Pineapple Rice In Rice Cooker

A delicious recipe to make in your rice cooker is this Pineapple Rice, made with water, crushed pineapple, sugar, unsalted butter, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and basmati or jasmine rice. It takes around 35 minutes to prepare and serves 4. Pair your Pineapple Rice with Cilantro Lime Chicken, Oden With Yuzu Essence, Beef Stew, and Spicy Shrimp Tacos.

To cook this Pineapple Rice in your rice cooker, combine water, pineapple, sugar, butter, salt, and red pepper flakes. Add rice, cook until done, then stir in lime juice and cilantro. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for any rice cooker model.

With any rice cooker—Hamilton, Tayama, or Imusa—you can effortlessly prepare mouthwatering dishes like Biriyani, Butternut Squash Risotto, Mexican Rice, and many more.

Pineapple Rice In Rice Cooker Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple in pineapple juice (1 cup)
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice (not quick-cooking)
• Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 Tbsp.)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

How To Make Pineapple Rice In Rice Cooker

1. Combine Ingredients in Rice Cooker: In your rice cooker, combine water, crushed pineapple (with juice), sugar, butter, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
2. Add Rice: Add the basmati or jasmine rice to the mixture in the rice cooker. Stir gently to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
3. Cook the Rice: Turn on your rice cooker and let it cook until it switches to the ‘keep warm’ setting. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on your rice cooker.
4. Let it Rest: Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the rice sit in the cooker for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the rice to absorb all the flavors and become fluffy.
5. Add Final Touches: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro to your taste. If needed, you can adjust the salt at this stage.
6. Serve: Serve the pineapple rice as a flavorful side dish with your favorite main course.

Recipe Tips

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps in achieving fluffy rice.
2. Liquid Ratio: Adjust the water quantity if you’re adding additional liquid ingredients like coconut milk.
3. Adding Sweetness: Depending on your taste, adjust the amount of sugar. Pineapple already adds natural sweetness to the dish.
4. Stirring Gently: After cooking, gently stir the rice to mix in the pineapple and other ingredients without mashing the rice grains.
5. Resting Time: Allow the rice to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps in absorbing any extra moisture and enhances the flavors.
6. Using the Right Cookware: If your rice cooker has a non-stick pot, use plastic or wooden utensils to avoid scratching.

Recipe Variation

1. Spicy Pineapple Rice: Add a teaspoon of curry powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
2. Hawaiian Style: Include diced ham or cooked bacon in the rice for a Hawaiian flavor.
3. Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice: Stir-fry the cooked pineapple rice with vegetables and soy sauce in a pan for a vegan fried rice version.
4. Nutty Pineapple Rice: Add chopped cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture.
5. Cilantro Lime Pineapple Rice: Stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice after cooking for a fresh, zesty flavor.
6. Sweet and Sour Pineapple Rice: Include bell peppers and a splash of vinegar for a sweet and sour profile.

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. If using fresh, consider adding a little extra water or pineapple juice, as fresh pineapple may not provide as much liquid as the canned version.

How Can I Make Pineapple Rice with a Tropical Twist?

For a tropical twist, add a splash of coconut milk and some shredded coconut to the rice before cooking. You can also include diced mango or papaya towards the end of the cooking process for additional tropical flavors.

Is It Possible to Add Protein to This Dish?

Certainly. You can add cooked shrimp, chicken, or even tofu to the Pineapple Rice after it’s cooked. Just make sure the protein is already cooked, as it won’t cook through in the rice cooker with the rice.

What To Serve With Pineapple Rice

Pineapple Rice pairs well with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, or fish. It complements dishes like Cilantro Lime Chicken, Balsamic Grilled Chicken, Coconut Chicken with Cilantro Lime, Spicy Shrimp Tacos, and Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs.

How To Store Pineapple Rice

In The Fridge:

To keep your Pineapple Rice fresh and tasty, you should store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator once it has cooled down. This way, you can enjoy the leftovers for up to 4 days without worrying about the rice losing its deliciousness.

In The Freezer:

Freezing Pineapple Rice is not a good idea. When you freeze it, the rice can get all mushy and lose its nice texture. Plus, the yummy flavors of the pineapple won’t be as strong when you thaw and reheat the rice. So, it’s best to enjoy Pineapple Rice fresh for the best taste and quality.

How To Reheat Pineapple Rice

To reheat your Pineapple Rice, grab a non-stick skillet and add a little butter or oil. Heat the rice over medium heat, giving it a stir every now and then. This will help keep the rice’s texture and flavor intact, so it stays just as delicious as when you first made it. The pineapple pieces will stay juicy, and the rice will maintain its unique taste. Enjoy!

Check out More Rice Cooker Recipes:

• Rice Cooker Banana Yogurt Bread
• Rice Cooker Buckwheat Kasha with Bacon and Corn
• 4 Ingredients Rice Cooker Rice Pudding