Full of color and texture, you can have a healthy and delicious meal on the table in no time with this flavorful, Lazy 7 Ingredient Stir "Fried" Rice.
I chuckled when I read this month's Recipe Redux challenge. Ever since I was young I've been traveling overseas, starting with short trips to Mexico, then two-week long trips to Bolivia and Honduras, and eventually growing into month long trips to Nigeria, India, and Ethiopia. Due to my love for different cultures, languages, and travel, I knew I would live overseas eventually. Now, as of last August, I've been living in China for about 8 months! So when I read this month's Recipe Redux challenge I had to laugh thinking about the fact that I am that person that lives in a different country. No one here in China is talking about getting their taxes done right now or about who their going to vote for during this year's election.
I am officially an expat.
Crazy.
Read this month's challenge for yourself and then we'll jump into the best part of this post...the food!
7-Ingredient Recipes
It’s Income Tax Season, so our brains could use some easy arithmetic; as in seven-ingredient-or-less recipes. Show us the healthy, no-brainer dish you fix for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Think beyond smoothies or drinks, please. (And for those of you living in countries where it’s not Tax Season – we’re pretty sure you and your readers would still love doing the math for seven-ingredient-recipes!)
I absolutely love this month's challenge. In fact, it wasn't much of a challenge for me because it's the way Brett and I usually eat throughout the week. I always felt like I shouldn't post recipes this simple on my food blog, because they aren't "special" enough. However, I'm starting to realize that simple is what people prefer, as long as the flavor isn't jeopardized.
What do you guys think? Do you prefer to try more complicated recipes or simple, yet delicious recipes? I feel like most of my meals are pretty simple anyways, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Speaking of simple recipes, let's talk about this 7 Ingredient Pineapple Stir "Fried" Rice. Currently I'm obsessed with this dish. It's so simple to make, taking me about 15 minutes total to prepare, but it's still so hearty and delicious. And really, when can you go wrong when soy sauce is involved?
All you have to do to make this Recipe Redux: 7 Ingredient Pineapple Stir "Fried" Rice is sauté some onions, garlic and carrots in a sauce pan until soft. Then you dump in some pre-cooked or frozen peas, leftover cold rice, and a couple tablespoons of soy sauce. The veggies provide lots of texture and the soy sauce gives the rice a fried look and lots flavor, without all the oil. I love to top my "fried" rice with green onions and red pepper flakes, but you can use any garnishes you desire!
I hope you all get a chance to try out this simple, yet flavorful recipe. If you do, leave a comment letting me know your thoughts or take a picture and tag #theconscientiouseater on Instagram!
I'm also linking up with Deborah and Sarah for Meatless Monday!
📖 Recipe
Recipe Redux: 7 Ingredient Pineapple Stir "Fried" Rice
Ingredients
- ½ small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup finely cubed carrots
- 1 cup cooked green peas
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 3 cups pre-cooked cold steamed white rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce*
- Optional add-ins and garnishes: prepared tofu/tempeh, red pepper flakes, green onions, etc.
Instructions
- Using a little water in a saucepan, sauté the onion, garlic, and carrots until softened.
- If using prepared tofu or tempeh, add that in and allow it to cook until warmed.
- Lastly, add in the green peas, pineapple, cold rice, and soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Sauté everything together until just heated through and the soy sauce is evenly distributed.
- Divide the rice between two bowls and top with green onions, red pepper flakes, or any garnishes you desire.
Kevin says
Where can I find the nutritional values?
Faith VanderMolen says
Hi Kevin! I just included the nutrition facts for this recipe...however, don't take them as facts as the calculator we use won't be 100% accurate. I also said this made two servings, but it could possibly stretch to three, so keep that in mind!
Astrid says
Another one! Really GOOD !! Thank you!
Faith says
Glad you liked it Astrid! Thanks for sharing!
Didbay says
This looks delicious but you don't use any oil? You say "saute with some water".
Faith says
Yep! I always just use water when sautéing my veggies. I just keep a cup nearby to add more water if the water evaporates and to keep the veggies/onions from sticking to the pan. You can use oil as well if you like! Hope this helps. We love this recipe so I hope you can give it a try!
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
I appreciate simple recipes now more than ever when I'm cooking in my dorm kitchen! Even cooking at home, though, I never mind a short ingredient list if all of the awesome flavor is still there, like you said 🙂 Your pineapple "fried" rice looks so yummy!
Faith says
Oh my goodness Liv, I bet! I never lived in a dorm, but I still was all about the easy recipes in college. Hello quesadillas and oatmeal! Thanks!!
Serena Ball says
Thanks for being a good sport about the theme! ! We figured everyone would appreciate 7 ingredient recipes....and I know i'm definitely loving your recipe. So fresh and STRAIGHT from China! So fun!
Faith says
It was a great theme Serena! I've loved everyone so far! Glad you enjoy this recipe:)
Sarah says
Simple recipes are a necessity for me - even better when they turn out to be tasty! I just don't have the time these days to cook elaborate recipes. Pineapple in stir fries is great. Will try it soon!
Faith says
I feel like my meals are getting simpler and simpler too. That's probably why I've made this recipe so many times this past month!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Fried rice is always such a perfect quick meal!
Faith says
Agreed!!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
Mmmmm I love the addition of pineapple to this alreay amazing dish! Simple yet delicious recipes are always the way to go!
Faith says
Thanks Bethany! I've made it SO many times this past month!
Debra says
I have to say this looks fab. I love simple meals and I love pineapple. I hope you have a great stay in China, one of the places that is is on my list to visit.
Faith says
Thanks Debra! I hope you can give it a try. And we're loving China so far. Hopefully that feeling will last!!
Sarah @ BucketListTummy says
I love the addition of pineapple - I bet the flavor is amazing, and it's so beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Faith says
Thanks Sarah! I'm so glad I added it too...makes for a nice sweet kick:)
Kate @ Kate Lives Healthy says
Great simple recipe Faith. I am definitely a fan of more simple ingredient recipes. I honestly tend to skip over recipes with a long list of 1/8 or 1/4 tsp ingredients. I'm sure it tastes great but I can't be bothered to gather and make type of meal at the end of a busy day.
Faith says
I agree Kate!! Hence the easier recipes lately. They're the best and I keep going back to them!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
This really is the perfect recipe! I love the pineapple in it. Pinned!
Faith says
I hope you can try it out Julie! It's a cinch to make and soooo good!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Love the idea of throwing little pineapple in there! yum thanks for linking up with us for meatless Monday
Faith says
It's so good!! Thanks Deborah!