This Instant Pot pineapple rice is inspired by classic Thai pineapple fried rice but made completely in one pot with simple pantry ingredients and bold flavor from my homemade Thai curry spice blend.
It's sweet, savory, slightly spicy, and packed with juicy pineapple, crispy tofu, and colorful vegetables. If you love my Thai curry pineapple recipe, this rice version brings those same vibrant flavors into a hearty, satisfying meal.
And if tropical flavors are your thing, don't miss my pineapple fried quinoa recipe or this quick vegan pineapple tofu stir fry recipe for more easy weeknight options.
Recently, I've been cooking a lot of rice dishes using my own spice blends, and each one has turned out beautifully. Recipes like vegan methi pulao, Instant pot peas pulao, and aromatic Instant pot vegan biryani have become regular favorites in our home.
Quick Look: Instant Pot Pineapple Thai Fried Rice
- ✅ Recipe Name: Pineapple Thai Fried Rice
- 🕒 Ready In: 25 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 4
- 🍽 Calories: 409 per serving (estimated)
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Pineapple, Tofu, Basmati Rice, Thai spice
- 📖 Dietary Info: Vegan; gluten-free; high-protein; oil-optional
- 👌 Difficulty: Easy - one pot, Asian flavors, minimal prep
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Why You Will Love This
- One-pot meal - everything cooks right in the Instant Pot
- Sweet + savory balance with pineapple and Thai curry spice
- Family-approved (no restaurant needed)
- Great way to use my Thai curry spice blend
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully
Key Ingredients
- Basmati Rice: Rinsed well to remove excess starch. Basmati keeps the grains separate and fluffy.
- Fresh Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor. You can also use canned (drained well), but fresh gives the best texture.
- Extra-Firm Tofu: Pressed and cubed. It holds its shape and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Tamari: Adds umami and depth. You can substitute soy sauce if needed.
- Thai Curry Powder (my blend): The star ingredient that brings warmth and authentic flavor.
See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Add roasted cashews for crunch.
- Stir in green peas or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for brightness.
- Top with chopped cilantro or green onions and shallots.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
- If you are not using my Thai curry spice blend - Use any store-bought Thai curry pastes or curry powder.
How to Make Instant Pot Pineapple Fried Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode (medium). Add oil, then garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in onions, bell peppers, pineapple cubes and tofu cubes. Cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown and build flavor.
- Sprinkle in the Thai curry powder and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add rinsed basmati rice, tamari, salt, and the required water (adjust based on your usual rice ratio). Stir gently.
- Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed. That's it. One pot. Minimal cleanup. Maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a complete meal on its own.
- Pair with a light curried couscous salad or with ripe papaya salad.
- Serve alongside Thai-style curries like vegan pineapple tofu curry
- Pack into lunchboxes it tastes even better the next day.
If you love tropical-inspired rice dishes, you'll also enjoy my pineapple fried quinoa recipe for a protein-rich twist.
Uma's Tips
- Do not skip rinsing the rice it keeps the grains fluffy.
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu so it doesn't crumble.
- Don't over-stir after pressure cooking; gently fluff to avoid mushy rice.
- Use fresh pineapple so that it gives the best texture and flavor balance.
Instant Pot Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe FAQs
Yes, but adjust the water slightly since jasmine absorbs differently.
Yes. Use a splash of water to sauté instead of oil.
Yes. Add small pieces of pineapple directly without thawing.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Did you love this recipe? Rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And let me know in the comments what you loved about it.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Pineapple Fried Rice (Thai - Inspired)
Equipment
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup basmati rice
- 2 cups pineapple - chunks/cubes
- 16 ounce tofu - extra firm
- 1 ½ tablespoon thai curry powder
- 2 tablespoon tamari
- salt to taste
- 2 teaspoon ginger - grated
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- 1 cup bell pepper - diced
- 1 cup onions - chopped
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoon cashews - roasted (optional)
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil - or olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode (medium). Add oil, then garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.2 teaspoon ginger, 2 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 garlic cloves
- Stir in onions, bell peppers, pineapple cubes and tofu cubes. Cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown and build flavor.2 cups pineapple, 1 cup bell pepper, 1 cup onions, 16 ounce tofu
- Sprinkle in the Thai curry powder and stir well to coat everything evenly.1 ½ tablespoon thai curry powder, salt to taste
- Add rinsed basmati rice, tamari, salt, and the required water (adjust based on your usual rice ratio). Stir gently.1 ½ cup basmati rice, 2 tablespoon tamari, 2 cups water
- Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed.2 tablespoon cashews
Notes
- Do not skip rinsing the rice it keeps the grains fluffy.
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu so it doesn't crumble.
- Don't over-stir after pressure cooking; gently fluff to avoid mushy rice.
- Use fresh pineapple so that it gives the best texture and flavor balance.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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