In Nigeria, fried rice is entirely different from the popular Asian Chicken Fried Rice; because the depth of the taste comes from the Soy sauce. While the depth of taste of the Nigerian fried rice comes from the Curry powder, Thyme, Seasoning cubes; and of course the abundance of vegetables like Carrots, Green beans, Peas, sweet corn and Onions. Our recipe will teach you how to make fried rice the Nigerian way.
Just like the Basmati Jollof Rice, we savour these meals so much, and we can barely do without them in gatherings and festive seasons. Fried rice is a meal you can make in no time. So simple a recipe, but the impact it makes in a gathering is quite remarkable!
This recipe begins with already parboiled rice, so it makes the whole process easier. If you don’t have already parboiled rice, you can see how to do that here. It’s also okay to use a day old rice that has been refrigerated; it is very convenient, and the result is just as good.
Also, be sure to cook the parboiled Rice in a bit of well-seasoned stock so that the Rice can absorb more flavour. Though it’s advisable to this, however, this step can be skipped if you are in a hurry.
Let's go on to make our fried rice.
How to make fried rice: the recipe
The Nigerian fried Rice is a staple lunch or dinner dish in Nigeria. Very simple yet delicious recipe. This version uses mixed vegetables and Beef liver, which is one of the most popular choices in Nigeria, you can use Shrimp or any protein you'd like. If you would love to make vegan fried rice you can omit the Beef liver or Shrimps totally!
- 2 Cups cooked Rice
- 1 Cup Mixed Vegetables I used Carrots, Sweet Peas, Sweet Corn and Green Beans
- 1 cup Onion diced
- 2 Scallions
- 1 Cup Beef Liver Cubed
- 1/2 Teaspoon Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Curry powder
- 1/2 cup Chicken stock
- 1 Stock cube
- 3 Tablespoons Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
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Add the parboiled Rice to the stock and cook until the water is dried up.
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Preheat the oil in a Pan, throw in the Onions and fry for a minute or two, add the scallions, mixed vegetables and the seasonings ( Thyme, Curry Powder, Salt and Stock Cube)
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Throw in the rice and stir-fry for about 3 to 5 Minutes. Take it off the heat and serve
If you choose to use freshly cooked rice, make sure you choose the right type of Rice. Use long grain parboiled rice. This type of rice is very easy to work with when making Fried Rice likewise, Jollof Rice because it’s firmer and less sticky; therefore, making it very difficult to go wrong when working with it.
Another key to achieving a good result when making this fried rice is to allow the freshly cooked rice (parboiled) to cool slightly before using it. The rice should be cool to the touch before adding it to the pan. If you are short of time, simply spread the rice on a sheet pan so that the steam can easily escape or just place the cooked rice inside the fridge for a few minutes.
Finally, it is important that you always wash the rice before cooking it. This will help to remove the excess starch on the rice, which can cause the rice to be clumped together.
AllNigerianRecipes Chef Lola
Also read: Here's A Delicious Yam Porridge Recipe
