Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Arroz Caldo is a classic Filipino dish that offers a comforting, savory experience. This rice porridge combines chicken, ginger, garlic, and a flavorful broth to create a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
- Flavorful Broth: The savory combination of ginger, garlic, and chicken infuses the broth with incredible richness and depth.
- Comforting and Hearty: The dish is a warm, filling, and comforting meal that brings a sense of coziness to every bite.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this comforting meal quickly and easily.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings such as hard-boiled eggs, fried garlic, green onions, or calamansi (Filipino lime) for a personal touch.
- Healthy: Packed with rice, protein, and ginger, Arroz Caldo is a nutritious and soothing meal, great for replenishing energy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1 whole chicken (about 2 lbs), cut into serving pieces, or 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts)
- 1 cup jasmine rice, washed
- 4 cups chicken broth (Halal-certified or homemade)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 hard-boiled eggs (optional)
- 1 stalk of green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fried garlic (for garnish)
- Sliced calamansi (Filipino lime) or lemon (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Prep the Chicken: If using a whole chicken, cut it into serving pieces. If you’re using boneless thighs or breasts, cut them into bite-sized chunks.
- Wash the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth
- Add the Rice: Stir in the washed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes with the chicken and aromatics.
- Pour the Broth and Water: Add chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
Step 4: Season the Arroz Caldo
- Season the Soup: Stir in fish sauce (or salt), soy sauce, ground black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Let the porridge simmer until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the porridge becomes too thick, feel free to add more water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Add Garnishes: Once the Arroz Caldo is cooked, ladle it into bowls. Top with hard-boiled eggs, fried garlic, chopped green onions, and a slice of calamansi or lemon.
- Serve Hot: Serve the dish while hot, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Arroz Caldo.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
Here are some creative variations you can try with Arroz Caldo:
- Arroz Caldo with Longganisa: Add Filipino longganisa (sausage) to the porridge for a sweet-savory twist.
- Shrimp Arroz Caldo: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood version of this comforting dish.
- Vegetable Arroz Caldo: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Arroz Caldo with Coconut Milk: Add coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor.
- Lemongrass Arroz Caldo: Infuse the broth with fresh lemongrass for a fragrant, citrusy note.
- Spicy Arroz Caldo: Add more chili peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover Arroz Caldo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the porridge on the stovetop with a little added broth or water to regain its creamy consistency. You can also microwave it, but stirring occasionally will help with even reheating.
- Freezing: Arroz Caldo can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
FAQs
Can I make Arroz Caldo without fish sauce?
Yes, simply substitute fish sauce with salt or soy sauce for a Halal-friendly option.
Is it necessary to add soy sauce?
Soy sauce adds a rich depth of flavor, but you can omit it or replace it with more salt if you prefer.
Can I make Arroz Caldo ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How can I make Arroz Caldo thicker?
You can make it thicker by adding less liquid or cooking it longer to reduce the broth.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Jasmine rice is ideal for Arroz Caldo because of its sticky texture, but you can use other types of rice, such as Basmati or short-grain rice.
Can I make Arroz Caldo vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or tofu.
Can I freeze Arroz Caldo?
Yes, Arroz Caldo freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Can I use brown rice for Arroz Caldo?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook and the texture will be a bit different.
Conclusion
Arroz Caldo is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting and flavorful Filipino classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Whether you enjoy it with the traditional toppings or want to experiment with variations, this dish is versatile and easy to make. Perfect for any time of the day, Arroz Caldo will satisfy your cravings and fill your home with its delicious aroma. Enjoy!
Arroz Caldo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Arroz Caldo is a classic Filipino dish that offers a comforting, savory experience. This rice porridge combines chicken, ginger, garlic, and a flavorful broth to create a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Arroz Caldo:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 whole chicken (about 2 lbs), cut into serving pieces, or 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs
1 cup jasmine rice, washed
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1–2 tablespoons soy sauce (Halal-certified)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2–3 hard-boiled eggs (optional)
1 stalk of green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Fried garlic (for garnish)
Sliced calamansi (Filipino lime) or lemon (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces. If using boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks. Wash rice under cold water until it runs clear.
- Cooking the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the washed rice. Add chicken broth and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the Arroz Caldo: Stir in fish sauce (or salt), soy sauce, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Adjust seasoning to taste. If the porridge is too thick, add more broth or water.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with hard-boiled eggs, fried garlic, green onions, and calamansi or lemon slices. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Add optional ingredients like longganisa (Filipino sausage) or vegetables like carrots or corn for variation.
For a more flavorful broth, add aromatics like lemongrass or a dash of hot sauce for spice.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
