Sierra Leonean Fried Rice
A flavorful and hearty fried rice dish, a popular staple in Sierra Leone, often made with chicken, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Basmati rice(cooked and cooled)
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 cup Green beans(trimmed and chopped)
- 1/2 cup Peas(frozen or fresh)
- 2 large Eggs(beaten)
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 stalks Scallions(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
- 3
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok. Add the chopped onion and stir-fry until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the diced carrots and chopped green beans to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 6
Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them. Once cooked, break them up and mix with the vegetables.
- 7
Add the cooked rice, cooked chicken, peas, soy sauce, and curry powder to the wok. Stir well to combine everything and heat through, about 5-7 minutes.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your rice is completely cooled and slightly dry for the best fried rice texture.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the wok; cook ingredients in batches if necessary.
- ✓Adjust the amount of soy sauce and curry powder to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or cabbage.
- Use shrimp or beef instead of chicken.
- For a spicier version, add chopped chilies with the garlic and ginger.