Pineapple Fried Rice
with Crispy Tofu
​Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
We recommend using a wok but a large skillet works too!
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Ingredients:
For the Crispy Tofu
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1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed
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1 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for depth)
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1 Tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
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1 Tbsp neutral oil (for pan-frying)
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For the Rice
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3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, cold rice works best)
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1 Tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
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2 tsp curry powder
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 medium carrot, diced small
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½ cup frozen peas
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½ cup red bell pepper, diced small
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1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh if possible)
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¼ cup roasted cashews
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2 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tsp maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Fresh cilantro (optional, garnish)
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Lime wedges (to serve)
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Directions:
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Prep the Tofu
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Cut pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
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Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch until coated.
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Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Pan-fry until golden and crispy on all sides (8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
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Bloom the Curry
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In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp neutral oil over medium heat.
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Add curry powder and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden (don’t burn it — just enough to release the oils).
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Build the Fried Rice Base
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Add garlic and onion, stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until softened.
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Add carrots, peas, and red bell pepper, stir-fry 3–4 minutes.
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Add rice, breaking up clumps, and stir well so it absorbs the curry oil.
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Add Flavor and Pineapple
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Stir in soy sauce (or tamari), optional maple syrup, and pineapple chunks.
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Toss until everything is evenly coated, letting the pineapple caramelize slightly in spots.
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Finish with Cashews and Tofu
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Add roasted cashews and fold gently into the rice.
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Top with crispy tofu cubes (keep them distinct on top for presentation).
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Air Fryer Tofu Option
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Press and cube the tofu.
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Toss with soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil (optional), and cornstarch until coated.
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Spray or lightly toss with a bit of oil.
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Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Cook at 400°F for about 5 minutes. Pull them out and shaking, Then put back in for another 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.