As a long-time lover of restaurant-inspired home cooking, I’ve always enjoyed recreating my favourite dishes in my own kitchen, and Nando’s spicy rice is no exception.
This beautifully vibrant side dish brings together bold spices, colourful vegetables, and fluffy basmati rice in a way that’s both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re looking to match your Nando’s order or simply want a reliable rice recipe to elevate weeknight meals, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is Nando’s Spicy Rice?
As someone who’s been cooking and writing about food for years, I’ve always loved recreating restaurant favourites at home. One of the most requested dishes by readers on my blog has been the famous Nando’s spicy rice, and I completely understand why.
Nando’s spicy rice is a flavour-packed side dish inspired by Portuguese and South African culinary influences. It’s warm, vibrant, and bursting with spice, but not overwhelmingly hot.
The combination of fragrant basmati rice, mixed peppers, onions, and a punchy blend of spices makes it the perfect pairing for grilled chicken, halloumi, or even on its own as a light lunch.
Key Characteristics of Nando’s Spicy Rice
- Slightly spicy with rich, smoky undertones
- Vibrant yellow colour thanks to turmeric
- Textured with soft rice and crunchy peppers
- Served hot, often alongside peri-peri chicken or veggie alternatives
This dish has become a go-to in many British homes because it’s comforting yet exotic, easy to prepare, and can be customised to your spice preference.
Whether you’re a Nando’s regular or trying it for the first time at home, you’re going to love what this spicy rice has to offer.
Ingredients for Nando’s Spicy Rice
Making authentic-tasting Nando’s spicy rice at home starts with the right ingredients. Below is a detailed table outlining exactly what you’ll need, along with specifications to help you get the best results.
| Ingredient | Specification/Notes |
| Basmati rice | 250g, rinsed thoroughly for fluffiness |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp, or substitute with rapeseed or sunflower oil |
| Onion | 1 small, finely diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Red bell pepper | ½, finely chopped |
| Green bell pepper | ½, finely chopped |
| Vegetable stock cube | 1, dissolved in 500ml boiling water |
| Ground turmeric | ½ tsp, for colour and earthiness |
| Paprika | 1 tsp, smoked or sweet depending on preference |
| Ground cumin | ½ tsp, optional for warmth |
| Chilli flakes | ¼ tsp, adjust to taste |
| Salt and black pepper | To season |
Additional Tips
- You can swap the peppers with yellow or orange ones for variety.
- For a richer flavour, some chefs use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock.
- Turmeric is key to getting that signature yellow hue.
How to Cook Nando’s Spicy Rice? – Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking spicy rice at home doesn’t require complicated techniques. Follow my step-by-step guide below, and you’ll have the perfect homemade version in under 30 minutes.
Step 1 – Prep the Ingredients
- Rinse the rice in cold water until it runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents stickiness.
- Dice the onion and peppers, and mince the garlic.
Step 2 – Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
Step 3 – Add Spices and Rice
- Mix in the turmeric, paprika, cumin, and chilli flakes.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat it in the spice mixture.
Step 4 – Simmer and Cook
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
- Do not lift the lid or stir during cooking.
Step 5 – Fluff and Serve
- Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
Homemade vs. Nando’s: What’s the Difference?
As someone who’s dined at Nando’s countless times and experimented in my own kitchen, I can confidently say that the homemade version is incredibly close to the real deal, with a few differences worth noting.
Texture and Freshness
- Homemade rice often feels fresher and fluffier since it’s served immediately.
- Restaurant rice may be batch-prepped and held warm, slightly altering the texture.
Control Over Spice and Salt
- You can adjust spice levels to suit your taste at home.
- Nando’s tends to standardise seasoning across batches.
Ingredient Quality
- When cooking at home, you can use high-quality organic produce or customise your oils and spices.
Overall, the homemade version offers flexibility, health-conscious choices, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
Customise Your Spicy Rice – Variations by Top Chefs
Different food bloggers and chefs have brought their own flair to this classic. Here are some popular variations based on your reference sites.
Popular Tweaks and Add-ons
- Easy Peasy Foodie: Adds bay leaves and skips chilli flakes for a milder flavour.
- Hint of Helen: Uses a microwave method and prefers sweet paprika.
- Pinch of Nom: Makes it slimming-friendly with spray oil and fewer carbs.
- By the Forkful: Adds sweetcorn and parsley for colour and texture.
- Spice Bangla: Leans more into South Asian spices with garam masala.
- Beat the Budget: Adds kidney beans and makes it meal-prep friendly.
Custom Ideas
- Stir in cooked chickpeas for extra protein.
- Add fresh coriander or spring onions before serving.
- Use brown rice for a more fibrous, nutty version.
Is Nando’s Spicy Rice Healthy?
Nando’s spicy rice can be part of a balanced meal when made with mindful ingredients. Let’s break it down nutritionally.
Nutritional Table (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Value |
| Calories | 285 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Make It Healthier
- Use low-sodium stock or homemade broth.
- Replace white rice with brown or cauliflower rice.
- Add more vegetables like courgettes or peas.
What to Serve with Nando’s Spicy Rice?
Spicy rice is versatile and pairs beautifully with many proteins and sides. Here’s how I love to serve it:
Top Pairings
- Grilled peri-peri chicken or wings
- Halloumi and roast vegetables
- Peri-peri tofu or vegan sausages
Creative Combinations
- Wrap it in a tortilla with beans and cheese
- Serve as a base for burrito bowls
- Add to leftover roast chicken for a spicy rice salad
Quick Tips for the Perfect Spicy Rice Every Time
Consistency is key, and over time, I’ve picked up a few tips that make all the difference.
Cooking Advice
- Always rinse your rice before cooking
- Avoid over-stirring once the liquid is added
- Let the rice sit covered after cooking to steam through
Flavour Enhancement
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
- Use fresh garlic rather than paste for depth
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Leftover Spicy Rice
This rice keeps well and is brilliant for batch cooking or meal prepping.
Storage Guidelines
- Cool completely before refrigerating
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating Tips
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water
- Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly
- Avoid reheating more than once
Conclusion
Bringing the vibrant flavours of Nando’s spicy rice into your home kitchen is simpler than you might think. With a few everyday ingredients and the right method, you can enjoy a dish that’s just as satisfying as the original, if not better.
I’ve tested this recipe thoroughly to ensure it delivers every time, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t forget to customise it to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nando’s Spicy Rice
How spicy is Nando’s spicy rice?
Nando’s spicy rice is mildly spicy with a warm kick, not overpowering. You can increase or reduce the heat by adjusting the chilli flakes.
Can I use other types of rice instead of basmati?
Yes, long grain rice is a good substitute. Brown rice works too but will need a longer cooking time.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. The base recipe is vegan-friendly. Just be sure to use vegetable stock and no animal-based add-ins.
Can I freeze spicy rice?
Yes, allow the rice to cool, portion it into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost fully before reheating.
What proteins pair well with spicy rice?
Grilled chicken, beef skewers, tofu, or halloumi all pair brilliantly with this rice.
Can I make this dish in a rice cooker?
Yes, simply sauté the aromatics in a pan, transfer to a rice cooker with rinsed rice and stock, then cook as per your device’s settings.
Is it safe to reheat rice?
Yes, but you must cool it quickly after cooking and store it properly. Reheat until piping hot and only once.
Nandos Spicy Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g Basmati rice rinsed thoroughly for fluffiness
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or substitute with rapeseed or sunflower oil
- 1 small Onion finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 Red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/2 Green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 Vegetable stock cube dissolved in 500ml boiling water
- 1/2 tsp Ground turmeric for colour and earthiness
- 1 tsp Paprika smoked or sweet depending on preference
- 1/2 tsp Ground cumin optional for warmth
- 1/4 tsp Chilli flakes adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper To season
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until it runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents stickiness.250 g Basmati rice
- Dice the onion and peppers, and mince the garlic.1 small Onion, 2 cloves Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.1 tbsp Olive oil
- Add the onions and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.1/2 Red bell pepper, 1/2 Green bell pepper
- Mix in the turmeric, paprika, cumin, and chilli flakes.1/2 tsp Ground turmeric, 1 tsp Paprika, 1/2 tsp Ground cumin, 1/4 tsp Chilli flakes
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat it in the spice mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.1 Vegetable stock cube
- Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
- Do not lift the lid or stir during cooking.
- Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper.Salt and black pepper
