Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, as it fries better)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, peas, carrots, and broccoli)
• 1/2 cup diced firm tofu (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, sesame, or coconut oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup cashews or peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice:
   • If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of rice according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool before using it in the recipe.
2. Prepare the tofu (if using):
   • Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into small cubes. You can either bake or pan-fry the tofu until it’s golden and slightly crispy.
3. Heat the oil:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
4. Saute the garlic and ginger:
   • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the vegetables:
   • Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
6. Add the rice:
   • Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, making sure the rice is well mixed with the vegetables.
7. Add the pineapple:
   • Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until they are heated through.
8. Add the tofu (if using) and sauce:
   • If you prepared tofu, add it to the skillet. Pour the soy sauce over the rice and gently stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is well heated.
9. Season and garnish:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
10. Optional toppings:
    • If you’re using cashews or peanuts, sprinkle them over the fried rice for extra crunch.
11. Garnish and serve:
    • Top the fried rice with chopped green onions for a burst of fresh flavor.
12. Serve hot:
    • Transfer the vegan pineapple fried rice to a serving dish and enjoy!

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious vegan pineapple fried rice!