Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
This pineapple rice recipe is the perfect side dish for any tropical-inspired menu. Light, fluffy jasmine rice is infused with sweet pineapple, zesty lime juice, and a hint of buttery richness to create an irresistible balance of flavors. Whether served alongside grilled meats, as a base for stir fry, or as part of a Hawaiian mixed plate, this dish brings sweet, savory, and tangy elements together beautifully. Plus, it’s quick to me and perfect for meal prep!
The Chemistry of Pineapple Rice
Understanding the cooking process ensures the best fluffy and flavorful rice:
- Jasmine rice has a light texture that pairs well with the sweet pineapple without becoming too sticky or soggy.
- Adding lime juice and a pinch of sea salt helps cut through the sweetness for a balanced dish.
Ingredient List for Pineapple Rice
Jasmine Rice
A fragrant and aromatic rice, providing a rich scent as it cooks. It also has a higher nutrient value than other white rice. Other rice options that are okay to substitute with are brown rice or basmati rice. Avoid short-grain rice as it can be too sticky.
Water
Add it to the saucepan for the rice to soak up and expand while boiling.
Canned Crushed Pinapple
Adding flavor, texture, and more moisture for the rice to absorb.
Unsalted Butter
Gives a layer of buttery richness to the rice flavor. Also adds a bit of fat to keep the rice soft and creamy. To make this recipe vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Fine Sea Salt
Balances all of the sweetness from the pineapple.
Lime Juice
Lime is known for enhancing flavors. The perfect addition to this tropical recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pineapple Rice
- Cook the rice. Combine the jasmine rice, water, crushed pineapple, unsalted butter, sea salt, and lime juice in a medium saucepan. Stir well.
- Simmer the rice. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
- Fluffy and serve. Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Avoiding Soggy Rice
Measuring the liquids accurately will ensure you don’t end up with soggy rice. Avoid adding too much water or more than a 20 oz can of crushed pineapple.
To avoid clumped rice, let it rest and steam it uncovered for a few minutes after cooking.
If you make pineapple fried rice, you should use day-old rice for a better texture.
Achieving the Right Flavor
You must balance the flavors by adding lime juice to avoid overpowering sweetness. If you want more savor, you can also throw in some red pepper flakes, white pepper, or a bit of soy sauce.
To ensure the flavor is evenly distributed, stir well before simmering to ensure the pineapple pieces and seasoning are even.
Other optional add-ins for more authentic flavor include coconut milk, oyster sauce, fish sauce, curry powder, and spring onions. If you want a more intense pineapple flavor, use fresh pineapple or add pineapple juice when fluffing the rice.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for summer and a refreshing addition to BBQ menus. Serve it with a protein like coconut shrimp, teriyaki chicken, or kalua pork.
This rice shines as a tropical holiday side dish during festive times, adding a bright, tropical element to any feast. For those who celebrate Asian cuisine, Lunar New Year pineapple rice is a delicious way to incorporate sweet and savory flavors into traditional meals.
If you’re looking for a convenient and nutritious option, meal-prep pineapple rice bowls are an excellent choice. This one-pan pineapple rice recipe is quick and hassle-free, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Best Pineapple Rice Pairings
- Presentation– Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple boat for a fun, tropical presentation.
- Proteins– This rice works well with shrimp, chicken, or other grilled meats.
- Side Dishes– Thai spring rolls or a light coconut soup.
- Garnishes– Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or toasted coconut flakes.
- Added Texture– Add crushed peanuts, crispy shallots, or cashews for extra crunch.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator– Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing– Allow the rice to cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating– Reheat in a hot wok or skillet with a tablespoon of oil or coconut milk over medium heat to restore moisture.
Recommended Products
Hawaiian-Style Rice
I first discovered pineapple rice on a trip to a Hawaiian food truck, where they served it in a pineapple bowl with grilled shrimp on top. I was instantly hooked by the sweet and savory contrast, the hint of citrus, and the fluffy texture of the rice. When I tried to recreate it at home, I struggled with too much moisture and an overpowering sweetness, but after experimenting with different techniques and ingredients, I finally found the best way to make this dish at home- perfect every time!
Hawaiian pineapple rice is a staple in tropical cuisine and an excellent base for dishes like pineapple fried rice or pineapple shrimp fried rice. This rice is customizable. If you love creamy textures, add coconut milk for a more decadent, silkier finish or red pepper flakes for a spicy pineapple rice version.
This dish is excellent for adding sweet and savory tropical flavors to your meals. Combining jasmine rice, pineapple, and lime creates an incredible balance of flavors that pairs well with various dishes. Whether you’re making it for summer BBQs, meal prep rice bowls, or a quick one-pan dinner, this recipe is simple yet flavorful.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Hawaiian-Style Pineapple Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 20 oz canned crushed pineapple
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 1/2 cup jasmine rice
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan with a lid, add the 1 1/2 cup rice, 1 cup water, 20 oz canned crushed pineapple, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp fine sea salt and the juice of one lime. Stir to combine.
- Place the pan on the stove top over medium-high heat and place the lid on top.
- Once boiling, the rice should only take 15-20 minutes to absorb all of the water. Once it has, take off the heat.
- Fluff the rice and serve warm.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.
