Hawaiian Fried Rice

Im not really sure if I can call this recipe Hawaiian Fried Rice, but Scallop and Pineapple Fried Rice is just too long of a name.  Besides, I forgot the egg, so I'm not even sure if I can call this fried rice, but for brevity's sake I'm calling it Hawaiian Fried Rice.

There's a local restaurant near me that very infrequently has a special called Hawaiian Fried Rice.  They serve it in a scooped out, halved pineapple and it is by far my favorite fried rice.  They serve it so infrequently that I can't even remember what's in it, except for scallops and pineapple.

This recipe pays homage to that special, and it's pretty tasty if I do say so myself.

TIP:  It helps to have everything prepped and ready to go when making fried rice, since everything goes so fast (hence why I forgot the egg).

Hawaiian Fried Rice


2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 pound sea scallops
Salt & Pepper
1/2 large onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 cup frozen corn (this is just what I had available, feel free to substitute peas or a vegetable medley)
1 cup pineapple, diced
6 cups cooked, cool rice (I used brown rice, but anything except for sushi rice will work)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 cup chopped cashews (or macadamia nuts)
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (garnish)
2 eggs, beaten (optional)

In a large saute pan or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons oil on medium high heat.  Pat the sea scallops dry with a paper towel.  Season with salt and pepper.  Sear the scallops in the hot oil,  3-5 minutes per side until cooked through.  Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.  Add the onions, garlic and ginger to the pan.  Saute until the onion is translucent.  Add your frozen vegetables and pineapple to the pan.  Saute for 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are warmed through.  Add the rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to the pan.  Mix everything together.  At this time, if you are adding the egg, make a small well in the rice.  Pour the beaten eggs into the well and scramble the eggs.  When they are cooked, incorporate the rice into the well, mixing the eggs into the rice.  Add the cashews, raisins, and scallops (with any juices that may have collected) to your fried rice, mix everything together and saute until everything is warmed through.  Serve immediately and garnish with green onion.