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Tropical Rice Paradise

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:04 GMT Perfect Sides
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Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
By Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:04 GMT

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A close-up of a bowl of fried rice mixed with diced ham, pineapple, and green onions. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of fried rice mixed with diced ham, pineapple, and green onions.

My Hawaiian luau rice brings a taste of the islands straight to your table. The mix of sweet pineapple savory ham and toasted coconut transforms simple rice into something magical. Whenever I serve this at family gatherings everyone asks for seconds its that good.

Island Magic Made Simple

This dish came from my love of Hawaiian flavors and easy cooking. That perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory turns everyday rice into something special. It fits right in at backyard barbecues yet feels cozy enough for family dinner.

From My Kitchen

  • Light fluffy rice chilled overnight for best results
  • Pure coconut oil adds island flair
  • Fresh aromatics make the base
  • Sweet juicy pineapple fresh when possible
  • Diced ham adds perfect salty balance
  • Golden toasted coconut for crunch
  • Fresh green onions brighten everything
  • Macadamia nuts when I want extra luxury

Let's Cook

Start with Rice
Cook your rice cool it completely overnight makes it perfect
Golden Touch
Toast coconut until fragrant do nuts too if using
Build Flavor
Warm coconut oil cook onions garlic ginger until sweet
Mix it Up
Brown ham stir in rice add pineapple coconut until warmed
Final Touch
Top with green onions nuts serve while warm

Make it Perfect

Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor toast that coconut until golden. Cold rice keeps everything separate and fluffy. Add your own twist with different fruits or proteins makes it your own.

A close-up view of a bowl of fried rice mixed with diced ham, pineapple pieces, and chopped green onions.
A close-up view of a bowl of fried rice mixed with diced ham, pineapple pieces, and chopped green onions.

Serving Ideas

This rice tastes amazing with grilled chicken teriyaki fish or pork. Add a fruity drink for the full island experience. Leftovers keep nicely three days just warm gently when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rice works best?

Any leftover cold rice works. Cold rice prevents sticking.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, fresh or canned both work well.

What meat options work?

Deli ham, fresh ham or Spam are all authentic options.

Is the coconut sweetened?

Use unsweetened desiccated coconut. Toast for best flavor.

Why cold rice?

Prevents clumping and sticking when frying.

4.30 from 215 votes

Hawaiian Luau Rice

Prep Time:
10 Minutes
Cook Time:
15 Minutes
Total Time:
25 Minutes
Servings:
4
A close-up of a bowl of fried rice mixed with diced ham, pineapple, and green onions.
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A tropical rice dish combining sweet pineapple and coconut with savory ham and aromatics. The perfect summer side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice (or 2 cups cooked rice).
  • 1.5 cups water (if cooking rice).
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil.
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped.
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp dried).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1/2 cup ham, sliced thin.
  • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut.
  • 1 tsp chicken powder/bouillon.
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper.
  • 1 cup pineapple, chopped.
  • Toasted macadamia nuts (optional garnish).
  • 2 tbsp green onions (optional garnish).

Instructions

1.

1. Cook Rice: Cook rice if needed, cool completely in fridge.

2.

2. Toast Coconut: Toast coconut in dry skillet until brown. Set aside.

3.

3. Toast Nuts: Optional: Toast and chop macadamia nuts.

4.

4. Cook Aromatics: Cook onion, garlic, ginger in coconut oil until fragrant.

5.

5. Add Ham: Add ham, cook until golden.

6.

6. Mix Rice And Seasoning: Add rice, chicken powder, pepper. Mix well.

7.

7. Add Pineapple And Coconut: Stir in pineapple, green onions, toasted coconut.

8.

8. Finish And Serve: Heat through, garnish and serve.

Notes

  1. Use cold leftover rice to prevent sticking.
  2. Can use fresh or canned pineapple.
  3. Spam can substitute for ham.
  4. Unsweetened coconut works best.

Tools You'll Need

  • Non-stick skillet.
  • Rice cooker or pot.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tree nuts (if using macadamia).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 255
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 6 g