Nigerian Fried Rice

Nigerian fried rice is the showy cousin that shares the table with jollof rice at every party, and it holds its own. It is loaded with shrimp, chicken liver, and a rainbow of vegetables, all tossed in a boldly seasoned sauce of curry, thyme, and scotch bonnet. Where jollof is smoky and brooding, Nigerian fried rice is bright, colorful, and unapologetically loud. In Lagos it arrives at parties in huge covered trays, still steaming, and it is usually the first tray to be emptied.

Colorful, smoky, and unapologetically seasoned

Every grain is separate and glossy, coated in a golden curry tint with pops of green peas, orange carrot, and pink shrimp. The liver adds a rich, savory depth that makes the dish unmistakably Nigerian, and a whisper of scotch bonnet keeps things interesting. It is the dish that gets scraped clean from the party tray first, and the one people ask about the next day.

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