The bustling heart of Port Harcourt was alive with the hum of activity as I made my way to Mama Chizi’s Restaurant, a hidden gem in the city known for serving the best Nigerian Fried Rice around. The restaurant, nestled between a row of shops, was already brimming with customers, the savoury aroma of cooking rice and spices wafting through the open windows and drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I’d heard countless stories about Mama Chizi and her legendary Fried Rice. As a content writer and a food blogger always searching for the next culinary adventure, I knew I had to visit her restaurant and learn the secrets behind this beloved dish. Today was the day I would finally get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Nigerian Fried Rice irresistible.
Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the lively chatter of diners and the clattering of pots and pans from the open kitchen. Mama Chizi stood at the centre of it all, a stout woman with a warm smile that could put anyone at ease. She wore a bright yellow wrapper with a matching headscarf, her hands moving with the practised ease of someone who had spent decades perfecting her craft.
“Welcome, my dear!” she called out as I approached. “You must be the food blogger I’ve heard so much about. Come, let me show you how we make magic here.”
The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, with pots bubbling away and fresh vegetables being chopped at lightning speed. She led me to a large iron pot where the first step of her famous Fried Rice was already underway. She explained that the key to great Fried Rice was the layering of flavours, starting with the base of sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger.
Photo Source: Food52.
“First, you let the onions turn golden, then you add the garlic and ginger,” she said, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of the frying mixture, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
Next came the rice, already parboiled and ready to soak up all the flavours. Mama Chizi reached for her spice rack and began to add a generous pinch of thyme, a dash of curry powder, and a touch of white pepper. These spices, she explained, were essential to achieving the distinct taste of Nigerian Fried Rice. As she poured in the chicken stock, the rice began to take on a rich, golden colour, the steam rising from the pot carrying the promise of a meal that would be both hearty and flavorful.
But it wasn’t just the rice that made this dish special. She showed me how to prepare the array of vegetables that would be added. From carrots, green beans, bell peppers, and other leafy vegetables all these were chopped into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Each vegetable was fried separately to retain its crunch and colour, adding texture and vibrancy to the final dish.
Finally, it was time to bring everything together. The vegetables, liver, shrimp, and rice were all combined in the pot, the ingredients mingling and mingling until every grain of rice was infused with the flavours of the meat and vegetables. As Mama Chizi gave the final stir, she handed me a spoon to taste. I took a bite, and the flavours exploded in my mouth. The rice was perfectly seasoned, with each grain distinct yet packed with flavour. The vegetables added a delightful crunch, while the liver and shrimp provided a savoury depth that made every bite more satisfying than the last.
I couldn’t help but close my eyes, savouring the experience. This wasn’t just any kind of rice; it was a taste of Nigeria, a dish elevated to an art form by a woman who understood the power of food to bring people together.
As I finished my meal, I looked around at the other diners, each enjoying their plate of Fried Rice with the same contented expression. It was clear that this dish, so simple in its ingredients, made people feel at home, no matter the occasion.
From wedding ceremonies to Owambe parties, Fried Rice holds a special place on the menu, symbolising the joy and abundance of these festive gatherings. It’s not just a dish; it’s a staple that brings people together, its rich flavours and colourful appearance echoing the vibrant spirit of celebration. Whether served alongside peppered chicken or paired with a spicy stew, Fried Rice is a must-have, ensuring that every guest leaves with a full stomach and a happy heart. In Nigerian culture, no grand event feels complete without this beloved dish gracing the table, a testament to how food can unite and uplift.
Photo Source: Sisi Jemimah.
Making fried rice is an art that blends simplicity with creativity, and once you master it, you’ll have a go-to dish that dazzles on any occasion. It’s not just about cooking rice; it’s about infusing each grain with layers of flavour, carefully selecting and preparing the freshest vegetables, and combining ingredients to balance taste and texture perfectly. Imagine the satisfaction of serving a plate of golden, savoury rice, vibrant with colourful vegetables and perfectly cooked proteins, knowing you’ve crafted something extraordinary. Are you intrigued by this culinary artistry and want to learn how to prepare Fried rice? Whether preparing it for a quiet family dinner or a lively celebration, learning to make fried rice is a skill that will forever elevate your cooking repertoire.
Grab your apron, and let’s get started. Firstly, we’ll familiarise you with the ingredients required to cook this delicacy.
How to Make Nigerian Fried Rice
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain parboiled rice (Basmati rice preferable)
- ½ cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet corn)
- ½ cup of cooked liver or chicken (diced)
- ½ cup of shrimp (optional)
- One onion (finely chopped)
- Three cloves of garlic (minced)
- One tablespoon of ginger (minced)
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- Two tablespoons of soy sauce (optional)
- One teaspoon of curry powder
- One teaspoon of thyme
- Salt
- Seasoning cubes to taste
- 2-3 cups of Chicken stock
- ½ cup of diced bell peppers (green, yellow, and red for colour)
- ¼ cup of green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Parboil the rice in water for 8-10 minutes until it’s partially cooked. The grains should be firm to the bite. Drain the rice and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a pot, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they are slightly tender but crunchy. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Fry the Spices
In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Fry until the onions become translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
Step 4: Season the Rice
Add the parboiled rice to the pan with the fried onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to coat the rice with the spices. Sprinkle the curry powder, thyme, and seasoning cubes over the rice, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Add the Stock
Photo Source: All Nigerian Foods.
Pour enough chicken stock into the bowl to cover the rice. Stir in the soy sauce if using. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer until it absorbs the liquid and thoroughly cooks, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the rice is cooked, add the stir-fried vegetables, diced liver or chicken, and shrimp (if using) to the pan. Gently stir the ingredients into the rice, ensuring everything is well combined. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the fried rice with sliced green onions. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and serve hot.
In conclusion, Nigerian Fried Rice is a versatile dish you can tailor to your taste. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy your cooking!