How to Cook Fried Rice Step by Step in Nigeria

Fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is beloved by people all over the world. However, in Nigeria, it is not just a dish but an art form. Nigerians have taken the dish to new heights by adding their own unique spin to it.

With the perfect blend of spices, meats, and vegetables, Nigerian fried rice is a staple at any festive gathering, from weddings to birthdays and even to everyday family meals. But, with so many different ingredients, the thought of making it can seem daunting, especially for beginners. Fear not!

In this blog post, we will take you through the step-by-step process of how to cook fried rice in Nigeria, so you can enjoy this mouthwatering delicacy in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we explore the rich and flavorful world of Nigerian fried rice.

Step by Step Process of Cooking Nigerian Fried Rice

Fried rice is a dish that originated in China and has since spread across the globe, with each country adding its own unique twist to the recipe. Nigerian fried rice, for example, typically includes a combination of protein such as chicken, shrimp, or beef, mixed with vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, onions, and bell peppers, all stir-fried with rice in a blend of spices and seasonings. The result is a flavorful and filling meal that is loved by many.

Fried rice is a popular dish in Nigeria, often served at parties, weddings, and other special occasions. It has become a staple in Nigerian cuisine, and many families have their own unique take on the recipe, incorporating regional spices and ingredients.

Learning how to cook Nigerian fried rice is a valuable skill to have, whether you’re looking to impress your friends and family or simply want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. By making it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients and can adjust the recipe to your liking. Plus, it’s a cost-effective and healthy alternative to ordering takeout or dining out. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn how to make the best Nigerian fried rice you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients used in Cooking Fried Rice in Nigeria

To help us get a delicious meal, in our step by step process of cooking fried rice the Nigerian way, we need to start with the best or basic fried rice ingredients that you will need and why it is important and also what it will serve in our recipe. So let us get started with Nigerian fried rice ingredients.

A. Rice:

The main ingredient in fried rice is rice itself. Nigerian fried rice typically uses long-grain rice, which has a light, fluffy texture when cooked. It’s important to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure that the grains cook evenly. Rice serves as the base of the dish and provides the necessary carbohydrates for a filling and satisfying meal.

B. Protein (chicken, shrimp, or beef):

Protein is an essential component of fried rice and is typically added in the form of chicken, shrimp, or beef. These proteins add flavor and texture to the dish, and they also provide important nutrients such as iron and protein. Chicken is the most commonly used protein in Nigerian fried rice, but shrimp and beef are also popular choices. It’s important to season the protein before cooking to enhance the flavor and ensure that it’s cooked through.

C. Vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas, onions, bell peppers):

Vegetables are another important component of Nigerian fried rice, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Carrots, green beans, peas, onions, and bell peppers are some of the most common vegetables used in the dish. These vegetables are typically chopped into small pieces and stir-fried with the rice and protein to create a flavorful and colorful dish. They also add texture and variety to the dish.

D. Seasonings (soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper):

Seasonings are what give fried rice its distinctive flavor. Soy sauce is the most commonly used seasoning in Nigerian fried rice, providing a salty and savory flavor. Garlic and ginger are also frequently used, adding a subtle heat and depth of flavor. Salt and pepper are added to taste, and some cooks may choose to add other seasonings such as curry powder or thyme for an extra kick of flavor.

E. Oil:

Oil is necessary for stir-frying the ingredients together in the pan. Vegetable oil or canola oil are commonly used in Nigerian fried rice, but some cooks may opt for healthier options like olive oil or coconut oil.

F. Water:

Water is necessary for cooking the rice. It’s important to measure the rice and water carefully to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t become too mushy. The amount of water used will depend on the type of rice being used and the desired texture of the finished dish.

Preparing the Rice for the recipe

A. Rinse the rice:

Before cooking the rice, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly to remove excess starch and any impurities. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. This will help prevent the rice from becoming too sticky and clumping together during cooking.

B. Boil water and add rice:

After rinsing the rice, it’s time to cook it. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice, stirring gently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The ratio of water to rice will depend on the type of rice being used, but a general rule of thumb is two cups of water to one cup of rice.

C. Cook rice until done:

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the rice to simmer for 18-20 minutes. Check the rice periodically to ensure that it doesn’t burn or boil over. The rice should be fully cooked when it’s tender and all of the water has been absorbed.

D. Spread rice out to cool:

After the rice is cooked, spread it out on a large platter or baking sheet to cool. This will help prevent the rice from becoming too sticky and clumping together during the frying process. Allow the rice to cool for at least 30 minutes before using in the recipe.

Preparing the Protein

A. Cut meat or shrimp into bite-sized pieces:

Before cooking the protein, it’s important to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For beef, cut it against the grain into thin strips or cubes. For chicken, cut it into small pieces or thin strips. For shrimp, remove the shells and devein them, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.

B. Season protein with garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper:

Seasoning the protein is crucial to adding flavor to the dish. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the protein to ensure that it’s evenly coated.

C. Fry protein in oil until cooked through:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add oil. When the oil is hot, add the protein and cook until it’s fully cooked through. For beef, this will take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat. For chicken, cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. For shrimp, cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

D. Set aside:

Once the protein is cooked through, remove it from the skillet or wok and set it aside. This will allow you to use the same pan to cook the vegetables and rice, and it will prevent the protein from overcooking or becoming tough.

By following these steps to prepare the protein, you’ll be able to create a delicious and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Experiment with different types of protein and seasonings to create your own unique spin on Nigerian fried rice.

Preparing the Vegetables

A. Cut vegetables into small pieces:

To prepare the vegetables for the fried rice, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Cut the carrots, green beans, and bell peppers into small pieces, and chop the onions into small cubes.

B. Fry vegetables in oil until tender:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add oil. When the oil is hot, add the vegetables and stir-fry them until they’re tender. For carrots and green beans, this will take about 3-4 minutes. For onions and bell peppers, it will take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir the vegetables constantly to prevent them from burning.

C. Set aside:

Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the skillet or wok and set them aside. This will allow you to use the same pan to cook the rice and ensure that the vegetables don’t overcook.

By following these steps to prepare the vegetables, you’ll be able to add a healthy and flavorful component to your fried rice. Experiment with different types of vegetables and cooking methods to create your own unique version of Nigerian fried rice.

Combining the Ingredients

This can be seen as the last stage of how to cook fried rice step by step in Nigeria. So after you have prepared your rice, proteins and vegetables as stated above, you need to mix them together to arrive at the delicious Nigerian fried rice. So below are the best step to mix your fried rice with the ingredients already prepared

A. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok:

Start by heating some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir-fry it until it’s slightly browned. This will give the rice a crispy texture and a nutty flavor.

B. Add cooked rice to skillet and fry until slightly browned:

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and spread it out in an even layer. Allow it to cook for a few minutes without stirring, then use a spatula to toss the rice and break up any clumps. Continue stir-frying the rice until it’s slightly browned and crispy.

C. Add protein and vegetables to skillet:

Once the rice is browned, add the cooked protein and vegetables to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine.

D. Add soy sauce and stir to combine:

Pour soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir to combine. Be sure to distribute the soy sauce evenly so that each bite is well seasoned.

E. Continue to cook for a few minutes:

Continue to stir-fry the rice, protein, and vegetables for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce, salt, or pepper to taste.

By following these steps to combine the ingredients, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and well-balanced dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve the fried rice hot and enjoy it on its own or as a side dish with your favorite Nigerian main course.

How to cook fried rice step by step with pictures as we shared here will help anyone who doesn’t know how to cook Nigerian fried rice to give it a try and they will certainly make a good meal. As we have seen above, cooking a delicious fried rice in Nigeria is not a big deal and anyone, I mean everyone can do it easily with the step by step process of cooking fried rice used here.

Serving and Storing Fried Rice

A. Serve immediately: Once the fried rice is ready, transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy it while it’s still hot. Nigerian fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish with other Nigerian dishes, such as Jollof rice, plantains, or chicken stew.

B. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator: If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Nigerian fried rice can last for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge.

When reheating the leftovers, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the rice before microwaving it. This will help to restore the moisture in the rice and prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat the fried rice in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a little bit of oil or butter.

In conclusion, Nigerian fried rice is a popular and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to prepare a flavorful and well-balanced fried rice that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version of Nigerian fried rice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nigerian fried rice is a beloved and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply looking for a delicious and filling meal, Nigerian fried rice is sure to satisfy your cravings.

To recap, the key steps to cooking Nigerian fried rice include preparing the rice, protein, and vegetables separately, then combining everything in a large skillet or wok and stir-frying until well combined. Be sure to season the dish with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper to achieve a delicious and well-balanced flavor.

If you haven’t already tried this recipe, we encourage you to give it a try. Nigerian fried rice is a relatively easy dish to prepare, and it’s perfect for those who want to experience the rich and diverse cuisine of Nigeria.

In addition to being a tasty dish, Nigerian fried rice also holds cultural significance in Nigeria. It’s often served during special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays, and it’s a dish that’s enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and experience the delicious flavors of Nigerian cuisine for yourself. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!