The 10 Best Types of Rice for Nigerian Fried Rice

I’ve tried countless types of rice for my Nigerian fried rice, but let me tell you, these 10 types are absolute game-changers. Trust me when I say, you won’t settle for anything less once you’ve tasted the perfection that is:

• Basmati
• Jasmine
• Long Grain
• Parboiled
• Brown
• Arborio
• Sushi
• Glutinous
• Red rice

Get ready to elevate your fried rice game to a whole new level with these top-notch rice varieties. You won’t be disappointed!

Basmati Rice

If you want your Nigerian fried rice to have a light and fluffy texture, basmati rice is the perfect choice. When it comes to cooking this delicious dish, I always reach for basmati rice because of its unique qualities.

Basmati rice is known for its long grains and aromatic flavor, which adds a delightful fragrance to the fried rice. Not only does it cook quickly, but it also absorbs flavors exceptionally well, making it ideal for absorbing the delicious seasonings and spices in Nigerian cuisine.

The grains remain separate and don’t clump together, resulting in a perfectly textured dish. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a special occasion, basmati rice is my go-to for creating the most delicious Nigerian fried rice.

Jasmine Rice

You should consider using Jasmine rice for your Nigerian fried rice recipe. It’s the perfect choice to achieve that authentic and aromatic flavor.

I love how the grains of Jasmine rice are long and slender, which gives the dish a beautiful presentation. The texture is fluffy and slightly sticky, allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors of the seasonings and vegetables.

When cooked, the rice releases a subtle floral fragrance that adds an extra dimension to the dish. Not only does Jasmine rice taste amazing, but it also cooks quickly, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

Trust me, once you try Nigerian fried rice with Jasmine rice, you won’t want to go back to any other variety.

Long Grain Rice

When cooking with long grain rice, remember to adjust the amount of water and cooking time to ensure the grains are fluffy and separate.

Long grain rice is known for its slender shape and it tends to cook up lighter and fluffier than other types of rice.

To achieve the perfect texture, I always use a ratio of 1 ¾ cups of water for every cup of long grain rice.

I also make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch.

Once the rice is rinsed and the water is added, I bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

This ensures that the grains cook evenly and become fluffy and separate.

Parboiled Rice

Parboiled rice has a slightly nutty flavor and a firmer texture compared to other types of rice. I absolutely love cooking with parboiled rice because it adds a delicious and unique taste to my dishes.

The nutty flavor gives a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste. Not only that, but the firmer texture is perfect for dishes like fried rice, as it holds up well and doesn’t turn mushy.

It’s also great for absorbing flavors from spices and sauces, making each bite burst with deliciousness. Whether I’m making a simple stir-fry or a complex biryani, parboiled rice always delivers.

Its versatility and amazing taste make it a staple in my kitchen.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a nutritious whole grain that is rich in fiber and has a slightly nutty flavor. I love incorporating brown rice into my meals because it not only tastes great, but it also provides numerous health benefits.

The high fiber content in brown rice helps to promote healthy digestion and can aid in weight management. Additionally, brown rice is a great source of essential minerals such as magnesium and selenium, which are important for maintaining overall health.

I find that the slightly nutty flavor of brown rice adds a delicious depth to dishes like stir-fries and pilafs.

Overall, brown rice is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their diet with a nutritious and flavorful whole grain option.

Wild Rice

Wild rice is a delicious and versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. I love cooking with wild rice because it has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy wild rice is in a hearty vegetable soup. The grains hold up well and add a wonderful earthy taste to the broth.

I also like to use wild rice in salads, as it adds a nice crunch and pairs well with fresh vegetables and tangy dressings.

Another great way to incorporate wild rice into your meals is by stuffing it inside roasted bell peppers or squash.

The possibilities are endless with this tasty grain!

Arborio Rice

After discussing the virtues of wild rice, let’s now move on to another great option for Nigerian fried rice: Arborio rice.

I must say, Arborio rice is a personal favorite of mine when it comes to making this delicious dish. The reason why Arborio rice works so well is its ability to absorb flavors while maintaining its shape and texture.

When cooked, it becomes creamy and slightly chewy, creating a delightful contrast to the other ingredients. Its starchy nature also helps to thicken the sauce, resulting in a rich and velvety dish.

Sushi Rice

If you’re looking for a versatile and sticky rice variety to make sushi, you should definitely consider using sushi rice.

It’s the perfect rice for making delicious sushi rolls and nigiri.

Sushi rice is short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked, which helps hold the sushi rolls together.

I love using sushi rice because it has a slightly sweet flavor and a nice chewy texture.

It also absorbs the flavors of the sushi vinegar really well, giving it that authentic sushi taste.

When cooked properly, sushi rice has a shiny appearance and a soft, yet firm, texture.

Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or a beginner, using sushi rice will definitely elevate your sushi-making game.

Glutinous Rice

Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, is a popular choice for making traditional Asian dishes like sticky rice balls and mango sticky rice. I absolutely love using glutinous rice in my cooking because of its unique texture and ability to bind ingredients together.

When cooked, the grains of glutinous rice become sticky and have a slightly chewy consistency, making it perfect for shaping into balls or wrapping in banana leaves. The sticky nature of glutinous rice allows it to hold together ingredients like meat, vegetables, and even fruits, creating delicious and visually appealing dishes.

Whether it’s a sweet dessert or a savory main course, glutinous rice adds a delightful stickiness and richness to any dish it is used in.

Red Rice

When you cook red rice, it retains its vibrant color and adds a visually striking element to your dishes. I love using red rice in my cooking because it not only tastes great, but it also looks stunning on the plate.

The deep red hue of the rice creates a beautiful contrast against other ingredients, making every dish more visually appealing. Red rice has a slightly nutty flavor and a chewy texture, which adds a delightful bite to any meal. It pairs well with a variety of flavors and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Whether I’m making a colorful stir-fry or a vibrant salad, red rice always takes my cooking to the next level.