Pineapple Rice Recipe

Ready for a delightful escape to the tropics? This Pineapple Rice Recipe is pure sunshine in a bowl, combining luscious sweet pineapple with fluffy jasmine rice, a whisper of butter, and a bright splash of lime. It’s fragrant, colorful, and irresistibly simple—the perfect dish to spark up both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. You’ll adore how this Pineapple Rice Recipe brings together just a handful of kitchen staples to create something truly special!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pineapple Rice Recipe is just how effortlessly these basic ingredients come together. Each one plays a key role: the rice gives body, the pineapple brings juicy sweetness, while lime and green onion add that final burst of freshness. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Jasmine Rice: Choose long-grain for the perfect fluffy texture and subtle fragrance.
• Water: The essential element for perfectly steamed rice; no substitutes here!
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Crushed Pineapple in Juice (undrained): The star that infuses the whole dish with juicy flavor—don’t drain it, as the juice is key!
• Kosher Salt: A touch amplifies both sweet and savory notes.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a bit brightens the pineapple’s flavor without overpowering it.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Quick squeeze after cooking brings zingy contrast and freshness.
• Green Onion, chopped: Sprinkled on just before serving for a burst of color and a mild, savory bite.

How to Make Pineapple Rice Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base

In a medium saucepan, add the jasmine rice, water, unsalted butter, and the entire can of crushed pineapple—including all that gorgeous juice. Gently stir in the kosher salt and sugar as well, making sure everything is well mixed. This not only ensures every grain of rice will be deliciously flavored but also sets the stage for all the tropical goodness to come.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Place the saucepan on your stovetop over medium-high heat and patiently bring everything to a boil. Once you see those lively bubbles, dial the heat down to low, cover with a snug-fitting lid, and let it quietly simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The goal: rice that’s tender yet holding its own, perfectly saturated with buttery pineapple flavor and with all liquid absorbed.

Step 3: Add a Touch of Lime

With the heat off and the rice just finished, squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Take a fork and gently fluff the rice, working the lime through so every bite gets a hit of citrusy brightness. This step makes all the difference, lifting the dish and balancing the rich, fruity main notes in this Pineapple Rice Recipe.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Last but not least, transfer the rice to your favorite serving bowl and scatter those chopped green onions over the top. You want their sweet crunch and jewel-green color to make your Pineapple Rice Recipe pop! Serve it right away while it’s piping hot and impossibly fragrant.

How to Serve Pineapple Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can make all the difference here! Bright green onion is always classic, but consider a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a few chopped roasted cashews, or even a light dusting of chili flakes if you’re after some subtle heat. Each garnish adds texture and ups the visual wow-factor of your Pineapple Rice Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish is beautifully versatile, pairing like a dream with grilled tofu, veggie kebabs, or a crisp Asian-style slaw. It’s also the ultimate friend to spicy curries or saucy stir-fries, soaking up juices and delivering a mellow sweetness that shines against spicy mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, festive touch, consider scooping your Pineapple Rice Recipe back into a hollowed-out pineapple half for a show-stopping centerpiece. Individual servings in colorful bowls, or tucked into bento boxes for lunch, also turn every meal into a celebration! Kids especially love choosing their own garnishes from a mini topping bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover pineapple rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days and is just as flavorful, making weekday lunches a tropical treat.

Freezing

Surprisingly, this Pineapple Rice Recipe is freezer-friendly! Just portion cooled rice into zippered freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring chilled or thawed rice back to life, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water and microwave covered in short bursts, fluffing with a fork between each. Alternatively, warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop, stirring often. Add a fresh squeeze of lime to revive that signature brightness!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be substituted for canned—just be sure to add any juice that collects when you chop it up to maintain that essential moistness. Your Pineapple Rice Recipe will taste even more vibrant and a touch tangier.

What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Jasmine rice is the top choice because of its floral aroma and fluffy grains, but you can substitute another long-grain white rice if needed. Avoid instant or parboiled types, as they won’t absorb flavors as beautifully.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

No problem! Simply swap in your favorite plant-based butter or a splash of neutral oil for the traditional butter. The rest of the ingredients in the Pineapple Rice Recipe are already plant-based.

How can I add protein?

Chopped cooked ham, sautéed tofu, or cooked edamame work wonderfully stirred in at the end, turning this crowd-pleaser into a complete meal. Or serve it as a vibrant side alongside a main protein of your choice.

Is Pineapple Rice Recipe spicy?

It’s not spicy by default—just sweet, citrusy, and aromatic. But if you’re in the mood for a gentle kick, feel free to add chopped fresh chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes with the green onions when serving!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a quick getaway via your taste buds, give this Pineapple Rice Recipe a whirl! It’s a dish that brings both cheer and comfort, with flavors bright enough for summer yet soothing enough for any night of the year. Dive in and make it yours—the tropical twist is guaranteed to win over everyone at your table.

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