Pineapple Fried Rice with Extra Crispy Tofu

By Chef Antonio Brown Stir House

This recipe is gluten-free.

YIELDS: 4 servings

COOK TIME: 25 mins

PREP TIME: 35 mins

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INGREDIENTS

For the Tofu

  • 1 block (14–16 oz / 400 g) extra-firm tofu
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce (from your sauce portion)

For the Fried Rice

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, cold)
  • 1½ cups fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 cup broccoli, very small florets
  • 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 sweet pepper, diced
  • ½–1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed


RECIPE

  1. Press tofu for 20–30 minutes to remove moisture.
  2. Pat dry and cut into cubes.
  3. Toss gently with cornstarch and 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce until lightly coated.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Fry tofu without crowding the pan. Let it sit undisturbed so it forms a crust.
  6. Turn occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides (8–12 minutes total).
  7. Remove from pan and set aside.
  8. For the veggies – use the same pan (add more olive oil if needed) on medium-high heat, add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
  9. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  10. Add broccoli and sweet pepper. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes.
  11. Add purple cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes until just tender but still vibrant. Do not overcook — texture is key.
  12. Add the cold rice, breaking up clumps completely.
  13. Let it sit untouched for 30–60 seconds at a time to develop slight crisping.
  14. Stir and repeat once or twice.
  15. Stir in 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce. Mix well.
  16. Add pineapple and cook 1–2 minutes (just enough to warm and slightly caramelize).
  17. Add bean sprouts and cook 1 minute.
  18. Turn off heat and fold in Thai basil.
  19. Taste and adjust with a little more sweet soy if needed.
  20. Assemble the dish- Serve rice hot with the crispy tofu on top or gently folded in at the end to keep texture.  Enjoy!