Hawaiian Rice is a classic American-inspired tropical rice dish that became especially popular during the mid-20th century, when canned pineapple and convenient packaged rice mixes found their way into everyday home kitchens. The recipe combines tender pork with sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, green peppers, and warm ginger for a flavorful balance of sweet and savory tastes. Curried rice adds subtle spice and color while a simple cornstarch sauce ties everything together. Finished with crunchy salted peanuts and fresh tomato slices, this hearty one-pan meal offers comforting flavors with a tropical twist, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb lean pork (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 6 oz curried flavored rice
- water (as directed for rice package)
- ¾ cup green peppers (cut into ¾-inch cubes)
- 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tbsp water
- 13 ½ oz pineapple tidbits (1 cup, drained)
- salted peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Combine the pork, soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and ground ginger in a large pan.
- Cook over low heat for about 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Prepare the curried flavored rice according to the package directions.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Peppers
- Add the cubed green peppers to the tender pork.
- Cook for 7 minutes.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Dissolve the cornstarch in 1½ tablespoons water.
- Stir into the pork mixture.
- Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Stir in the drained pineapple tidbits.
- Fold in the cooked curried rice until evenly combined.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot.
- Garnish with salted peanuts and fresh tomato slices.
Tips
- Use pork loin for a leaner version.
- Substitute chicken for pork if desired.
- Add sliced carrots or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for added tropical flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple instead of canned when available.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
- Serve with extra soy sauce on the side.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness.
- Cashews can be substituted for peanuts.
- Leftovers reheat well for meal prep lunches.
Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 720IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2.8mg