Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Nigerian Fried Rice Without Turning Mushy

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Nigerian Fried Rice Without Turning Mushy

One of the most sought-after Nigerian dishes at parties and african home is Fried Rice. Whichever protein you choose, either fried chicken, turkey or even grilled fish, it will always taste amazing. 

But the question many people ask is, “Why is fried rice mushy?” The secret is simple: fried rice is best when each grain stands on its own, filled with flavor, and not soggy. 

In this guide, we’ll share our special recipe to make delicious Nigerian fried rice at home using easy ingredients you can find from Aso Rock Market.

Photo by Budget Bytes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Step 1: Parboil and Steam the Rice

Cook your rice halfway in chicken stock. Make sure it doesn’t get soft—this is the ‘cheat’ to why fried rice becomes mushy. 

Once the rice is slightly firm, drain and set it aside to cool down.

Using chicken stock instead of water lets the aroma and flavor from the stock penetrate the rice with a rich taste and the right flavor.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Shrimp

In a pan, heat some vegetable oil. Sauté the mixed vegetables, onions, and bell peppers. Add shrimp if you’re using it. The shrimp gives the rice that special party flavor Nigerians love. 

Season with curry, thyme, and seasoning cubes. The quick stir-fry preserves the crunch of the vegetables, adding texture and color to your fried rice.  

In case you do not like shrimp, you can replace it with sliced beef, liver, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Add the halfway cooked rice to the pan in small portions and stir gently till well combined. 

The spices give Nigerian fried rice its unique aroma and greenish-yellow color.

Adding the rice to the pan will cause steaming and not frying. And the continuous stirring ensures that every grain of rice is coated with spices and oil for maximum flavor. 

Step 4: Scramble the Egg

In a separate pan, scramble the egg gently with a small pinch of salt. Add it to the rice for extra protein, flavor, and color.

The egg adds a southern fried rice flavor, which blends perfectly well with the Nigerian type.

For extra richness, you can fry the eggs with butter instead of oil to have a creamy taste.

Step 5: Pair and Serve

Although you can enjoy your Nigerian fried rice with any protein of your choice, it is best served with fried chicken, grilled turkey, or even southern fried chicken if you want a soul food taste.

Some people also prefer it with peppered snail or grilled fish.

When presenting for parties, garnish with some extra sautéed shrimp or chopped boiled egg on top to serve. You can also serve it with jollof rice for the classic traditional Nigerian "duo" at any party. Learn how to cook jollof rice like a pro using our special jollof rice recipe on our blog.

Pro Tip: Fried rice can lose its flavor and become tasteless if reheated the wrong way. Instead of microwaving it as it is, sprinkle a little water and cover it before reheating. This keeps the rice moist without making it soggy.

Why Nigerians Love Fried Rice

For many,  fried rice is more than just a dish—it’s one of the meals you cook during a celebration. 

From Christmas parties to weddings, it sits proudly next to jollof rice on the menu. 

Celebrities like Keke Palmer have been outspoken about their love for southern comfort foods, and Nigerian fried rice is no different with its combination of egg, vegetables, shrimp, and chicken.

Cooking Nigerian fried rice is an art, but with these steps, you’ll never have to ask “why is fried rice mushy?” again. The secret is in the rice texture, the stir-fry technique, and the balance of flavors.

At Aso Rock Market, we bring you all the spices, rice, and seasonings you need to recreate a proper Nigerian fried rice in your kitchen. Order for your essential on our website

 

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