This shrimp coconut fried rice is one of those dishes that I wish I could share with everyone. It is filling, comforting and filled with delicious flavors! To top it off it is colorful, perfect for shrimp lovers and is ready in no time at all.
Nigerian Coconut fried rice is a variation of Nigerian Fried Rice. It is made in a similar way but the addition of coconut milk and coconut oil gives this rice a creamy, sweet and tropical twist. The shrimps and veggies are pan-fried separately with coconut oil. Then, they are added to the rice once it is nearly cooked. This way the shrimp and veggies are not overcooked.
There are lots of different ways to cook this dish as well as different ingredient variations. I like to add peas, carrots, sweetcorn, red capsicum peppers, onions and shrimp. While others sometimes add chicken pieces, eggs and liver. Serve this delightful crowd-pleasing coconut fried rice with chicken, tilapia, gizzard and more!
COCONUT FRIED RICE INGREDIENTS
White rice: Use long grain rice for this recipe as it firm and has bite. You can use basmati rice instead but be aware that it sometimes cooks quite quickly and can become too soft and mushy when cooking for long periods of time. Wash the rice atleast three times before cooking.
Coconut milk: Gives this comforting rice dish it’s memorable tropical flavor. One can of good quality coconut milk is used to cook the rice.
Chicken stock: I always have homemade chicken stock to add. It a useful ingredient that adds a depth of flavor to lots of different dishes. Feel free to use shop bought chicken stock/broth if you don’t have homemade broth. You can also skip this ingredient if you don’t have any to hand.
Curry powder: This spice is vibrant and delicious. A spoon of curry powder adds some color and even more flavor to this wonderful coconut milk fried rice.
Salt to taste:
Thyme: To add some herby flavors.
Pepper to taste: This is optional but I always add pepper to taste as I am a spice lover.
Chicken boullion cube: Will add mouth-watering, intense savory flavors to the Nigerian coconut fried rice. My favorite chicken seasoning is Knorr.
Large shrimp: Fresh large shrimp work amazingly in this dish. Make sure you wash and devein them before cooking. You can also use frozen shrimp, just make sure you thaw them before frying.
Red capsicum pepper: This adds a burst of color and sweetness to the Nigerian coconut rice.
Onion: Dice 1 onion for small flavor.
Mixed vegetables: Use fresh or frozen mixed veggies for this recipe. If you are using frozen veggies then make sure you allow them to thaw before cooking.
Coconut oil: It is really important to use coconut oil when making coconut fried rice. It pairs perfectly with the coconut milk and intensifies the coconut flavors.
HOW TO PREPARE NIGERIAN COCONUT FRIED RICE
Start by preparing the coconut rice. Rinse 3 cups of long grain white rice in a bowl and set aside for later. Then, pour one can of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and chicken sotck/ broth into a medium-sized pot and stir well.
2. Next, season the coconut mixture with 1 chicken bouillon cube, curry powder, thyme, salt to taste, pepper to taste and stir again. Bring the mixture to a boil to cook out the spices then simmer for 5 minutes.
Top Tip: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Add the rice to the coconut milk mixture and stir. Then leave the rice to cook for 15-20 minutes or until nearly done. Check the rice every 7-10 minutes, stir and add more water if necessary.
Top Tip: Make sure you check the rice from time to time as you don’t want it to burn.
3. As the rice cooks prepare the shrimp. Season shrimp with salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Then, heat a splash of coconut oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot add the shrimp and cook on both sides for 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set it aside for later.
Top Tip: Do not overcook the shrimp as it will taste rubbery.
4. Next, add more coconut oil to the same pan and once the oil is hot add onions and cook for a few minutes. Then, add the mixed veggies, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for 5-7 minutes. Once the veggies are ready set them aside for later.
Top Tip: Do not overcook the veggies as they will become too soft.
5. Finally, add the veggies and shrimp to the pot of rice and stir until well combined. Leave the coconut fried rice to simmer for 2-5 minutes or until the rice is soft and fluffy.
6. Serve this tasty Coconut Fried Rice for dinner or during special occasions with sides like Coconut Jollof Rice, plantain, chicken, fish, gizzard and salad!
