How to Make Lemongrass Jollof Rice: A Delicious and Flavorful Twist to Classic Jollof Rice🌿

9jakitchenblog
September 19, 2025

Introduction✨

Lemongrass Jollof is a refreshing and aromatic take on the much-loved West African jollof rice, infused with the citrusy fragrance of lemongrass. This unique recipe blends the bold, smoky flavours of classic jollof with the light and zesty notes of lemongrass, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also memorable. If you’ve been searching for a modern twist to elevate your rice dishes, lemongrass jollof is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Jollof 💚

A zesty, aromatic spin on jollof rice.
Great for family gatherings, parties, or weekday meals.
Packed with bold West African flavours with a refreshing Asian-inspired touch.

Ingredients 🥘

2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
1 stalk fresh lemongrass (chopped, white part only)
2 medium red bell peppers
4 large tomatoes (or 1 can blended tomato puree)
1 medium onion (divided: half for blending, half sliced for frying)
2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to spice preference)
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp ginger (fresh, grated)
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Salt to taste
1 bay leaf

Equipment Needed 🥄

Blender or food processor
Medium or large pot with a tight lid
Wooden spoon
Knife and chopping board
Aluminium foil or parchment paper (optional for steaming rice evenly)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Lemongrass Jollof👩🏾‍🍳

Step 1: Blend the Base Sauce

Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnets, half an onion, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass until smooth.
Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a pot, add sliced onions, and fry until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

Pour in the blended mixture.
Add curry powder, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil floats to the top.

Step 4: Add Stock & Rice

Add rice into the sauce and stir to coat.
Pour in chicken or vegetable stock just enough to cover the rice.
Stir, then cover with a tight lid (or cover with foil before placing the lid for best steaming results).

Step 5: Steam to Perfection

Cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, checking occasionally.
If the rice isn’t fully cooked, add a little more stock or water and allow it to steam until tender.

Step 6: Fluff & Serve

Once cooked, fluff with a fork and garnish with extra lemongrass stalks or fresh herbs.
Serve hot with grilled chicken, fish, or plantains.

Your Spicy Jollof Stir-Fry Rice is ready to enjoy!

Lemongrass Jollof Rice

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemongrass Jollof 🍚

Steam, don’t stir too much: Over-stirring breaks the rice and makes it mushy.
Infuse deeply: Smash the lemongrass stalk before blending for maximum flavour release.
Low & slow heat: Always cook on low heat to allow the rice to steam properly.
Smoky flavour: For an authentic “party jollof” taste, let the rice toast slightly at the bottom for that signature smoky flavour.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories	310 kcal
Carbohydrates	58 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	7 g
Fiber	3 g
Vitamin C	22 mg
Iron	1.8 mg

Source: Nutritionix↗

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)🙋🏽‍♀️

Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?
👉Yes, but fresh lemongrass gives a stronger, fresher aroma. If using dried, soak it in warm water first.