Nigerian Fried Rice

How to Make Nigerian Fried Rice – A Step-by-Step Guide

Nigerian Fried Rice is a staple dish at parties, gatherings, and festive occasions. It is a flavorful, colorful, and delicious meal packed with fresh vegetables, liver or shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice. This recipe will guide you through making the best Nigerian Fried Rice with restaurant-quality taste!

Why You’ll Love Nigerian Fried Rice

• Bursting with rich flavors and vibrant colors
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Perfect for parties, weddings, and family dinners
• A balanced dish with protein, vegetables, and carbs

Let’s dive into the perfect Nigerian Fried Rice Recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients for Nigerian Fried Rice

To achieve the best-tasting Nigerian Fried Rice, you need fresh ingredients. Below is what you will need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
• 2 cups of chicken stock (or water)
• ½ cup of diced liver (or shrimp/chicken)
• ½ cup of diced carrots
• ½ cup of sweet corn
• ½ cup of green peas
• ½ cup of chopped green beans
• ½ cup of diced red and green bell peppers
• ½ onion (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
• 1 seasoning cube
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon of white pepper (optional)

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Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Nigerian Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Wash the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
2. Parboil the rice for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a pot, add the rice, chicken stock, curry powder, thyme, white pepper, and salt.
4. Cover and cook on medium heat until the rice absorbs the stock and becomes tender. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Proteins

1. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan.
2. Add the diced liver (or shrimp/chicken) and season with a pinch of salt and garlic powder.
3. Sauté for about 5 minutes until fully cooked, then set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a large pan or wok.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté for a minute.
3. Stir in the carrots, green beans, green peas, sweet corn, and bell peppers.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they stay crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked rice to the stir-fried vegetables, stirring continuously to mix well.
2. Stir in the cooked liver/shrimp/chicken.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or seasoning cube if needed.
4. Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Remove from heat and serve hot.
• Garnish with chopped spring onions or more bell peppers for extra color.
• Pair it with fried chicken, grilled fish, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

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Tips for the Perfect Nigerian Fried Rice

1. Use Cold Rice: If you have leftover rice, it works great for fried rice to prevent it from being mushy.
2. Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies add a delightful crunch and vibrant color.
3. Cook on High Heat: This keeps the vegetables crispy and the rice well-fried.
4. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the rice in batches for better flavor absorption.
5. Use Chicken Stock: Cooking the rice in stock enhances its taste instead of plain water.

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Variations of Nigerian Fried Rice

1. Seafood Fried Rice: Swap liver for prawns or shrimps.
2. Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit animal protein and add tofu or mushrooms.
3. Spicy Fried Rice: Add chopped chili peppers or extra white pepper for heat.
4. Coconut Fried Rice: Cook the rice with coconut milk for a rich, creamy flavor.

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Health Benefits of Nigerian Fried Rice

• Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Thanks to the variety of vegetables used.
• Good Source of Protein: Liver, shrimp, or chicken provide essential proteins.
• Balanced Meal: Contains carbs, proteins, and fiber, making it wholesome