How to Make Irresistible Sesame Rice with Ugba: A Flavorful Nigerian Fusion Recipe🌾

9jakitchenblog
September 22, 2025

Introduction✨

Sesame Rice with Ugba is a mouthwatering Nigerian fusion recipe that combines the nutty richness of sesame seeds with the earthy, savoury taste of ugba (fermented African oil bean). Food has a way of telling stories. Every grain of rice, every toasted seed, and every spice carries with it a tale of culture, migration, and creativity. One such story is found in Sesame Rice with Ugba—a dish that marries the nutty depth of sesame seeds with the earthy, slightly tangy flavour of ugba (fermented African oil bean).

In Nigeria, ugba is more than food—it’s heritage. It plays an important role in Igbo traditional feasts and celebrations, often featured in delicacies like okporoko ugba (stockfish and ugba salad). Meanwhile, sesame seeds, though not indigenous to Asia alone, are widely loved across the world for their flavour and nutrition. When combined with rice, one of the most versatile staples globally, and seasoned with everyday Nigerian kitchen spices, you get a dish that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Sesame Rice with Ugba is not just for Nigerians or lovers of African food. It is for anyone who wants to experience the fusion of African and Asian influences on a plate. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner, stylish enough for a dinner party, and nourishing enough for everyday meals.

By the end of this guide, you’ll not only learn how to cook Sesame Rice with Ugba but also understand why it deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.

Ingredients🍚

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Sesame Rice with Ugba for 4 servings:

2 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
1 cup of ugba (fermented African oil bean slices)
3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (ground into paste or powder)
2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium bell pepper, sliced
1 tsp ground crayfish (optional, for deeper umami flavour)
2 seasoning cubes (or bouillon powder)
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, adds a fusion touch)
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley or scent leaves (for garnish)

Equipment Needed🥘

To make Sesame Rice with Ugba cooking smooth and stress-free, gather these basic tools:

Rice cooker or pot with lid – for perfectly steamed rice.
Frying pan or wok – best for stir-frying vegetables and combining flavours.
Mortar and pestle or spice grinder – to crush sesame seeds into powder or paste.
Wooden spoon – ideal for stirring without scratching cookware.
Knife and chopping board – for prepping vegetables.
Mixing bowl – for tossing ingredients before final cooking.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sesame Rice with Ugba👩🏾‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch—this keeps the grains fluffy, not sticky.
Cook in salted water until tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Toast and Grind Sesame Seeds

Place sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat.
Stir continuously until golden brown and fragrant.
Grinding them into powder or paste releases their natural oils, giving the dish its rich, nutty backbone.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat sesame oil in a wok or frying pan.
Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Step 4: Add Ugba

Mix in the ugba, seasoning cubes, and optional ground crayfish.
Cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavours meld beautifully.

Step 5: Combine with Rice

Add the cooked rice to the pan, followed by sesame powder/paste and soy sauce if using.
Stir well until every grain is coated with sesame flavour and balanced by the savoury ugba.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh parsley or scent leaves.
Sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds on top for added crunch and presentation.
Serve hot.

Your Sesame Rice with Ugba is ready to enjoy!

Sesame Rice with Ugba

Serving Suggestions🍴

Pair with grilled chicken, beef, or fish for a complete protein-packed meal.
Serve as a vegetarian main dish with extra sesame seeds and vegetables.
Present it as a side dish at parties or family gatherings—it will stand out from regular jollof or fried rice.
For a gourmet twist, drizzle with a little honey-soy glaze or sprinkle roasted peanuts on top.

Tips for Perfect Sesame Rice with Ugba💡

Rinse rice well before cooking for non-sticky grains.
Toast sesame seeds gently—burnt seeds will taste bitter.
Balance flavours: ugba has a strong taste, so pair it with mild vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Use stock instead of water when cooking rice for added richness.
Make it spicy: Add chilli peppers or Scotch bonnet for a fiery Nigerian touch.
Texture matters: Keep vegetables slightly crunchy to contrast with soft rice and chewy ugba.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)📊

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	370 kcal
Carbohydrates	55 g
Protein	10 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	6 g
Sodium	320 mg
Calcium	65 mg

Source: NLM↗

Why This Dish Works as a Fusion🌍

At first glance, sesame and ugba might seem worlds apart. Sesame seeds are staples in Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean cooking, while ugba is rooted deeply in Eastern Nigerian cuisine. But when brought together, they highlight a universal principle of cooking: umami balance.

Sesame seeds provide nuttiness, creaminess, and healthy fats.
Ugba brings an earthy, fermented tang similar to Asian fermented soy or miso.
Together with rice, they create a dish that feels like both a Nigerian comfort food and a pan-Asian stir-fry.

This is the magic of culinary fusion—bridging cultures without losing authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions🙋🏽‍♀️

1. What exactly is Ugba?
👉Ugba is made from the African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla). The seeds are boiled, sliced, and fermented. It has a savoury, slightly tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with spices and vegetables.

2. Can I make this without sesame oil?
👉Yes. Vegetable or groundnut oil works fine, but sesame oil enhances the nutty aroma.

3. Is sesame rice with ugba healthy?
👉Absolutely. Sesame provides healthy fats, calcium, and protein. Ugba contributes amino acids and fiber. Together with rice and vegetables, it forms a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.

4. How do I store leftovers?
👉Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or stock to restore moisture.

5. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
👉Yes! Brown rice adds extra fiber and a slightly chewy texture. Just note that cooking time will be longer.