WHAT'S SPECIAL
The nutrition content will vary slightly depending on whether you add tofu, chicken, or shrimp and the specific quantities of oil and sauce.
Sweet and sour fried rice is a delicious twist on traditional fried rice, blending the bold flavors of sweet and tangy sauces with a savory fried rice base. It’s a vibrant, colorful dish filled with vegetables, pineapple, and sometimes tofu or chicken, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This recipe is special because it balances the sweetness of pineapple and the tartness of vinegar or tamarind with the umami-rich soy sauce and garlic, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Sweet and Sour Fried Rice
Sweet and sour fried rice is a unique variation of traditional fried rice that takes inspiration from the popular Chinese-American sweet and sour dishes. The rice is stir-fried with vegetables and pineapple chunks, then mixed with a sweet and tangy sauce that creates a delightful combination of flavors. It's versatile enough to be made vegan, vegetarian, or with added protein like chicken or shrimp.This dish is perfect for those looking to try something a little different from the usual fried rice, and it’s a great way to use up leftover rice. It’s also customizable with different vegetables or proteins, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Equipment
- Large wok or frying pan
- Wooden spatula or spoon
- Rice cooker (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for the sauce)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- **For the Fried Rice:**
- - 3 cups cooked jasmine rice day-old rice works best
- - 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- - 1/2 cup bell peppers diced (red, yellow, or green)
- - 1/2 cup carrots diced
- - 1/4 cup green peas optional
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 small onion chopped
- - 1/2 cup tofu chicken, or shrimp (optional for added protein)
- - 2 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying
- - 1 tbsp soy sauce
- - 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- **For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:**
- - 2 tbsp ketchup
- - 2 tbsp soy sauce
- - 1 tbsp vinegar apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- - 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- - 1 tbsp pineapple juice from the can or fresh
- - 1 tsp tamari or additional soy sauce optional for more umami flavor
- - 1/2 tsp sesame oil optional for added flavor
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- If you haven't prepared the rice beforehand, cook 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. Ideally, the rice should be cold or day-old, as freshly cooked rice may become mushy when stir-fried.
- Once the rice is ready, spread it out on a tray to cool or store it in the fridge while you prep the other ingredients.
- Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil (if using). Adjust the sweetness or sourness to taste by adding more sugar or vinegar as needed.
- Set the sauce aside for later.
- Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Protein
- Dice the bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Drain the pineapple chunks if using canned, or chop fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
- If you're adding tofu, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein, cut them into small cubes or bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and chop the green onions for garnish.
- Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Protein
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. If using chicken or shrimp, stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. If using tofu, stir-fry until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove the protein from the wok and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the garlic and onions for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, bell peppers, and peas. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Toss in the pineapple chunks and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Step 5: Add the Rice and Sauce
- Add the cold rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the rice gets evenly coated with oil and starts to crisp up slightly.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the rice and toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
- If you’ve cooked protein, add it back into the pan at this stage. Stir-fry for an additional minute until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce if necessary.
- Transfer the sweet and sour fried rice to serving bowls or a large platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
1. Ideal for Leftover Rice:
Sweet and sour fried rice is best made with day-old rice. Leftover rice has a firmer texture and will not get mushy when stir-fried, giving the dish its characteristic fried rice texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can make fresh rice and let it cool on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes before using. 2. Customizable Ingredients:
One of the best things about this dish is its flexibility. You can easily substitute or add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms based on what you have on hand. For a more filling meal, you can add extra protein like tofu for a vegan option, or chicken, pork, or shrimp if you prefer. 3. Balanced Flavors:
The key to achieving the perfect sweet and sour flavor is balancing the sweetness from the pineapple and sugar with the tang from the vinegar and pineapple juice. Adjust the levels of sweetness and acidity to your taste as you mix the sauce.
Sweet and sour fried rice is best made with day-old rice. Leftover rice has a firmer texture and will not get mushy when stir-fried, giving the dish its characteristic fried rice texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can make fresh rice and let it cool on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes before using. 2. Customizable Ingredients:
One of the best things about this dish is its flexibility. You can easily substitute or add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms based on what you have on hand. For a more filling meal, you can add extra protein like tofu for a vegan option, or chicken, pork, or shrimp if you prefer. 3. Balanced Flavors:
The key to achieving the perfect sweet and sour flavor is balancing the sweetness from the pineapple and sugar with the tang from the vinegar and pineapple juice. Adjust the levels of sweetness and acidity to your taste as you mix the sauce.