Pineapple Rice Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite tropical side dish! Pineapple Rice is a bright, delicious medley of sweet pineapple, fragrant jasmine rice, and zesty lime, all tied together with a hint of butter. Each bite is a little taste of sunshine, bursting with flavor, color, and a pillowy, tender texture. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly elevates your weeknight dinner or backyard barbecue, and trust me—you’ll come back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to create something so vibrant and tasty with just a handful of pantry and fresh ingredients. Each component plays an important role—giving this Pineapple Rice its trademark balance of sweetness, tang, and velvety texture.
- Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma and delicate grains make the perfect base for soaking up all that tropical flavor.
- Water: Essential for steaming your rice to fluffy perfection.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps make every bite silky-smooth.
- Canned Crushed Pineapple (with juice): The juice infuses the rice with natural sweetness and tropical notes—no draining required!
- Kosher Salt: Just enough to balance the sweet flavors and bring them to life.
- Granulated Sugar: Enhances the pineapple essence, making everything taste a little brighter.
- Fresh Lime Juice: This is the secret to a tangy finish that keeps each bite from being overly sweet—don’t skip it!
- Green Onion: A quick sprinkle of chopped green onions adds crunch, freshness, and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Pineapple Rice
Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Into the pan goes your jasmine rice, water, unsalted butter, undrained crushed pineapple, kosher salt, and a pinch of sugar. Give everything a great big stir until the butter starts to melt and everything looks happy together—this step lays the foundation for flavor to infuse every single grain.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Mixture
Set your pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a bubbly boil. As soon as those bubbles appear, dial the heat down low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer gently. Give the rice about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s perfectly tender and has absorbed all those irresistible tropical juices. No peeking!
Step 3: Brighten with Fresh Lime
Move the pan off the heat and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice right over the top. Grab a fork and fluff the rice up, mixing in that zesty lime so it reaches every corner. The citrus really wakes up the flavors, making this Pineapple Rice totally unforgettable.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Dish up that hot, steamy Pineapple Rice, and finish with a generous shower of bright green onions. Not only does this make your dish look like a tropical paradise, but the sharp, fresh crunch cuts through the sweet and buttery notes perfectly.
How to Serve Pineapple Rice
Garnishes
Green onions do double duty here—adding a pop of color and a subtle, oniony bite. Want to take it up a notch? Try toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of toasted cashews for crunch, or even a few sprigs of cilantro for a burst of herby brightness.
Side Dishes
Pineapple Rice is the ultimate companion for a whole array of main dishes! It’s a standout with grilled shrimp, teriyaki chicken, or spicy tofu. It can even turn simple grilled vegetables or BBQ into something extra special. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with a Thai curry or sweet-and-sour stir-fry for a flavor-packed meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, go the extra mile and scoop your Pineapple Rice right into a hollowed-out pineapple “boat” for a show-stopping centerpiece. Kids love it, adults are impressed, and you get all the tropical vibes. Small individual coconut bowls also make a fun, festive way to dish it up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pineapple Rice stores beautifully! Spoon cooled rice into an airtight container and tuck it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool it fully before sealing to keep excess moisture from making it mushy.
Freezing
This recipe is a great candidate for the freezer. Spread the cooled rice on a baking sheet to quickly chill, then transfer to zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to label and date it—it’s a lifesaver for busy nights!
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water to your Pineapple Rice, then warm in the microwave or over the stove, fluffing with a fork to revive its fluffy texture. For the best results, cover the container or pan to trap steam while heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just substitute an equal amount of finely chopped fresh pineapple and add a dash of extra liquid (like pineapple or orange juice) to mimic the juice from the can. This will make your Pineapple Rice even more vibrant and fruity.
Is this recipe vegan?
As written, it contains butter, but you can easily swap in coconut oil or a favorite plant-based butter to keep things completely vegan, without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Jasmine rice brings that distinctive aroma and texture, but you can use basmati or even long-grain white rice in a pinch. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the rice for doneness.
Why is my Pineapple Rice sticky or mushy?
Too much liquid or over-stirring can make your rice mushy. Stick to the exact measurements, avoid stirring while simmering, and fluff gently with a fork at the end for the perfect texture.
How can I make Pineapple Rice spicier?
Add a minced Thai chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot before cooking, or serve with sriracha on the side for a sweet-and-spicy experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side dish that’s as exciting as it is easy, Pineapple Rice is your ticket to pure, tropical happiness. It’s the kind of recipe that surprises and delights with every bite, so don’t hesitate—grab your pineapple and rice, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear how it brightens up your table.
Print
Pineapple Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a tropical twist on a classic side dish with this flavorful Pineapple Rice recipe. Perfectly cooked jasmine rice infused with the sweetness of crushed pineapple and a hint of tangy lime, topped with fresh green onions for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 Cup jasmine rice (not instant)
- 1½ Cups water
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons green onion (chopped)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, water, butter, crushed pineapple, salt, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Cook Rice: Heat on medium-high until boiling. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Finish Dish: Remove saucepan from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and fluff up the rice with a fork.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Pineapple Rice, Jasmine Rice, Side Dish, Tropical Cuisine, Vegetarian Recipe
