Jollof Rice (Spicy West African Rice) | Food Wishes

This is my favorite method for making Jollof rice, West Africa’s most popular dish. This spicy, super flavorful rice dish is usually made as a side dish, but it’s more than satisfying enough to served as a main course. Enjoy!
PLEASE NOTE: After you add the sauce to the rice, TURN HEAT TO HIGH to bring to a simmer! The caption is wrong. Sorry, but this is my first mistake in 15 years.
For the fully formatted, printable, written recipe, follow this link: www.allrecipes.com/chef-johns...
To become a Member of Food Wishes, and read Chef John’s in-depth article about Jollof Rice, follow this link: / @foodwishes
You can also find more of Chef John’s content on Allrecipes: allrecipes.com/recipes/16791/e...

[@foodwishes]

PLEASE NOTE: The blur you see at 4:20 is covering an erroneous caption! Sorry, but this is my first mistake in 15 years.

[@upstairs1307]

Please note that there IS a philosophical distinction to be made between ‘mistake’ and ‘over-sight’. Clearly, what transpired here was an ‘over-sight’. Therefore, your record remains 0 and 15.

[@mmemagoo9835]

Allegedly. 😁

[@kickasskris]

Thought I was wrong once. Turns out I was just mistaken.

[@ErebosGR]

Thank you for introducing to us so many interesting cuisines and dishes. I'd love to see your take on Thieboudienne.

[@morrismonet3554]

2nd mistake. Fresno chilis are defiantly NOT red jalapenos. Jalapenos are not pointy, they are quite blunt.

[@hardworkingdiva]

YOU A BOLD MAN! I fear the judgment of Aunties and I am not ready. My cousin used parboiled rice and is now only allowed to bring cups to family events until further notice. 😂

[@shaboogie1000]

😂😂😂

[@G88442]

🤣🤣 wow, a family demotion...

[@joyg4387]

😂

[@maudline]

😂😂

[@arabena19]

As a Ghanaian, I think the execution of this dish has earned you an honorary Ghanaian name: Agya Kofi. You’ve single-handedly ended the Ghana/Nigeria Jollof war 😂😂😂

[@milliethemillinator3154]

What does his new name mean?

[@Epicdps]

Father Friday?

[@kingandkongo]

Kofi? War? Please explain

[@jonathancormack]

@@kingandkongo Google is free

[@kingandkongo]

@@jonathancormack try to be helpful, not passive aggressive

[@DaintyAbby]

WHOAAAAA! as a Ghanaian 🇬🇭 subscriber who has been watching you over 10 years.. Im proud of you.

[@heavenswindsong]

I’ve been to Ghana…very interesting travel!!!

[@smith6ar]

Ghana is amazing! I want to go back to visit again!

[@MaryMarisen]

As a Nigerian, I totally understand where you're coming from 😂 💯🙌🏾

[@heavenswindsong]

@@smith6ar I went for 10 days with a church group....we got to go up into the interior to a location called Bibiani....very special memories....

[@whatever1661]

Westafrican food is sooooo underrated.

[@badjujuwan]

As a Nigerian who learned to cook from your videos so many years ago - ehem Cioppino - this recipe slaps (is amazing)! On behalf of West Africans Kedụ, Bawo Ni, Akwaaba. You did a fantastic job.

[@justwondering2442]

i just love that you translated 'slaps'. 🤣🤣❤🖤💚

[@MiG-21bisFishbedL]

bro, your cuisine is absolutely awesome. I did this with his Suya recipe. I need to find more.

[@theonetruesarauniya]

As a Nigerian-Egyptian this has made my soul ascend (and many across W. Africa) . Thank you! If you're ever interested in other Nigerian recipes lmk! Lol.

[@lenaamin8017]

Half Egyptian here 👋!!! Nigerian food is delish!

[@mr.e0311]

all the other big names are going to follow suit and pretend that they are pros at making African or Arabic foods.. Just wait... Not a one of them know what ras el hanout is but they'll act like they've been using it for decades. NONE of them will plug CJ either... Chef John on the other hand most definitely has been making dishes from all over the planet.

[@HistoHaHa]

@@lenaamin8017 half Egyptian here, greeting from Manchester

[@user-ux2py9td8w]

isn't Jollof Rice supposed to have meat in it?

[@lenaamin8017]

@@HistoHaHa hello 👋!! From Illinois here! (US)

[@Reeny125]

First suya, now jollof rice?!! Thanks Chef John for celebrating our beloved dishes! 🥰😋

[@whatever1661]

red bean stew hopefully next

[@TomFooleryTheAustere]

Wow. Pretty cool to see how many African people rejoiced with this vid! You’re as good at enriching lives as you are cooking, Chef John.

[@sweetshoez]

More African food! The cuisines from there are so ignored and there are so many incredible foods

[@eluemina2366]

I second this! 😊❤❤❤

[@Obantus]

The red rice stinks

[@blessingo7449]

@@Obantus no it doesn't. Lol you are delusional

[@stonebreaker984]

Made jollof rice yesterday. It was excellent. Made fried rice out of the leftovers today. Scrambled a couple of eggs, put in enough rice for two servings, and fried it. Once it was nearly ready, I let it sit in the pan on the heat to caramelize and crisp up the bottom layer of rice, like paella. then I tossed in some green onions for garnish. It was better today than it was yesterday.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

YES! Day old jollof rice served with a fried egg and some green onions with a folded tortilla. Such a great breakfast. It goes exceptionally well with really juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin. Why am I in this comment section?! It's making me hungry. No good can come of this. 😄

[@panajotov]

By far, jollof rice is the best rice dish in the world! I was never brave enough to try making it, but I might do so following these simple and very clear instructions.

[@rowanbowyer6560]

Watched this this morning with my cup of tea in bed, went out this afternoon to the supermarket bought the ingredients and came home to a lovely warm house……..it’s cold in Australia at the moment……….and cooked this for our dinner and it was delicious! We all say thank you from wet and cold Adelaide Australia!

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

The best thing to serve it with is perfectly juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, I wonder what you had it with? 😋 But Jollof goes with pretty much everything doesn't it? Such a great way to cook rice.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

@@cul8r536 Do it. My greatest tip is: please don't let it get mushy; use less liquid when cooking than you think you'll need otherwise you get a saucepan filled with risotto looking mush. INCREDIBLY disappointing. My top tip. Good luck! It's cheap and easy to make...once you've nailed the liquid to rice ratio!

[@CM_Burns]

You are the Oliver Bierhoff of your Rice Jollof.

[@JoshtheOriginator]

As a Nigerian that watches your videos this is so amazing to see. Thanks a bunch Chef

[@angelakanteh6226]

Okay

[@dellytancyl524]

Chef John is tacking the heavy hitters, first Suya, now Jollof, what's next Doro Wat? Mujadara? Koshari? I personally want to see chef tackle an Okro stew (Ghanaian style) Let's go!

[@HoneyBunches100]

Doro Wat, yes please! ❤️💫🌍

[@barryirlandi4217]

Maybe mui mui.. (fish and bean paste)

[@dellytancyl524]

@@barryirlandi4217 I'm not sure I know this dish, where is it from? I'm very intrigued, I love fish.

[@user-rq9es1ir5e]

Well done Chef John. I'm Nigerian and I approve this version.

[@Glaaki13]

Cool then I dont have to go research

[@godfreychinweokwu7573]

It's terrible... That jollof rice must have a sour taste

[@colbie5573]

Chef John, I am a Ghanaian and I’ve been watching your for over 7 years. Today I’m so excited to see you cook food from my side of the world. You definitely nailed. Keep the recipes coming Sir. My food wish is Ghanaian Shito- a spicy meaty sauce

[@josephchamberlain9129]

My sister visits Ghana frequently and recommended this dish. After researching recipes, yours is by far the easiest to follow. Thank you.

[@cz2301]

I love how chef just casually eats the rice directly from the serving dish

[@AJ-Skiba]

You can branch out to other cooking channels and learn different things along the way, but you’ll always make your way back to Chef John! There’s nothing like him and this channel. Cheers 🍻

[@tetekofa]

I'm glad to see you doing West African recipes, my favorite!

[@coucoubrandy1079]

For those who have never eaten it. Wtf are you waiting for ? It's totally delicious !! With a grilled chicken leg, or fish or both . With 2 other friends, we were invited by a West African couple, and we just loved it ! I love ❤️ it so much ! But, this is a piece of advice : DO NOT ASK where it comes from!!! Unless you want a 3rd world war and a divorce on your hands. Just eat and ask for more, and with a nice beer and music, have fun and enjoy. You will love it. Honest to god, you will

[@Oluyimikaa]

Great advice 🤣🤣🤣

[@coucoubrandy1079]

@Oluyimikaa I only said the truth. But I have to say, we didn't expect that. To clarify, she's Ghanaian, and he's Nigerian, and we didn't know what the fuss was about. This girlfriend asked in all innocence because she loved it. OK, I could have joined to make things more lively by saying that both flags are awful, and that's true, but I was busy eating and actually diffused the argument by asking for more. Which made them both very happy. The thing is, when you get invited, they cook for double the guests. If not more ! Next time, I'm going to ask for a doggy bag !

[@henriettaraphael4368]

Wisdom man😂

[@debsan8514]

I made this today for a barbecue following your recipe. It was a great success and I got a few compliments from an African couple who suprised to be served this in England. Your recipe is a lot simpler than others I have seen on KZbin. Definitely will do again.

[@rossallan3585]

I adore Jollof. And I’m smart enough to know that anytime you’re served Jollof, it is the best Jollof you’ve ever tasted. And if like me, you’ve multiple colleagues who can cook Jollof….and they gang up on you and demand you name the Best Jollof? You spontaneously combust. It’s the only sensible answer to such a dilemma.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Don't forget the circular debate over Nigerian Vs Ghanian Jollof. I'm unsure what the main difference is. Something to ask the colleagues...😅

[@richardvandermeulen9137]

This is now in the hopper. Chef John you are the guru of showing us things that are new.

[@sonofman9404]

This is the best description of Jollof recipe on earth. Nigerians scare me with all the complicated steps they follow which is why I never cook Jollof. Now, I will cook it fearlessly. Good job sir! Thank you!

[@kiarrasayshi]

Glad you're exploring West African food! (Even one as controversial as jollof 😂) I hope it encourages your audience to support some African markets and restaurants and creators. The color of your jollof looks fantastic! Highly recommend adding onions to the tomato blend and then frying the blend in the oil after adding the tomato paste. Same reason you fried the tomato paste, it helps get the tangy taste out of the tomatoes. I think of them as really there more for color than anything else. Some people even go above and beyond and roast the produce before blending it. There are some variance in your ingredients I've not seen before (paprika, jalapeños, your garnishes, lack of broth), but nothing so extreme as to make it unrecognizable. Well done!

[@SomePotato]

The chicken bouillon paste basically serves as broth. I didn't even know you could get bouillon as a paste. :D

[@hardworkingdiva]

Listen, I was like he’s a bold man! My Aunties are serious about jollof! It is seriously a perfect dish.

[@Dasuki26]

I think frying the tomato pepper blend is an important step too. Personally I hate their taste when they are not fried or not fried properly

[@amyhollingsworth16]

@@SomePotato, if you’re in the US the paste is sold under the name Better Than Bouillon, with several varieties to choose from.

[@SomePotato]

@@amyhollingsworth16 Thank you. I'm from Germany. Apparently we do have similar products over here, I've just never noticed them before.

[@symbioticpeace]

Saw this video around 3 PM on Friday. What was I doing at 11:30 PM on Friday?....making Jollof rice. I have no idea what suddenly possessed me to go ahead and made the recipe vs. waiting until Saturday at a more reasonable hour, but here I am eating this awesome Jollof rice way too late at night with a couple of bufferflied chicken drumsticks. Thank you, Chef John! Oh, and I forgot the bay leaf despite having it out on the counter with the rest of the spices. I suppose if that is the only casualty of my cooking this late at night, it is a good day. Awesome recipe that I am very much enjoying and will definitely make again.

[@AAASSASSIN7111]

I searched for “Food Wishes Jollof Rice” three days ago and you have literally answered my prayers. Thanks Chef John!

[@anshusharma323]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3iulaR6mLZqrZo

[@Sammagoose]

Only Chef John would come with Jollof Rice. That's why we love you and you actually made it seem simple. I hardly ever comment but you're the greatest! American here but African food is one of my favorites, it's so delicious and underrated.

[@FloggingMicah]

The wife and I are trying this for dinner tonight, along with the Suya beef skewers. Can’t wait! Trying new recipes is so fun.

[@emi_fisher]

How was it?

[@FloggingMicah]

@@emi_fisher it was amazing! So full of flavor.

[@emi_fisher]

@@FloggingMicah awesome! glad to hear it, definitely gonna give it a shot myself

[@themastermason1]

I've made this before using a recipe from Munchies. My Nigerian-American roommate in college commended me for having tried before. He then reprimanded me for not including any habanero, saying 3 is minimum.

[@brennb.4541]

Try it now with washed rice. You will see how much better it will turn out.

[@aycazafer]

I am Turkish. I heard about this rice from a black football player. I like it, I will try it. 🥘

[@boggybunny8338]

I have been waiting for this touch on west African cuisine for YEARS! From when I was 12 years old to now 22 years old, Chef John, THANK YOU!

[@jamessmith-zk4co]

People are elated that a world renown/mainstream chef highlighted a dish from their culture.

[@fozzyllicciouss897]

I’ve always feared making jollof rice due to overthinking, just like you said. But after watching your recipe, I’ve made the best jollof rice today. Thank you Chef John!

[@August222]

I've been following Chef John since around 2010. It still amazes me that he continues to surprise me. I can't wait to try this. Thank you, Chef!!!

[@Luke-tt3dt]

Chef John deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for finally ending the Jollof War between Nigeria and Ghana

[@superslammer]

I really really want to know what was blurred :)

[@adaezechikeluba9050]

I am Nigerian and I love this video.

[@TheGreenlove87]

What a treat to see the legendary jellof rice on here.

[@matthiasgahl299]

Great job! Thanks chef john

[@gizmomac1520]

I am Australian (born Filipino), and love this rice! Thanks for the recipe. It's great that my school had diverse dishes and people and learned so much! The dish is yummy for sure

[@HoneyBunches100]

I’m African American living in Charleston, SC but I also lived in West Africa for two years (Liberia and Ghana) and I love Jollof rice. I’m sooo excited you’ve made this recipe. Long time supporter! ❤️💫🌍

[@PlanetsWalk]

I was so excited to see your version. I'm Afro-American and so elated to see the various African counties approve your recipe. I made it today awesome sauce!!! Thank you!!!!

[@pepperonicheesecake1656]

When you pour the sauce onto the rice around 4:30, the text says to turn off the heat but you say to put the heat on high

[@eluemina2366]

My Nigerian heart is singing for joy!!! Thaanks Chef John. I've been waiting for this! 😍❤️❤️❤️🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@alexisgrunden1556]

This gets even better when you add in diced or cubed chicken (leftover works great), and some mixed veggies (frozen bagged peas and carrots works just fine); just let it all simmer up together~ Source: bff from Liberia, and that's what her mom adds to _jollof._

[@shawngilbert5199]

This is my first time watching one of your videos which I found searching for jollof rice which I read in a book and never heard of before. I will definitely try making this dish!💕

[@camerong5513]

good for those on a budget. Thanks for sharing

[@breyuna]

You have taught me to cook and I married a Nigerian man and to see you try these dishes excites me!!

[@VOisafromated]

This made my Nigerian heart sing, and belly full!! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@cookingwithjonavie]

Wow! Thank you for delicious recipe!

[@LPdedicated]

Man, I haven't made or had this in years, idk why! Truly a travesty! Any excuse for making this is valid and you just provided me with a very good one! Thank you chef, I will for sure enjoy! :)

[@jillianrh9996]

I’m really loving learning about West African cuisine! It’s so cool to hear people from those cultures getting excited in the comments. Thank you!!!

[@RivetGardener]

My wife and I have been making and enjoying this rice for many years, and Chef John nailed it! Excellent video Chef, very well done.

[@SuzanneBaruch]

Recipe review: this is a very flavorful recipe. I only added one seeded jalapeno and left out the habanero because I really don't like too much heat, but I will absolutely make this again! The only other change I made to the recipe is that, after sauteing the onion and tomato paste, I added the blended "sauce" and water, then simmered it while covered for 15 minutes before adding the rice. I've made rice that had similar bases before (i.e. fresh tomato, garlic, bell pepper) and know that it's really much more flavorful if simmered first -- so that's what I did; and this does seem to be the traditional way to make Jollof Rice. I served the rice with Suya, although I added a twist to that one, too: I made Suya kebabs because I had ground chuck on hand and wanted to use it. Overall, this is a combination I will make again and again.

[@Max-rn3eb]

if you can find Habanada peppers I reckon it would elevate it without adding any more spice

[@SuzanneBaruch]

@@Max-rn3eb they're usually available in the late summer or early Fall. I just checked the Produce order sheet at the restaurant where I work and I'm not sure they're even available in commercial quantities. Maybe I'll plant some in my garden next year, though. I'd really like to try them! Thanks for the tip.

[@Aadam-sf8zr]

I just made this with my brother. It's delicious! Thanks

[@slevinlaine]

Oh mama, this looks delicious, thank you kindly chef John!!

[@Beatlemaniac1983]

Can't wait to make both your West African dishes and I hope for many more. I love discovering new cuisines.

[@markvasiloff2217]

I made this today. I am going to pair it with Chef Jack Ovens Crispy Beef Stir Fry for dinner tonight. I sampled the rice. Fantastic! Thank you Chef John.

[@samsungbackup3619]

I love that you did this

[@AgeelahGant_77]

I'm American, but have MANY African friends, and I as well have been a subscriber to this channel for years...🥰💙#SOOPEREXCITED for Jallof rice!!!🤩😋

[@shereseleander7863]

Amazing! Thank you chef😊

[@11FOXHOUND11]

Thank you chef!

[@GamesGutzy]

I've been watching you since I was 12. Always a comfort to come back to. Keep up the good work!

[@chinoyhealingfoodstravels8888]

Greetings from Redondo Beach CA🌼🌷. This recipe is a knockout. Rice has always been my family’s staple side dish and will definitely make this for brunch. Thanks Chef John for sharing.🌷🌷

[@sekhmetthegoddess3125]

This look good !! I’m going to try it!!

[@seeky907]

I’ll try this. Looks very good.

[@rosielee9973]

Lovely accent and quite entertaining. This is the best Jollof rice recipe so far and with all the spices would be very favourable.

[@Second2LastPioneer]

You've been reading my mind the last few months. Thanks for these excellent recipes.

[@fumeeadonis4894]

I’m so excited to watch this! You definitely got the color right 😍

[@thebachifamily]

I made it just the way you showed us and it came out beautifully and delicious.😋 Thank you so much! I love African food.🥰

[@OptimusWombat]

I can only imagine how amazing the kitchen smelled while this was cooking.

[@hansolsen3101]

So happy to see you doing some African dishes. I love Jollof rice and I always trust your recipes. Doing this one this week with some chicken and plantains

[@elenagabor9033]

Such a great presentation of a recipe! Chef John, thank you! I will definitely cook your version of Jollof rice.

[@ronstarbuck3478]

This looks awesome. Might have to try this sometime

[@adamr9720]

Your rice dishes are great. Your pilaf rice recipe is my go to rice recipe every time….and it never ever fails.

[@Bankolemusic]

looks good! cooking the sauce first makes a big difference though

[@theonetruesarauniya]

Right! It enhances everything more.

[@kiarrasayshi]

Definitely not a step to be skipped

[@christopherdieudonne]

That looks SO GOOD !!!

[@doakwolf]

Made this tonight. It's fantastic. Thanks for sharing. I halved the Chili because I wanted to share with my 1yo boy and it was still great. The aroma of the bell pepper is gorgeous.

[@ndean1687]

Wow! That looks fantastic!! 🤤

[@angelao3273]

My sister in law used this recipe and it was delicious! Excited to try it myself!

[@Zero-hl2zy]

I tried it and your recipe was excellent and delicious. Thanks for sharing 🇬🇭

[@oxey_]

Definitely making this + Suya soon, they look amazing!

[@orboakin8074]

Woah! Chef John! I never thought I would see you cook this😯🤩 As a Nigerian subscriber of yours, I am so happy to see you sample some of my country's most famous dish. Thank you for enjoying and promoting part of culture. God bless, sir👍👍👏👏

[@bjrnryrvik3498]

Made this on Sunday and loved the result. Yet another Food Wishes recipe that's going into our 'make on a (semi) regular basis' file.

[@brainwashingdetergent4322]

This looks so good!

[@selenadavis1643]

Well done Chef. I will definitely add this to my list of recipes

[@notsharingwithyoutube]

That looks good, chef. I'm gonna try it.

[@DonPandemoniac]

That must be amazing! I usually have every ingredient in stock, I will be making this.

[@vahidjahangiri7104]

You are the best chef

[@jonsoo1964]

This looks Sooooooo good!

[@prettycaramel9237]

I've been following you for atleast a decade. I'm overjoyed to see you cooking jollof rice. ❤

[@brittanywilliams7621]

Came out perfect. I have tried multiples authentic Ghana recipes and this by far is the best. If you save a few red onions from the beginning and add them to the finished product with a little bit of butter make a nice topping.

[@bronwynecg]

I was literally JUST thinking the other day about finally tasting some of this . Gotta find a Ghanaian restaurant near me soon 🤔

[@bstearn1653]

Spectacular! Made with the associated Suya beef. Excellent!

[@stormshadowctf]

Looks great.

[@rachellesoton7503]

Chef John… our daily Meal here . Bravo Chef👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾