Nigerian Fried Rice
In short: Curry-scented rice stir-fried with carrots, green beans, sweet corn, chicken and shrimp, a bright yellow party dish served with fried plantain. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 410 kcal
Nigerian fried rice is a party favorite, usually served in a big mound beside fried chicken, fried plantain and coleslaw. The rice is cooked in a curry and thyme stock so every grain turns pale gold, then stir-fried with diced carrots, green beans, sweet corn, chicken and shrimp. It differs from Chinese-style fried rice because the grains are seasoned before frying and there is no soy sauce.
Instructions
- Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan with the curry powder, thyme and salt. Add the rinsed rice, cover and cook on low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, until the stock is absorbed and the rice is just tender.
- Spread the rice on a large tray and let it cool and dry for 15 minutes, fluffing it with a fork so the grains stay separate.
- Toss the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the curry powder, a pinch of salt and the white pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or pan and fry the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove to a plate.
- Add the shrimp to the same pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes until pink, then remove them to the plate.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Fry the onion for 2 minutes, add the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the carrots, green beans and corn. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add the rice, the rest of the curry powder, the chicken and the shrimp. Stir-fry over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until everything is piping hot. Taste, adjust the salt and pepper, and fold in the spring onions.
Tips
- Spreading the rice out to cool is what keeps the grains separate. Warm, steamy rice clumps and turns mushy in the pan.
- Beef liver, cut into small cubes and fried until browned, is the traditional addition. Add it in step 3 in place of half the chicken.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with Nigerian fried rice?
Fried chicken, fried plantain (dodo), coleslaw and peppery stew are the usual partners. It is often served next to jollof rice at parties.
Can I make fried rice with leftover rice?
Yes. Day-old cooked rice works well, and you can skip the spreading step. Add the curry powder and thyme in the pan, and a splash of stock if it looks dry.
Is Nigerian fried rice spicy?
Usually not. The heat is mild, from white pepper and a little curry powder. Serve a pepper stew or hot sauce on the side for those who like it hotter.
How long does it take to make Nigerian Fried Rice?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nigerian Fried Rice?
About 410 kcal per serving, with 24 g of protein, 59 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 410 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 59 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
