Arroz Caldo
Arroz Caldo is a comforting Filipino rice porridge that’s perfect for a cold day. This easy-to-make dish combines tender rice with chicken and a rich broth, topped with fresh herbs and citrus for a delightful finish.
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chicken thighs to the pot, cooking until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the fish sauce and then add the jasmine rice.
- 5
Reduce heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is soft and the broth has thickened.
- 6
Once the rice is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the lime juice.
- 7
Ladle the Arroz Caldo into bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
For extra flavor, let the dish simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken from scratch.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Arroz Caldo on the stove, adding a little more broth or water if it thickens.
Substitutions
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- If fish sauce is unavailable, substitute with soy sauce, though the flavor will differ.
What to Serve With
- Steamed bok choy
- Egg rolls
- Side salad with citrus dressing
Common Mistakes
- Not stirring the rice enough can lead to sticking at the bottom of the pot.
- Adding too much salt before the dish is fully cooked can make it overly salty.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
Is Arroz Caldo good for colds?
Yes, it's often considered a comforting dish when feeling under the weather.
Can I make Arroz Caldo vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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