If you’re a fan of bold flavors, then this Peri Peri Prawn Rice is going to be your new favorite dish! Packed with juicy king prawns, aromatic spices, and a kick of peri peri sauce, it’s the perfect meal to spice up your day. The rice becomes wonderfully sticky with the right balance of heat from the peri peri sauce and the deep flavors from the spices. It’s so easy to make and comes together in just under 30 minutes! Let me walk you through how to make this flavorful dish.
Method
To start, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the red and yellow peppers, red onion, minced garlic, sliced chili (if you’re using it), salt, turmeric, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and tomato purée. Sauté everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices and vegetables to soften and the flavors to blend together beautifully. The aroma from the spices will start to fill the air at this stage. After that, it’s time to add the washed rice into the pan. Stir the rice for about a minute, ensuring it gets coated with all the spices and the peri peri sauce. This will help the rice absorb all the flavors. Next, pour in the chicken stock, stirring everything together to combine it evenly. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes. The rice will absorb the chicken stock, and the peri peri sauce will infuse the grains with a vibrant color and spicy kick. If you prefer your rice a little firmer, reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. This is where the texture of the rice can be adjusted to your liking—sticky or firmer, it’s all up to you! Once the rice has finished cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit with the lid on for another 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fluff up, letting all the flavors continue to meld together. After the resting time, use a fork to fluff up the rice, making it light and airy. To finish, top it off with freshly chopped coriander for a burst of freshness and serve with a few lemon wedges on the side to add an extra zing to the dish.
Necessary Tools
- Large pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle or spoon for stirring
- Rice cooker or pot with lid
Peri Peri Prawn Rice: A Flavorful, Spicy Delight!
Cuisine: PortugueseDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
150g King prawns, washed, peeled, and deveined
1 cup Long grain rice, washed
400ml Chicken stock
2 tsp Garlic, minced
1 Small Red pepper, diced
1 Small Yellow pepper, diced
1 Medium red onion, diced
1 Green/ red chili, sliced (optional)
1 tbsp Tomato purée
1 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp Salt or to taste
1/4 cup Nando’s peri peri sauce, hot or mild
Directions
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the red and yellow peppers, red onion, garlic, chili (optional), salt, turmeric, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and tomato purée. Sauté the mixture for 2 minutes, letting all the flavors mix together.
- Add the washed rice to the pan, followed by the peri peri sauce and prawns. Sauté for another minute to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken stock, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15 minutes. If you like your rice a bit firmer, you can reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. The rice will become slightly sticky, giving it the perfect texture!
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the rice fluff up and absorb the last bit of flavor. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and top it with fresh coriander and a few lemon wedges for that extra zing.
Notes
- Rice Consistency: If you prefer your rice to be firmer, reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. For stickier rice, cook it for the full 15 minutes, and leave it to sit with the lid on for 5 minutes after turning off the heat.
- Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, go with the mild peri peri sauce or skip the chili. You can always adjust the heat by adding less sauce and tasting as you go.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this spicy, flavorful rice with a cool cucumber salad or a side of sautéed veggies to balance out the heat. If you’re craving something creamy, a dollop of sour cream or a slice of avocado will take it to the next level. You could even serve it with a cold glass of iced tea for the perfect meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that “Peri Peri” means “pepper pepper” in Swahili? It refers to the African Bird’s Eye chili pepper used to make the famous peri peri sauce. It’s packed with flavor and heat!
Conclusion
This Peri Peri Prawn Rice is the perfect combination of heat, flavor, and texture. The juicy prawns paired with aromatic spices and a tangy peri peri sauce make for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every spicy bite!
