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Nigerian Special fried rice - recipefeasts staff

Nigerian Special Fried Rice

I always make this Nigerian Special Fried Rice for family and friends and it is also popular for serving at parties, weddings and festive gatherings. It is a colourful, flavour-packed rice dish made with mixed vegetables, turkey chunks, chicken pieces, and fragrant spices.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 peope
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Nigerian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups long-rain parboiled rice
  • 500 g Turkey thighs or wings, cut into chunks
  • 500 g chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup chicken stock (from cooking the turkey or chicken)
  • 1 cup carrot, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, sliced
  • ½ cup sweet corn
  • ½ cup green peas
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp butter or margarine
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
  • 2 seasoning cubes
  • salt to taste
  • 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and parboil in lightly salted water for 5–7 minutes; drain and set aside.
  2. Season the turkey thighs or wings with salt, pepper, thyme, curry powder, and one seasoning cube, then cook until tender; reserve the stock.
  3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, curry powder, and one seasoning cube, then cook until tender; reserve the stock.
  4. Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
  5. Add chopped onions and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Stir in cut chicken, cooking for 2–3 minutes until just done; remove and set aside.
  7. Add carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet corn to the pan; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes to keep vegetables crisp.
  8. Add curry powder, thyme, pepper, remaining seasoning cube, and salt; mix well.
  9. Stir in the parboiled rice and gradually add chicken stock, mixing thoroughly.
  10. Return turkey chunks and cut chicken pieces to the pan; stir gently to combine.
  11. Cover and cook on low heat for 5–8 minutes until rice absorbs flavour without becoming soggy.
  12. Garnish with spring onions (optional), fluff gently, and serve hot.

Notes

Nutritional Values (per serving, approximate)

  • Protein: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Fibre: 5 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg

Optional Tips & Variations

  • Use basmati or golden sella rice for longer, firmer grains
  • Add diced bell peppers for extra colour and crunch
  • Substitute prawns with smoked turkey or shrimp for variation
  • For extra flavour, add a teaspoon of Nigerian fried rice spice mix

Storage

  • Allow rice to cool completely before storing
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Freezing

  • Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers
  • Keeps well for up to 1 month
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheating

  • Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock
  • Microwave covered, stirring halfway to ensure even heating

FAQs

Why is Nigerian fried rice yellow?
The yellow colour comes mainly from curry powder and sometimes turmeric.
Can I make it without liver or prawns?
Yes. Simply omit them or replace with chicken, beef, or vegetables.
Is Nigerian fried rice spicy?
It is mildly spiced, but you can add chilli or scotch bonnet to increase heat.
What makes it “special”?
The combination of liver, prawns, mixed vegetables, and rich seasoning distinguishes it from regular fried rice.