Nigerian Fried Rice with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon white pepper
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook it according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread the rice on a tray to cool.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers, carrot, peas, and scotch bonnet peppers. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. 5.
   Add the cooled rice to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes, ensuring that the rice is well coated with the vegetables and spices.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the curry powder, thyme, white pepper, and soy sauce over the rice. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
7. 7.
   Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix it with the rice and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Season with salt to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly before cooking to remove any grit or impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of scotch bonnet peppers.
• Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as corn or green beans.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the Nigerian Fried Rice with grilled chicken or fish.
• Leftover Nigerian Fried Rice can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat it in a skillet with a little oil to refresh the flavors.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of curry powder and white pepper.

Serving advice

Serve the Nigerian Fried Rice as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or a side of plantains for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Nigerian Fried Rice with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a decorative platter to enhance its visual appeal.