Ugandan-style Fried Rice

Ingredients

Ugandan-style Fried Rice takes inspiration from the Peruvian Arroz Chaufa but incorporates Ugandan spices and ingredients to create a unique fusion dish. The original dish typically includes soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for flavoring, while the Ugandan version incorporates local spices such as curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Additionally, Ugandan-style Fried Rice may feature traditional Ugandan vegetables and meats, such as matoke (green bananas) and goat meat, to add an authentic touch to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz chaufa, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice 2 cups (400g) cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, diced 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cooked beef, diced 1 cup (150g) cooked beef, diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the curry powder, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
4. 4.
   Add the diced carrot and bell pepper to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked chicken and beef to the pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. 6.
   Push the vegetables and meats to one side of the pan and add the cooked rice to the other side. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and stir-fry for a few minutes to heat the rice evenly.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Use leftover cooked rice for the best texture in the fried rice. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely before using to prevent clumping.
• Curry powder — Adjust the amount of curry powder according to your preference for spiciness and flavor intensity.
• Cayenne pepper — Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or omit it if you prefer a milder version of the dish.
• Soy sauce — Use a gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of plain water.
• Customize the vegetables and meats according to your preference. You can add peas, corn, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
• To make it a complete meal, serve Ugandan-style Fried Rice with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
• Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique version of Ugandan-style Fried Rice.

Serving advice

Serve Ugandan-style Fried Rice as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Ugandan-style Fried Rice, consider serving it in a hollowed-out pineapple or bell pepper for a vibrant and eye-catching display. Alternatively, garnish the dish with colorful edible flowers or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal.