Nigerian Beef Jollof Rice Recipe
Whether you're savoring it at a traditional West African celebration or preparing it in your own kitchen, Jollof Rice is a culinary journey that embodies the spirit of West Africa and the love of good food.
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Beef Jollof Rice is a delicious and hearty West African dish that combines flavorful rice with tender beef and a rich tomato-based sauce. Use the guide below on how to make the best jollof rice
Ingredients
For the Rice
2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
2 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
The Beef
1 pound beef (boneless chuck or stewing beef), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
The Beef
Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the beef pieces with minced garlic, ginger, paprika, curry powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the beef evenly.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for more flavor.
Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef pieces and sear them until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set it aside.
The Jollof Rice
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.
Add Spices and Tomatoes:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spices to meld with the vegetables.
Cook the Rice
Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot and mix it well with the tomato and vegetable mixture.
Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the rice is evenly submerged in the liquid.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can always adjust the seasoning later, so don't over-salt at this stage.
Add the Seared Beef
Carefully fold the seared beef pieces into the rice mixture, distributing them evenly.
Simmer the Jollof Rice
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the Jollof rice to simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Check occasionally to prevent burning or sticking. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water.
Serve Hot
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Serve your Beef Jollof Rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Ingredients
For the Rice
2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
2 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
The Beef
1 pound beef (boneless chuck or stewing beef), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
The Beef
Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the beef pieces with minced garlic, ginger, paprika, curry powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the beef evenly.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for more flavor.
Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef pieces and sear them until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set it aside.
The Jollof Rice
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.
Add Spices and Tomatoes:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spices to meld with the vegetables.
Cook the Rice
Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot and mix it well with the tomato and vegetable mixture.
Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the rice is evenly submerged in the liquid.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can always adjust the seasoning later, so don't over-salt at this stage.
Add the Seared Beef
Carefully fold the seared beef pieces into the rice mixture, distributing them evenly.
Simmer the Jollof Rice
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the Jollof rice to simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Check occasionally to prevent burning or sticking. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water.
Serve Hot
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Serve your Beef Jollof Rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.