If you’ve been craving an easy spicy rice recipe, this Homemade Nando’s Spicy Rice recipe is the one for you. It’s ready in under 20 minutes and requires just one pot to make – plus, it’s a fantastic copycat of the infamous Nando’s spicy rice (so even if you’re not in the UK, you can make it at home!).

This spicy rice, a fun and easy copycat version of the absolute classic that is Nando’s Spicy Rice is one of my ffavoriteways to cook rice at home. It’s quick and easy, so it’s perfect for when you’ve had a busy day and just wanted something tasty but low-effort to get on the table.

It’s also delicious and packed with different spices and flavors for a flavorsome side. I like to pair my spicy rice with some Mexican black beans or even put both in a bean burrito! This easy spicy air fryer cauliflower would also be a great side with this rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This spicy rice recipe is a homemade copycat of the famous Nando’s spicy rice (if you didn’t know, Nando’s is an extremely popular UK highstreet restaurant, known for their famous Portugese food). Here’s what you’ll need (scroll down to the recipe card for the exact quantities!):

• Rice: Use white basmati rice in this recipe for best results.
  
• Onion, Green Pepper, Garlic: These three form the base of this flavorful rice – we saute the vegetables first before adding spices and the rice.
  
• Tomatoes: I use about half a can (approximately 1/2 cup) of canned diced tomatoes in this recipe – it helps add more color and flavor to the spicy rice.
  
• Seasonings: To give the spicy rice that fiery kick and classic yellow color, I use a combination of turmeric, cayenne chili pepper, smoked paprika, and salt.
  
• Vegetable Stock: Cooking the rice in stock instead of water helps to maximize the flavor, but this is optional.
  
• Garnishes: Finally, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of cilantro gives the rice a fresh, zingy flavor once it’s cooked.

Variations

This spicy rice recipe is also nice when cooked with added peas, red pepper, fresh tomatoes, and some fresh chilies.

It’s such a versatile recipe that you can really adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your own preferences.

How To Make This Homemade Nando’s Spicy Rice

You really won’t believe how easy this homemade Nando’s spicy rice is to make. It’s simply a matter of adding the ingredients one by one and allowing everything to simmer until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the exact quantities and instructions.

Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Heat your oil in a saucepan, then add diced onion, followed by diced pepper, then your minced garlic and seasonings (the exact seasonings/spices and quantities are listed in the recipe card below).

Step 2: Add your chopped tomatoes and the rice (make sure you rinse it first), followed by the vegetable stock.

Step 3: Stir everything together, and allow the pan to simmer for 10 – 12 minutes or until the rice has fully absorbed the vegetable stock. Top your Nando’s spicy rice with lemon juice, red chili flakes, and freshly chopped cilantro.

What’s best to serve with homemade spicy rice?

This is a great side dish that can be served alongside a wide array of mains. I love eating mine with Mexican black beans and guacamole. Here are a few other ideas:

• Serve with Mexican pinto beans and a cashew crema (recipe here)
• Serve with crispy tofu or sofritas
• Serve with a vegan breaded chicken fillet (or regular chicken if you eat meat!) and peri-peri mayo
• Serve alongside a homemade chilli or fajitas

Storing & Reheating

This spicy rice is best served immediately. Personally, I don’t love reheating rice and this recipe is so easy to make that you might as well make it fresh!

However, if you do have leftovers, put them in an airtight container within 1 hour of cooking and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Make sure the rice is piping hot when serving – I heat mine in the microwave to do this.

FAQs

Can I freeze my leftover rice?

Yes, rice is actually suitable for freezing! Make sure you box up your leftover rice and freeze within 1 hour of cooking to avoid the risk of rice food poisoning. Defrost your rice in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave until piping hot.

What if I don’t want my rice too spicy?

If you’re more of a lemon and herb type than an Extra-Hot type of person, you can definitely reduce the heat in this spicy rice. Simply omit the cayenne chili pepper spice and don’t add the chili flakes at the end.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Nando’s spicy rice recipe is suitable for vegans! It is also gluten-free (just check that your vegetable stock is gluten-free).

More recipes I think you’ll like…

• Crispy Mexican Potatoes (With Avocado Dip)
• Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Spicy Fillets
• Spicy Marinara Sauce Recipe
• Mexican Black Beans