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If you’ve ever tasted Nigerian cuisine, chances are you’ve come across one of its most beloved and tantalizing dishes: Nigerian fried rice. This vibrant and flavorful rice dish holds a special place in the hearts of Nigerians and food enthusiasts alike.
Easy Way to Cook Nigerian Fried Rice
Nigerian fried rice is made of cooked rice, an array of colourful vegetables like carrots, green beans, sweet corn, green peas and proteins that are mixed together for a delicious taste.
Before you start preparing this dish, let’s take a moment to understand why knowing its ingredients and preparation techniques is key to creating an authentic and lip-smacking Nigerian fried rice experience.
Knowing the ingredients and preparation techniques for Nigerian fried rice is important because it’s not just about putting together rice, vegetables, and proteins. Each ingredient as an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste and aroma that makes it so special.
Firstly, the choice of rice is crucial. Long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine are preferred for their individual and non-sticky grains, the flavours blend easily without becoming mushy or sticky.
Secondly, the vegetables are what give it that vibrant and colourful look. To achieve that cut them into uniform sizes, so they cook evenly and retain a slight crunchy taste.
Proteins are another important component. While most people use liver or beef there are some other variations you could try like shrimp or gizzards if you are a vegan you can take out the proteins completely and make do with just the vegetables.
The secret to making Nigerian fried rice lies in the aromatic blend of spices and seasonings. The combination of curry powder, thyme, ginger, and garlic is what gives this dish its distinct Nigerian taste. These spices not only add to the taste but also contribute to the inviting aroma of the dish cooks. Please note that Nigerian fried rice is different from the well-known Asian Chicken Fried Rice.
The preparation techniques play a crucial role in achieving that authentic taste. Parboiling the rice before cooking ensures that it’s partially cooked, reducing the overall cooking time and preventing overcooking. Sautéing the vegetables and proteins separately allows each ingredient to develop its flavours fully before coming together in the final assembly.
In Nigerian gatherings, we often serve both fried rice and jollof rice together – it’s an unbeatable combination! These two dishes are incredibly delicious and mouthwatering, making them irresistible to everyone at the table.
To add even more enjoyment to the meal, people love pairing them with some refreshing coleslaw and their favourite chilled drinks.
Why Does Nigerian Fried Rice Spoil Quickly?
Here are some reasons why Nigerian fried rice may spoil quickly and tips to prevent it:
High Moisture Content
Nigerian fried rice contains vegetables and proteins that have high moisture content. While these ingredients add colour and flavour, they can also lead to quick spoilage. To avoid this, ensure that you fry the vegetables until they are slightly dried before mixing them with the rice.
Perishable Ingredients
Some recipes call for adding perishable ingredients like eggs or mayonnaise to fried rice. However, these can cause the dish to spoil faster. It’s best to avoid mixing the fried rice with eggs or storing it with mayonnaise and salad.
Moisture Control
Ensure that your rice is not soggy or mushy as it indicates the rice might not be suitable for frying and can easily spoil. Use good quality rice with low water absorption, such as long-grain rice. You can also parboil the rice to remove excess moisture before frying.
Reduce Onions
Onions can contribute to spoilage if used excessively. If you intend to store the rice for an extended period, consider reducing the amount of onions used in the broth or omitting them altogether.
Proper Storage
After cooking, avoid covering the pot or transferring the rice to a flask or container immediately. Allowing the steam to escape prevents excess moisture from settling on the rice. If you need to cover the rice, do so only for a short duration.
Separate Cooking
I’ve seen some people prefer cooking the rice and vegetables separately. They only combine them when they are ready to eat. This approach can help maintain the freshness of the dish and prevent premature spoilage.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Nigerian fried rice stays fresh and delicious for a more extended period.
Nigerian Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onions (chopped)
- 1 cup spring onions, bell peppers, sweetcorn, peas, chopped (soft mixed veggies)
- 1 cup carrots, green beans
- 1 teaspoon thyme ( or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (or to taste)
- ½ cup shrimp or prawn (optional)
- 1 cup beef liver
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, add the rice and enough water to cover it.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and parboil for about 5 minutes. Drain the water and set the partially cooked rice aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Then, add the mixed vegetables (spring onions, bell peppers, sweetcorn, peas) and diced carrots and green beans. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Sprinkle the thyme and curry powder over the sautéed vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the vegetables.
- If you're using shrimp and beef liver, add them to the pan with the vegetables. Stir-fry until the shrimp turns pink and the liver is cooked through.
- Add the partially cooked rice to the pan with the sautéed vegetables, liver, and shrimp.
- Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the vegetables and meat are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
- Pour the chicken broth over the rice and stir gently. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook over low to medium heat.
- Allow it to simmer until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the flavors from the vegetables and spices. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Using a fork, gently fluff the fried rice to separate the grains.
- Your Nigerian Fried rice is ready to serve with coleslaw and protein of choice.
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