Nigerian Coconut Rice Recipe – Fluffy and Delicious

I love making Nigerian coconut rice. I first tried it at my mother-in-laws house and though it was a vegetarian version, it was absolutely delicious. I thus learnt for myself how to make it and thankfully it was a hit with all that tasted it! And so with the compliments for my Nigerian coconut rice, I’m sharing with you all the details on how I make it. It may seem daunting with all the ingredients, but in fact you’ll find that you may already have most in your kitchen! This is a fun dish to prepare and once you have everything together, it’ll be done in no time.

There are so many flavours in this dish, from the chicken and shrimp to the garlic, ginger and herbs. The smell that exudes from this is tantalising!

I love to serve this coconut rice dish with a side of protein (meat, chicken or fish) and plantain. Although there are vegetables used in this meal, you can certainly add a side of coleslaw or salad which really blends nicely.

Ingredients to make Nigerian Coconut Rice

• 4 cups Rice
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 7 seasoning cubes
• 400 ml chicken stock
• 2 chicken thighs (shredded)
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lard
• 1 medium-size onion
• 2 big carrots
• 2 spring onions
• ½ cup peas
• 200 g shrimps optional
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder

Instructions 

1. Preparation of Chicken Stock
   Cook chicken thighs in water with 1/2 onion and 3 seasoning cubes. Simmer for 30 minutes. Reserve both chicken and stock for later use.
2. Vegetable Preparation
   Dice one onion, chop garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet, red bell pepper, and carrots. Set aside.

1. Let’s Cook the Base
   In a large pot, heat lard and stir fry onions, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet with 3 seasoning cubes for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then add washed rice.

1. Add the rice
   Wash the rice thoroughly until the water is clearer. Add to the pot and cover with foil and a lid and cook on low heat. Check after 20-30 minutes and add spring onions. Steam for an additional 5-10 minutes if needed.
2. Vegetable and Chicken Stir-Fry
   In a separate pan, heat olive oil and stir fry vegetables and chicken. Add curry powder, oregano, turmeric powder, 1 seasoning cube, and salt. Stir fry until ingredients are fully cooked. Optional: add shrimps for extra flavour.

1. Combine!
   Combine the stir-fried mixture with the rice. Gently stir to blend the flavours. Turn off the heat and let the rice steam for 3-5 minutes.
2. Serving Suggestion
   Best served with grilled chicken on the side, plantain, and a refreshing salad. Why not have a refreshing juice with it too!

FAQs when making Nigerian Coconut Rice

1. Can I use any rice? Yes certainly, long grain rice or basmati rice works best for this dish. However, you can also use jasmine rice if you prefer. Just bare in mind that you’ll need to use less water so that the rice doesn’t become soggy.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice as a healthier option. Just be aware that the taste may differ.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! If you have chicken and stock prepared in advance then it cuts down the time in making this dish. You can also prepare your vegetables in advance too and store in the freezer until ready for usage.
4. Do I need to add shrimps? If shrimps or prawns aren’t your thing then you don’t need to add it in but when it comes to fried rice recipes it’s almost a staple ingredient and adds a delicious seafood touch and texture to the dish.
5. How can I store any leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Fried rice can easily go off so make sure to put in the fridge as soon as the rice is cool. You can even put in the freezer too. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, all you will need to do is omit the chicken and shrimp. Instead of chicken stock you can use vegetable stock.

Nigerian Coconut Rice Recipe

This delicious Nigerian Coconut Rice Recipe is so divine, you'll be going back for more! Infused with so much flavour, let's cook this delightful dish.

2.60 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine Nigerian

Servings 5 people

Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups Rice
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 7 seasoning cubes
• 400 ml chicken stock
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lard
• 1 medium-size onion
• 2 big carrots
• 2 spring onions
• ½ cup peas
• 200 g shrimps optional
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder

Instructions

 

• Start by cooking the chicken thighs in water. Add 1/2 onion and season with 3 seasoning cubes. Simmer for 30 minutes. We will use the chicken and the stock later.
• To prepare the vegetables, dice one onion, chop the garlic, ginger, onions, scotch bonnet, red bell pepper and carrots. Set aside.
• In a large pot, add a heaped tablespoon of lard and once hot add in the onions, garlic, ginger and scotch bonnet. Also add in 3 seasoning cubes. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
• Then add the chicken stock and coconut milk. Heat until boiling and then add in the washed rice. Cover the pot with a layer of tin foil and cover with a lid.
• Check after 20-30 minutes and add the spring onions. Steam for a further 5-10 minutes if necessary.
• In a separate pan add olive oil and stir fry the vegetables and chicken. Add curry powder, oregano, turmeric powder, one seasoning cube and salt. Stir fry till ingredients are fully cooked and softened. You can add shrimps as well as a tasty addition.
• Combine with the rice and gently stir together.
• Turn the fire off and steam for 3-5 minutes.
• And voila! This dish is best served with a chicken on the side, plantain and salad.
• Enjoy!

Keyword One-pot

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