Perfect Jollof Rice in a Rice Cooker

I never thought I’d be making jollof rice in a rice cooker. Growing up, I always watched my Nigerian friend’s mom make it the traditional way – hovering over the stove, stirring constantly, and adjusting the heat just right to get that perfect bottom crust.

But let’s be real – sometimes you want that good jollof flavor without all the watching and stirring. Using a rice cooker might not be the traditional method, but it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. And while purists might raise an eyebrow, I’ve found it gives consistent results every single time.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for basmati rice, you’ve got several good options when making jollof rice. Basmati is popular because it’s aromatic and produces fluffy, separate grains that don’t stick together. Long-grain rice like jasmine would also work well here, though it might be slightly stickier than basmati. Regular long-grain rice is perfectly fine too – just avoid short-grain or sushi rice, which can become too sticky and mushy. Whatever type you choose, make sure to rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. A good tip is to partially cook the rice first as mentioned in the recipe – this helps ensure each grain cooks evenly and absorbs all those tasty jollof flavors.

Options for Substitutions

Let’s talk about what you can swap in this rice cooker jollof recipe:

• Jollof paste: If you can’t find jollof paste, you can make your own by blending 4 plum tomatoes, 2 red bell peppers, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust for heat). Cook this mixture down before using.
• Basmati rice: While basmati gives the best results, you can use long-grain rice or jasmine rice. Just keep in mind that different rice types might need slightly different amounts of liquid, so adjust accordingly.
• Stock: Any type of stock works well – chicken, vegetable, or beef. If using water instead, make sure to add extra bouillon cubes for flavor.
• Bouillon cubes: You can replace these with stock powder, liquid stock concentrate, or even additional stock instead of water. If using stock powder, start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
• Butter: Feel free to use olive oil, coconut oil, or any neutral cooking oil instead. Each will give a slightly different but still good flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making jollof rice in a rice cooker is getting the liquid-to-rice ratio wrong – for perfectly cooked rice, stick to a 1:1 ratio of partially cooked rice to liquid, adding a little extra only if needed during cooking. A common mistake is stirring the rice too frequently while it’s cooking, which can break the grains and release excess starch, leading to mushy rice – instead, let the rice cooker do its job and only stir once halfway through. To avoid bland jollof rice, make sure to properly season your cooking liquid with bouillon cubes and salt before adding the rice, and don’t skip the step of partially cooking the rice first, as this helps prevent the grains from becoming too soft in the rice cooker. For extra flavor and that signature jollof crust at the bottom, try leaving the rice on the ‘warm’ setting for an additional 10-15 minutes after it’s done cooking.

What to Serve With Jollof Rice?

This flavorful West African rice dish pairs perfectly with so many proteins and sides! For a traditional approach, serve it alongside fried plantains and your choice of meat – grilled chicken, beef suya, or fried fish are all popular options. A fresh tomato and cucumber salad on the side helps balance the rich, spicy notes of the rice. If you want to keep it simple, just add some caramelized onions and a side of steamed vegetables, then finish your plate with a little extra sauce on top. The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your jollof rice will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. I like to portion it out into individual containers – it makes grabbing lunch for work super easy! The flavors actually get even better after a day or two as they continue to develop.

Freeze: This rice freezes really well! Pack it in freezer-safe containers or bags and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming. It’s perfect for those busy weeks when you need a quick meal.

Warm Up: To bring your jollof rice back to life, sprinkle a few drops of water over it and microwave until hot, stirring halfway through. You can also pan-fry it with a little oil for a slightly crispy texture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-30 minutes
Total Time	30-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 10-15 g
• Carbohydrates: 160-180 g

Ingredients

• 1 container jollof paste
• 3 cups partially cooked basmati rice
• 3 to 4 cups stock or water
• 3 to 4 bouillon cubes – adjust to your preference
• Salt – adjust to taste
• Butter (optional)
• Freshly sliced tomatoes (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Begin by washing the rice thoroughly.

Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Once washed, drain the rice well and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Liquid

In your rice cooker or Instant Pot, pour in the broth or water.

Add the Atare Foods JollofNow paste to the liquid.

Stir the mixture until the paste is well incorporated throughout the broth, creating a flavorful base for the rice.

Step 3: Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

You can add more salt, stock cubes, or pepper if needed to enhance the flavor to your liking.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Cook

Stir the washed rice into the seasoned broth in the rice cooker or Instant Pot.

If using a rice cooker, activate the cook function and cover it with the lid.

If using an Instant Pot, select the rice function and ensure it is securely covered.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once cooking is complete, give the rice a stir to ensure that all flavors are evenly combined.

For an extra layer of flavor, you can optionally add some butter and freshly sliced tomatoes.

Stir these into the cooked rice until the butter is melted and tomatoes are distributed.

Serve the Jollof rice hot and enjoy!