Nigerian Fried Rice Recipe
Nigerian Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavourful dish made with perfectly seasoned rice, colourful vegetables, and sometimes protein like shrimp, chicken, or liver. It’s a must-have at Nigerian parties and can easily steal the spotlight when served alongside jollof rice. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for Nigerian Fried Rice (Serves 6-8)
- 4 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or a mix of vegetable and coconut oil)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, sweetcorn, green beans)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme
- 2-3 seasoning cubes or to taste
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup cooked liver (cubed) or shrimp (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavour)
- Spring onions (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nigerian Fried Rice
Step 1: Parboil the Rice
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Drain well.
- Parboil in Chicken Stock: Place the rice in a pot and add the chicken stock. If the stock doesn’t cover the rice, add a bit more water. Add the curry powder, thyme, and seasoning cubes. Cook on medium heat until the rice is almost fully cooked but still firm. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Protein
- Cook the Liver/Shrimp: If you’re using liver, heat a bit of oil in a pan and fry the liver pieces until brown. For shrimp, sauté in a little oil until pink. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice all the vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and onion) if not using pre-cut mixed vegetables.
Step 3: Fry the Rice
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the carrots, green beans, peas, and sweetcorn. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. Add the diced red and green bell peppers and continue to stir-fry.
- Season the Vegetables: Add minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a bit more curry powder if needed. Stir well.
Step 4: Combine the Rice and Vegetables
- Add the Rice: Add the parboiled rice to the pan in batches, stirring well to ensure the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables.
- Incorporate the Protein: Add the cooked liver or shrimp (if using) and stir everything together.
- Add Soy Sauce (Optional): If you’d like a deeper flavour, add a tablespoon of soy sauce and stir well.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Check the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or seasoning cubes.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant flavour. Serve hot, alongside fried plantain, grilled chicken, or spicy peppered gizzards.
Tips for the Best Nigerian Fried Rice
- Use Parboiled Rice: It’s important to use long-grain parboiled rice to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: To keep the vegetables crisp, always stir-fry on high heat.
- Cook in Batches: If you’re making a large quantity, fry the rice in batches to ensure even cooking and a smoky flavour.
- Add Soy Sauce for Depth: While it’s optional, soy sauce adds a rich umami taste to the rice.
Conclusion
Nigerian Fried Rice is a beautiful, flavourful dish that pairs perfectly with grilled or fried meat and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal spread. Its blend of colours, spices, and crunchy vegetables makes it a festive favourite!