Nigerian Fried Rice | Instant Pot Recipe

This Nigerian Fried Rice recipe is a quick, tasty dinner or side dish idea. Forget the traditional ideas of fried food and give this healthy take on fried rice a try.

Instant Pot Fried Rice Nigerian Style | Nigerian Fried Rice

Traditional Nigerian Fried Rice takes a long time to cook and needs a lot of babysitting at the stove. So I used my Instant Pot for this recipe, and I'm so happy with how it turned out that I'll never make it the traditional way again.

What Makes This Instant Pot Fried Rice So Good?

You likely know if you've made this before, Nigerian Fried Rice typically takes over an hour to cook. My pressure cooker fried rice recipe only takes you about 35 minutes.

I compared the traditional method of cooking with the Instant Pot version side by side, and really there was little to no taste difference at all. I'd call that an Instant Pot win!

The best part about cooking fried rice in your pressure cooker is that it was all hands-off. No major prep steps or complicated cooking steps.

What Are The Main Ingredients In Fried Rice?

• Basmati Rice- The rice is the base of the recipe
• Frozen Peas and Carrots- Because a few veggies never hurt anyone
• Oil- it can't be fried rice without a little oil, right?
• Chicken Bouillon Paste- Gives the gorgeous yellow color to the rice.
• Curry Powder- Yes, believe it or not, I use curry POWDER in this dish.
• Dried Thyme
• Kosher Salt
• Cooked Shrimp- Warms with the risidual heat of the Instant Pot.

What Can I Use Instead Of Shrimp?

There are no rules on which fried rice ingredients you can use.

• Ham
• Turkey
• Rotisserie Chicken
• Any leftover meat in your fridge.

This recipe is a great way to use up any protein you have in your kitchen.

I'd suggest you mix in cooked meat after the rice is cooked, much as I did with this cooked shrimp. 

But yes, feel free to customize this Instant Pot Nigerian Fried Rice--which just happens to be not all that fried after all.

I Should Use Curry Powder?

YES! I know, I know, I tell you never to use curry powder, except--I do use it for non-Indian cooking. I know that sounds odd, but this Nigerian Fried Rice is actually traditionally made with curry powder for fried rice spices. So yes, I used it for this one. 

But I still stand by my original position--make your own spice mixes with these recipes! And watch my video on how to use spices in cooking.

I have also used Knorr Bouillon granules as that is what is preferred by most of my Nigerian friends who make traditional Nigerian food. 

How To Make Nigerian Fried Rice In The Instant Pot

You seriously won't believe how easy this is.

1. Place all ingredients except shrimp in the Instant Pot.
2. Stir to mix.
3. Cook on high pressure with Natural Pressure Release.
4. Stir in shrimp or other protein.
5. Let rest for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Eat

How To Make Nigerian Fried Rice On The Stovetop

If you don't have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Nigerian Fried Rice. Here's how to make it on your stovetop:

1. Start with leftover rice (or make rice, spread on a cookie sheet, and allow to cool) This is to keep the rice from clumping.
2. Cook the onions and spices in a nonstick pan
3. Add the shrimp until it's barely pink
4. Add the rice and saute until it's properly coated with the spices and is heated through

What Is The Secret To Good Fried Rice?

In my opinion, the secret to good fried rice is finding the perfect seasoning blend and making sure it's not too oily. No one likes a greasy bowl of bland rice. This recipe tackles both of those issues.

The rice is seasoned with an incredibly delicious curry powder blend and the rice is cooked under pressure with the oil to keep it plump and delicate without "frying" it in the oil after it is cooked.

How Long Does It Last?

Due to the high levels of moisture in the veggies and shrimp, the fried rice only lasts a few days after it is prepared. The excess moisture can cause the rice to break down and become gummy is stored too long.

For the best results, try to enjoy this within 2-3 days after making it.

What Do You Serve With This Fried Rice Recipe?

Nigerian fried rice isn't typically served the same way we enjoy other fried rice dishes in the United States. While you may be used to digging into a nice wonton, gyoza, or dumpling with your fried rice, this is what is traditionally served with Nigerian Fried Rice:

• Fish
• Plantains
• Fried Chicken
• Coleslaw
• Moi Moi

More Tasty Rice Dishes

If you love the ease and robust flavors of this Nigerian Fried Rice, check out some of my other popular rice dishes:

• Lebanese Hashweh
• Indian Pilau
• Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Rice

If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe, give this Nigerian Fried Rice a try. It quickly became one of my favorite recipes. Not to mention, it's bursting with flavor and a satisfying meal.

Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot, Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy, Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot.