Name: Tropical Pineapple Ginger Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice); 2 cups cooked long-grain rice, cooled; 1 cup coconut milk; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; 1/4 cup roasted cashews, chopped (optional); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Crisp, bright, and deeply savory – that’s the symphony of flavors you’ll find in every bite of this Tropical Pineapple Ginger Rice. The sweetness of the pineapple is beautifully balanced by the pungent warmth of ginger and the umami punch of soy sauce, all mellowed by the creamy richness of coconut milk. It’s a textural delight too, with fluffy rice, tender bell peppers, and the optional crunch of roasted cashews.

This one-pan dish is a fantastic way to bring a taste of the tropics to your table any night of the week. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Why you’ll love this Tropical Pineapple Ginger Rice

It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of sweet pineapple, spicy ginger, and savory soy sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile.
This pineapple ginger rice is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
It’s a one-pan dish, which means easy cleanup!
You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of sunshine to any table.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for Tropical Pineapple Ginger Rice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
2 cups cooked long-grain rice, cooled: Day-old rice works best for preventing stickiness.
1 cup coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk will provide the richest flavor, but you can use light coconut milk to reduce the calories.
1/4 cup soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for the brightest flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1/4 cup roasted cashews, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to make Tropical Pineapple Ginger Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Pineapple ginger rice makes every moment feel satisfying. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Bell Pepper and Pineapple

Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and drained pineapple chunks. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the bell pepper is slightly tender.

Step 4: Combine with Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine with the vegetables and pineapple. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Simmer in Coconut Milk and Soy Sauce

Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir well to coat the rice evenly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and green onions. If desired, sprinkle with roasted cashews and red pepper flakes.

Chef’s Tip: Toasting the cashews beforehand intensifies their flavor.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious pineapple ginger rice!

Tips for Success

Use day-old cooked rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky.
Don’t overcook the rice in the coconut milk mixture, or it will become mushy. Cook until the liquid is absorbed.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit them altogether.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce or lime juice to balance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This Tropical Pineapple Ginger Rice is a delicious dish on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes:

* Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent protein additions.
* It also pairs beautifully with chicken rice stuffed peppers for a complete and flavorful meal.
* Serve with a side of steamed bok choy or other Asian greens.
* For a spicier kick, serve with a drizzle of chili oil.
* Consider an icy glass of sparkling water with a lime wedge to complement the tropical flavors. For a similar flavorful rice dish, you might want to check out this street corn chicken rice bowl recipe!

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating to prevent the rice from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Can I freeze this pineapple ginger rice?** Freezing is not recommended as the rice and pineapple can become mushy upon thawing.
**Is this dish spicy?** The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but the dish is not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
**Can I use canned pineapple in juice instead of chunks?** Yes, but be sure to drain the pineapple well. You may also need to reduce the amount of liquid you add to the rice.

This Tropical Pineapple Ginger Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is sure to become a new favorite. The sweet and savory combination is irresistible, and it’s so easy to make. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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