Tropical Rice Paradise

Featured in Savory Side Dishes.

Create a tropical rice dish by combining coconut-scented rice with pineapple, ham, and toasted coconut. Quick to make and perfect for summer meals.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:04 GMT
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. | cookingwithcasey.com

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

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.

Hawaiian Luau Rice

A tropical rice dish combining sweet pineapple and coconut with savory ham and aromatics. The perfect summer side dish.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup basmati rice (or 2 cups cooked rice).
02 1.5 cups water (if cooking rice).
03 2 tbsp coconut oil.
04 1/2 cup onion, chopped.
05 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp dried).
06 2 cloves garlic, minced.
07 1/2 cup ham, sliced thin.
08 1/2 cup desiccated coconut.
09 1 tsp chicken powder/bouillon.
10 1/4 tsp white pepper.
11 1 cup pineapple, chopped.
12 Toasted macadamia nuts (optional garnish).
13 2 tbsp green onions (optional garnish).

Instructions

Step 01

Cook rice if needed, cool completely in fridge.

Step 02

Toast coconut in dry skillet until brown. Set aside.

Step 03

Optional: Toast and chop macadamia nuts.

Step 04

Cook onion, garlic, ginger in coconut oil until fragrant.

Step 05

Add ham, cook until golden.

Step 06

Add rice, chicken powder, pepper. Mix well.

Step 07

Stir in pineapple, green onions, toasted coconut.

Step 08

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