradise, making every bite an adventure
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice and vegetables
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion for aroma, then add your veggies and proteins before mixing in the rice for even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your fridge’s contents or add pineapple for a sweeter twist—get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For unbeatable flavor, always use cold, day-old rice; it prevents mushiness
- Also, experiment with soy sauce brands for unique taste profiles
- Lastly, don’t skimp on the green onions—they add freshness!
Cooking Hawaiian Fried Rice always reminds me of our family gatherings. Every time I make it, friends and family rave about it; it’s like my unofficial signature dish!
FAQ
What type of rice is best for Hawaiian Fried Rice?
Using day-old jasmine rice yields the best texture and flavor balance in this dish.
Can I make Hawaiian Fried Rice vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat and load up on veggies for a delicious plant-based option.
How can I spice up my Hawaiian Fried Rice?
Add sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat without losing the sweetness of the dish.
Hawaiian Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the tropics to your table. This quick and easy recipe features fluffy rice, juicy pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of savory sauces that create a delightful balance of sweet and salty. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced, mixed colors)
- 4 green onions (sliced thinly)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced bell peppers and frozen peas; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add cooked rice, breaking up clumps; stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Drizzle soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, and sriracha over the mixture; toss well.
- Push rice to one side of the pan, scramble beaten eggs on the other side until fully cooked, then mix into the rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, sauté minced garlic and onion at the beginning. Customize with your choice of proteins or additional vegetables based on what you have on hand.
