Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack

Introduction

The Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory elements. Combining tender shrimp, juicy pineapple, and aromatic rice, this meal creates a beautiful presentation that is both impressive and satisfying. It’s a fun one-pot dish that can be customized with your favorite seasonings and garnishes, making it a perfect addition to family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 medium carrots, julienned (about ½ cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 5-6 green onions (scallions), chopped and divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tablespoon minced fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 3 cups cooked and fully cooled rice (white or brown)
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Optional: additional chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Make sure to use pre-cooked or leftover rice that has completely cooled. This helps to avoid a mushy texture when stir-frying.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet, place on a plate, and let cool slightly. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Add the julienned carrots and chopped bell pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir-fry for 4-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add half of the chopped green onions, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the Rice: Stir in the cooled rice and mix well with the vegetables and aromatics.
6. Add Pineapple and Soy Sauce: Stir in the chopped pineapple and soy sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
7. Scramble the Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the beaten eggs. Scramble them for about 2 minutes or until fully cooked, then mix them into the rice.
8. Combine Everything: Add the chopped shrimp back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients are heated through.
9. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions. Serve warm, either stacked on a plate as shown in the image or simply in a bowl.

Conclusion

The Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, offering a beautiful blend of textures from the tender shrimp, juicy pineapple, and perfectly seasoned rice. This dish not only tastes amazing but also makes for an impressive presentation. With its quick preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!