How to cook perfect Nigerian fried rice

Fried rice is a simple and lovely dish with an explosive taste that makes you fall in love with it. To prepare a simple and perfect fried rice dish, all you need are rice, broth, vegetables, and beef liver. Here, we’ll teach you how to cook the perfect fried rice every time. Nigerian fried rice is very popular and is typically served at special occasions, celebrations, and gatherings.

Difference between Nigerian Fried Rice and Chinese Fried Rice

Nigerian Fried Rice is made with long-grain or basmati rice sautéed with plenty of colourful vegetables and often includes protein such as chicken, shrimp, or beef liver. The sweet flavour of Nigerian fried rice is a combination of a unique blend of spices like curry powder, thyme, ginger, and garlic, giving it a distinct and bold taste.

The vegetables used, such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans, not only contribute to the flavour but also add a visually appealing burst of colour.

Chinese Fried Rice, on the other hand, is a classic dish that hails from China and has become a popular staple in Chinese cuisine worldwide. It typically consists of cooked rice stir-fried with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, eggs, and often meat or seafood. The flavours of Chinese Fried Rice tend to be more subtle, relying on ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for depth.

Key ingredients used in Nigerian fried rice

While the specific ingredients of preparing fried rice can vary based on personal preferences and variations, here are some common ingredients used in Nigerian Fried Rice:

Long-Grain Rice: The base of the dish, long-grain rice is used for its distinct texture and ability to absorb flavours.

Mixed Vegetables: Colourful vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans are often used to add both flavour and visual appeal.

Protein: Common protein sources include chicken, shrimp, beef, or a combination of these. These proteins are typically cooked and seasoned before being added to the rice.

Seasonings: A blend of spices and seasonings is crucial to the flavour of Nigerian fried rice. Ingredients like curry powder, thyme, ginger, garlic, and onions contribute to the dish's distinctive taste.

Soy Sauce: While not traditional to Nigerian cuisine, soy sauce is sometimes used to add depth and a touch of umami to the dish.

Stock or Broth: Chicken or vegetable stock can be used to cook the rice, infusing it with additional flavour.

Vegetable Oil: Oil is used for sautéing and frying the ingredients, providing moisture and helping to distribute the flavours evenly.

Eggs: Beaten eggs can be scrambled and added to the rice, contributing both texture and protein.

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to make Nigerian Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers, green beans), finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked and diced chicken, shrimp, or beef (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Wash the rice thoroughly and cook it in chicken or vegetable broth until it's slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

Add the mixed vegetables and cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. If using shrimp, be sure to cook until they turn pink.

Add curry powder, thyme, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to the pan. Mix well to ensure that the spices coat the vegetables and protein evenly.

Gently add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine the rice with the vegetable and protein mixture. Be careful not to break the rice grains.

Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble them until they are just cooked. Then, mix the scrambled eggs with the rice mixture.

Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce, salt, or spices according to your taste preferences.

Continue to stir-fry the rice for a few more minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the rice to absorb the spices. If the rice seems dry, you can add a bit more oil or broth.

Once the fried rice is fully cooked and well seasoned, turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavour.

Tips for Making Nigerian Fried Rice

• Don’t overboil your rice before frying it; otherwise, you will end up with soggy fried rice.
• Water-rice ratio is important for a good Nigerian fried rice or any fried rice at that.

Storing and Reheating Nigerian Fried Rice

Storing: Allow the fried rice to cool down to room temperature within 1-2 hours after cooking. This helps prevent bacterial growth. Freeze the fried rice for up to 1-2 months. Beyond this time, the quality might start to degrade.

Reheating: If you freeze the fried rice, transfer the desired portion from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.

Place the desired portion of fried rice in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Reheat on medium power (50%) in 1-minute increments, stirring between each increment. This helps to ensure even heating and prevents overcooking. Make sure the rice is heated throughout.

To reheat on the stovetop, place the fried rice in a non-stick pan or skillet. Add a splash of water, broth, or oil to prevent sticking and aid in reheating. Cover the pan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Best Oil for Fried Rice?

Vegetable oil, such as canola, sunflower, or safflower, is a popular choice for frying rice. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures needed for stir-frying without breaking down and producing a burnt taste. Additionally, vegetable oil is relatively neutral in flavour, allowing the other ingredients in the fried rice to shine.

Why is my Fried Rice Soggy?

Fried rice can be soggy when the rice is overcooked before combining with the veggies. If you're looking for a place to buy quality African groceries in the UK, why not try our African Grocery Store?