Description
This Pineapple Rice recipe offers a delightful blend of fragrant jasmine or basmati rice toasted with fresh garlic and ginger, then cooked with sweet pineapple and a touch of heat from sriracha and red chili flakes. Enhanced with coconut aminos for a savory umami note, this vibrant and flavorful dish is perfect as a side or a light main course.
Ingredients
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or olive)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 2-inch knob fresh ginger root (grated)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pineapple (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
Liquids
- 1½ cups water
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened, which builds the base flavor for the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan and stir continuously for 2 minutes. Toasting the rice this way enhances its nutty flavor and prepares it for cooking.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped pineapple, sriracha, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, salt, and red chili flakes. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: After cooking, remove the pot from the heat and keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish the cooking process. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh pineapple, but frozen works well too.
- Adjust sriracha and chili flakes to control heat level according to your preference.
- Substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce for a more classic flavor but be mindful of sodium content.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking helps achieve a fluffy texture.
- This rice pairs well with grilled chicken, tofu, or seafood for a complete meal.
