Introduction

This Pineapple & Honey Beef with Coconut Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines tender ground beef with juicy pineapple and a hint of honey, served alongside creamy coconut-infused rice.

A white plate with a black rim holds a layered dish starting with a base of sticky white rice, topped with small pieces of cooked ground beef. Scattered on top are bright yellow pineapple chunks, slices of dried red chili, thin round slices of orange carrot, and chopped light green scallions. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a green patterned floor in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound of organic ground beef
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon of minced garlic (1-2 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
2-3 tablespoons of coconut aminos (or tamari)
2-3 tablespoons of honey
1/2 cup or more of fresh diced pineapple
Optional: a little pineapple juice (if your pineapple was juicy)
For serving: extra honey, sesame seeds, green onion
Coconut rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Start by preparing the coconut rice. Rinse 1/2 cup of jasmine rice well. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup canned coconut milk. The overall liquid should be about twice the volume of the rice. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir the rice halfway through cooking. After cooking, remove from heat, place a folded tea towel on top, cover again, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Step 3: While the rice cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Season with salt carefully to avoid over-salting. Cook until nearly done.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the beef. Cook until the mixture starts to crisp slightly.
Step 5: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of coconut aminos, pineapple juice if using, and 2-3 tablespoons of honey. Taste and adjust these ingredients to your preference.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh diced pineapple.
Step 7: To serve, spoon the coconut rice onto plates and top with the beef and pineapple mixture. Drizzle additional honey over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.

Tips & Variations

Use tamari instead of coconut aminos for a different salty depth if preferred.
For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Try adding diced bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and color.
If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks drained well can be substituted.
To make it gluten-free, ensure your coconut aminos or tamari are certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover beef and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep coconut rice separate to maintain texture. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to avoid dryness.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful dish layered with white rice at the bottom, topped with cooked ground beef that is brown and slightly crumbly. Large chunks of golden-yellow pineapple are scattered evenly on top of the beef, adding bright color. There are slices of grilled red chili peppers with a charred texture, and fresh green onion rings and pieces are sprinkled over the dish, providing a fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

Yes, regular soy sauce can be used, but it is saltier and less sweet than coconut aminos. Adjust the amount of salt and honey accordingly to balance flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and follow the same cooking steps. Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider adding extra pineapple for sweetness.

Pineapple & Honey Beef with Coconut Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 79 reviews

A tropical twist on a classic beef dish, Pineapple & Honey Beef with Coconut Rice combines savory ground beef with sweet pineapple and honey, all served over creamy, fragrant coconut rice. This dish is quick to prepare, balancing spicy, sweet, and salty flavors for a delicious and comforting meal.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pineapple & Honey Beef

1 pound of organic ground beef
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 1–2 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2–3 tablespoons coconut aminos (or tamari)
2–3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup fresh diced pineapple
Optional: a little pineapple juice (if pineapple is juicy)
For serving: extra honey, sesame seeds, chopped green onion

For the Coconut Rice

1/2 cup jasmine rice
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup coconut milk (canned, full-fat preferred)

Instructions

Prepare the Coconut Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and coconut milk. Stir gently to mix.
Cook the Rice: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Stir the rice halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
Steam the Rice: After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Place a folded tea towel over the pot and replace the lid to allow the rice to steam for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Brown the Ground Beef: While the rice cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning lightly with salt. Cook until it is almost fully browned and no longer pink.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the beef. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the beef begins to get slightly crispy.
Season the Beef Mixture: Stir in the coconut aminos, honey, and pineapple juice if using. Mix well and adjust these ingredients to taste, balancing the savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Add Pineapple: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh diced pineapple so it remains juicy and chunky.
Serve: Scoop the coconut rice onto plates, top generously with the pineapple and honey beef mixture. Drizzle extra honey over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for added flavor and aesthetics.

Notes

Using fresh pineapple juice is optional but adds extra flavor if your pineapple is juicy.
You can adjust the amount of honey and coconut aminos to suit your taste preferences, making it sweeter or more savory.
For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
Ensure the rice is thoroughly fluffed after steaming for the best texture.
Serve immediately for the best combination of flavors and textures.

Keywords: pineapple beef, honey beef, coconut rice, ground beef recipe, sweet and savory beef, tropical beef dish