How to Make Arroz Caldo: A Delicious Filipino Rice Porridge

Arroz Caldo is a traditional Filipino dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a warm comfort meal. This flavorful dish is made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and rice, and takes only a few simple steps to prepare. If you are a fan of Asian cuisine and want to warm up with a nice bowl of Arroz Caldo, then this article is for you.

The great thing about this dish is that it is easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is very versatile. You can add your own spin on it by adding vegetables like carrots and celery, or you can serve it with a boiled egg or crispy fried garlic on top. In this article, we’ll go over the basic steps for making Arroz Caldo, as well as tips and tricks to make it taste even better. So put on your apron, grab your ladle, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For those unfamiliar with arroz caldo, it is a popular Filipino dish that is similar to congee, a rice porridge that is a staple in many Asian countries. To make this comforting and flavorful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup of rice
2-3 pieces of chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small pieces
1 piece of ginger, peeled and grated
4-5 pieces of garlic, minced
1 piece of onion, chopped
4 cups of chicken stock or broth
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1-2 pieces of hard-boiled eggs, sliced
2-3 stalks of green onions, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparation

Now that you have the ingredients, it’s time to get started on making your arroz caldo. Follow these steps and you’ll have a hearty, delicious meal in no time:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water and set aside.

2. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

3. Add the onions, ginger, and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Add the rice to the pot and stir until the grains are coated with the oil and the vegetables.

5. Pour in the chicken stock or broth and add the fish sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the rice cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

6. Once the rice is cooked and the porridge has thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through.

7. To serve, ladle the arroz caldo into bowls and top with slices of hard-boiled egg and chopped green onions. Squeeze some lemon juice over each bowl for added brightness and tanginess.

8. Enjoy your delicious arroz caldo, and don’t be afraid to try out different toppings and garnishes to make it your own! Some people like to add fried garlic or crispy shallots, while others prefer to mix in some saffron or turmeric for an extra boost of flavor.

Tips and Tricks

As with any recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the perfect arroz caldo:

– Use bone-in chicken pieces for added flavor and richness.
– Cook the rice slowly and stir it often to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot.
– Add more or less liquid depending on your desired consistency. Some people prefer their arroz caldo to be thick and creamy, while others like it more soupy.
– Don’t skimp on the garnishes! The hard-boiled eggs and green onions add a great pop of color and flavor to the dish.
– Experiment with different spices and herbs to make the arroz caldo your own. A little bit of chili flakes or some chopped cilantro can make all the difference.

Ingredients Needed to Make Arroz Caldo

Arroz caldo is a nutritious, filling and comforting dish, perfect for any day of the week or occasion. A dish that offers an explosion of flavors with every spoonful, the best arroz caldo is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients you need to make a tasty and healthy bowl of arroz caldo:

1. Chicken – The main ingredient of arroz caldo, you can use chicken thighs or breast. Cut them into small pieces or leave them whole depending on your personal preference.

2. Rice – This is the key ingredient in arroz caldo, but as the name suggests, it’s not your typical white rice. To make arroz caldo, use short-grain rice, sometimes called sticky rice, which makes it creamy.

3. Ginger – Ginger adds warmth and depth of flavors to the dish and is an important ingredient to make authentic arroz caldo.

4. Garlic – A staple in almost every Filipino dish, garlic adds a hint of pungency to the dish.

5. Onion – Onions are a must-have for most savory Filipino dishes. They add a slightly sweet taste and a lot of aroma to the dish.

6. Fish sauce – Fish sauce adds umami taste to the dish and helps to bring out the flavor of the chicken and rice.

7. Chicken broth – Chicken broth is essential for the dish as it adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps to fully cook the rice.

8. Hard-boiled eggs – This is an optional ingredient, but many people like to add hard-boiled eggs to their arroz caldo.

9. Scallions or onions – Thinly sliced scallions or onions are often added to the top of the arroz caldo as a garnish.

10. Calamansi or lime – Calamansi or lime juice is squeezed over the arroz caldo to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to make arroz caldo!

Ingredients for Arroz Caldo

Arroz caldo is a popular Filipino comfort food made with simple ingredients. Here are the ingredients needed for making a delicious pot of arroz caldo:

Chicken

Arroz caldo is traditionally made with chicken thighs or breast, bone-in or boneless. This recipe can also be made with leftover chicken or turkey meat. You can also use shrimp or mixed seafood for a different variation of the dish.

Spices

Ginger and garlic are the key spices in this dish, and they give the arroz caldo its distinct flavor. Make sure to finely chop or grate the ginger and garlic for best results.

Rice

Short grain rice is the preferred rice for making arroz caldo. The rice will cook down and create a creamy porridge-like texture. Rinse the rice thoroughly before adding it to the pot to remove any excess starch.

Broth

Chicken broth is used in this recipe to add more depth of flavor to the arroz caldo. You can use canned or boxed chicken broth, or make your own by simmering chicken bones, water, and vegetables for several hours.

Garnishes

Arroz caldo is traditionally topped with chopped green onions, crispy fried garlic, and a squeeze of lemon or calamansi juice. You can also add boiled eggs, fried tofu, or chili flakes for added flavor and texture.

Enjoy your delicious arroz caldo!

Thanks for reading about how to make this comforting Filipino dish. I hope you have fun trying it out and that it brings warmth and joy to your table. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making it your own, so feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste. Don’t forget to come back and visit for more recipes and cooking tips to keep your kitchen adventures exciting. Happy cooking!