How to Make Pineapple Rice with Naija Flair: A Delicious & Savory Delight🍍🍛

9jakitchenblog
September 19, 2025

Introduction📢

How to Make Pineapple Rice with Naija Flair is more than just cooking; it’s a bold Nigerian twist on tropical pineapple fried rice. This recipe blends juicy pineapple chunks with smoky peppers, curry, thyme, and your choice of shrimp, chicken, or liver. Whether you choose the fried rice method or the Jollof-inspired style, learning how to make pineapple rice with Naija flair will transform your family dinners, Sunday gatherings, and party spreads.

Why You’ll Love How to Make Pineapple Rice with Naija Flair ❤️

How to make pineapple rice with Naija flair gives you two authentic methods—fried rice-style and Jollof-style.
Sweet, spicy, and smoky flavours blended in true Nigerian fashion.
Flexible with proteins: shrimp, chicken, or even suya.
Eye-catching presentation for family dinners, Sunday lunch, or parties.

Ingredients (Serves ~4)🥗

If you want to know how to make pineapple rice with Naija flair in the simplest way, this fried-rice version is your go-to. The secret is using day-old rice so it doesn’t turn soggy.

1 ripe pineapple (halved and cored for presentation)
2 cups long grain rice (parboiled or cooked a day before)
1 cup pineapple chunks (from the cored fruit)
200 g protein (shrimp, boneless chicken, or diced liver)
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup green peas
½ cup chopped spring onions (scallions)
2 eggs, whisked
1 tbsp grated garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger
Salt, white pepper, black pepper, chilli flakes (to taste)
2–3 seasoning cubes or all-purpose seasoning
A splash of soy sauce
Vegetable oil (plus sesame oil for extra aroma)
Optional: Garlic herb butter for richer flavour

Equipment Needed 🥘

Non-stick frying pan or wok
Medium-sized pot
Wooden spoon
Knife & chopping board
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Method 👩🏾‍🍳

Here’s how to make pineapple rice with Naija flair plus some Nigerian tweaks:

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Wash the pineapple, cut it in half, and carefully core one half to use as a serving bowl.
Dice the pineapple flesh from the cored half and set aside. Scrape out excess juice from the shell so the rice won’t get soggy.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Parboil or pre-cook your long-grain rice (or use day-old rice).
Cook until about 90% done with minimal water or chicken stock.
Rinse with cold water if needed and set aside.

Step 3: Prep Protein & Other Ingredients

Season shrimp, chicken, or liver with salt, black pepper, and a little garlic.
Chop carrots, peas, spring onions, and pineapple. Grate garlic and ginger.
Whisk eggs separately.

Step 4: Stir-Fry in Layers

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or pan.
Fry the protein until cooked, then remove.
Scramble the eggs in the same pan and set aside.
Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
Toss in carrots and peas, fry briefly, then add pineapple chunks on high heat to reduce moisture.
Season with white and black pepper, chilli flakes, and seasoning cubes.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

Return the cooked protein and scrambled eggs to the pan.
Add rice, splash soy sauce, and toss everything together.
Stir in spring onions and finish with garlic butter if desired.

Step 6: Serve With Style

Spoon the pineapple rice into the hollowed pineapple shell.
Garnish with spring onions and extra pineapple wedges.

Your Pineapple Rice with Naija Flair is ready to enjoy!

Pineapple Rice with Naija Flair

Method 2: Jollof-Style Pineapple Rice🍛

Another way to explore how to make pineapple rice with Naija flair is the Jollof-style method, where the rice cooks in a tomato-pepper-pineapple base.

Make the Base – Fry onions, garlic, and ginger in oil. Add tomato paste and blended peppers. Cook until rich.
Cook the Rice – Add rice, pineapple juice, and stock. Season with cubes, curry, and thyme. Simmer until rice is done.
Add Pineapple & Protein – Stir in pineapple chunks, shrimp, liver, or sausage.
Serve Hot – Fluff with a fork and enjoy your pineapple Jollof rice.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Rice Naija-Style 🌟

If you want to get the best result on how to make pineapple rice with Naija flair, follow these tips;

Always use day-old rice for fried rice to keep grains separate.
Fry on high heat for that smoky “party rice” flavour.
Add scotch bonnet pepper for a proper Nigerian spicy kick.
Proteins like suya beef, diced liver, or shrimp work beautifully.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)📊

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	~320–350 kcal
Carbohydrates	~60–65 g
Protein	~10–15 g
Fat	~8–10 g
Fiber	~4–5 g
Sugar	~10–13 g
Sodium	~400–500 mg

Source: Nutritionix↗

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)🙋🏽‍♀️

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
👉Yes — just drain well and ideally cook quickly on high heat so excess moisture is driven off.
What should I do if I don’t have a pineapple bowl presentation?
👉No problem. Use a regular serving bowl—just the flavour matters.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
👉Yes. Skip eggs and shrimp/chicken. Use tofu or additional veggies.
Can I prepare ahead?
👉Totally. Cook the rice and prep the veggies in advance. Stir-frying at the last minute ensures freshness.