Create this vibrant Nigerian fried rice that’s perfect for celebrations, Sunday dinners, or whenever you fancy a flavourful one-pot meal! This recipe combines perfectly seasoned rice with tender liver, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices for a dish that’s both satisfying and visually stunning.

Why Nigerian Fried Rice is Special

Nigerian fried rice stands apart from other fried rice varieties with its unique combination of liver, bold curry flavours, and colourful mixed vegetables. This festive rice dish is a staple at Nigerian celebrations and brings restaurant-quality flavours to your home kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques.

Ingredients

For the Rice Base:

• 3½ cups parboiled white rice (basmati or jasmine work brilliantly)
• 2 cups chicken, beef, or turkey stock
• 2-3 cups boiling water (as needed)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 3 Knorr stock cubes, crushed
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
• Sliced tomatoes
• Cucumber slices

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Prepare vegetables: Dice carrots, bell peppers, and onions into uniform small pieces. Keep green peas separate.
2. Clean the liver: Rinse liver thoroughly under cold water, then dice into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Measure spices: Have curry powder, stock cubes, and salt ready for quick addition.

Step 2: Cook the Liver

1. Place diced liver in a medium saucepan with just enough water to cover.
2. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender.
3. Drain thoroughly and set aside. The liver should be cooked through but not tough.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Pour chicken stock into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and bring to the boil over medium heat.
2. Add the parboiled rice and stir once.
3. Add curry powder, crushed stock cubes, and salt to taste.
4. Pour in enough boiling water to cover rice by about 2cm.
5. Cover pot and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetable Mix

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced carrots first and stir-fry for 2 minutes (they take longest to cook).
3. Add bell peppers and red onions, stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
4. Add green peas and cook for 1 minute until bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Season lightly with salt.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked liver (and any optional proteins) to the vegetable mix.
2. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
3. Add the cooked rice gradually, one cup at a time, stirring gently to combine.
4. Continue stir-frying on low heat for 4-5 minutes until everything is well incorporated.
5. Add chopped spring onions in the final minute of cooking.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and curry powder if needed.
2. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Nigerian Fried Rice

Rice Cooking Secrets:

• Use parboiled rice: It holds its shape better and doesn’t become mushy
• Don’t skip the stock: This adds tremendous flavour to the rice base
• Let rice rest: This prevents clumping when you add it to the vegetables

Vegetable Preparation:

• Uniform cutting: Ensures even cooking and professional appearance
• Cook vegetables separately: Maintains their distinct textures and colours
• Don’t overcook: Vegetables should remain slightly crisp for the best texture

Flavour Enhancement Tips:

• Toast the curry powder: Add it to hot oil for 30 seconds before adding vegetables
• Save some spring onions: Add half during cooking, half as garnish for fresh flavour
• Season in layers: Season rice, vegetables, and final dish separately for balanced taste

Protein Variations

Traditional Options:

• Chicken liver: Most authentic and flavourful choice
• Beef liver: Richer flavour, slightly longer cooking time needed
• Mixed proteins: Combine liver with prawns or diced chicken

Modern Additions:

• Prawns: Add in final 2 minutes of cooking
• Chicken sausage: Slice and brown before adding vegetables
• Diced chicken: Pre-cook and add with the liver

Serving Suggestions

Nigerian fried rice pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled proteins: Chicken, turkey, or beef steaks
• Nigerian sides: Plantain, coleslaw, or pepper soup
• Fresh accompaniments: Cucumber salad or mixed green salad
• Beverages: Chapman cocktail, fresh fruit juice, or palm wine

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Preparation:

• Cook rice ahead: Prepare rice up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate
• Prep vegetables: Cut vegetables the night before and store covered
• Batch cooking: Double the recipe for meal prep or entertaining

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Keep covered for up to 4 days in the fridge
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of stock or water

Nutritional Benefits

This colourful rice dish provides:

• Complete proteins from liver and optional additions
• Vitamin A from carrots and liver
• Vitamin C from bell peppers and peas
• Iron from liver (excellent for preventing anaemia)
• Fibre from vegetables and rice

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Rice Problems:

• Mushy rice: Use less liquid next time, don’t overstir
• Dry rice: Add hot stock gradually during final cooking
• Bland flavour: Increase curry powder and stock cubes

Texture Issues:

• Soggy vegetables: Cook on higher heat for shorter time
• Tough liver: Don’t overcook; 10-12 minutes should be sufficient
• Clumpy rice: Let rice cool slightly before adding to vegetables

Cultural Significance

Nigerian fried rice is more than just a meal, it’s a celebration dish that brings families together. Traditionally served at Christmas, New Year, and special occasions, this recipe represents the fusion of local ingredients with international cooking techniques that defines modern Nigerian cuisine.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Difficulty: Intermediate

Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat your family to something truly special!