Nigerian Fried Rice is a popular dish in Nigeria and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish. Markedly, it is typiically prepared with a combination of vegetables, protein, and rice. Below are the steps to preparing Nigerian Fried Rice.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, peas, sweet corn, and red bell peppers)
- 1 cup of chopped chicken or shrimp
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 2 seasoning cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
First, prepare all the ingredients by washing and dicing the vegetables, and chopping the chicken or shrimp into small pieces.
Step 2: Parboil the rice
Wash the rice and place it in a pot with enough water to cover the rice. Parboil the rice for about 5-7 minutes until it is partially cooked. Drain the rice and set it aside.
Step 3: Fry the chicken or shrimp
Heat up a frying pan and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped chicken or shrimp and fry until it is cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Fry the vegetables
In the same frying pan, add the remaining oil and heat it up. Add the diced onions and garlic and fry for about a minute until the onions are translucent. Add the mixed vegetables and fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender.
Step 5: Season the vegetables
Add the curry powder, thyme, seasoning cubes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Fry the rice
Add the partially cooked rice to the frying pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and spices. Fry the rice and vegetables together for about 3-5 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 7: Add the chicken or shrimp
Add the cooked chicken or shrimp to the frying pan with the rice and vegetables. Stir well to combine everything together.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
Transfer the Fried Rice to a serving dish and enjoy hot. You can garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro if desired.
In conclusion, making Nigerian Fried Rice is a simple and easy process that can be customized to your liking. By following these steps and using your favourite ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please you.
