Arroz Chaufa (Fried Rice With Chicken and Bell Pepper)

Updated May 29, 2024

Arroz Chaufa (Fried Rice With Chicken and Bell Pepper)
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
45 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
4(1,250)
Comments
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After laborers flocked from China to Peru in the mid-1800s, a blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine known as Chifa was born. This simple version of arroz chaufa (fried rice) focuses on chicken thighs and red bell pepper, but other varieties might embrace sliced hot dogs, shrimp or strips of meat. The key to this recipe, and other fried rice recipes, is keeping the cooking surface hot. This is easy to achieve when using a powerful wok burner in a professional kitchen, but at home, this means cooking things in smaller batches. If you need to serve more people, multiply the recipe as needed, but make sure to cook the rice in several batches to allow it to crisp rather than steam. (You can hold the prepared rice covered in foil in a warm oven.)

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Ingredients

Yield:2 to 4 servings
  • 4tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed
  • 2large eggs, beaten
  • Kosher salt
  • 1medium red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, roughly chopped
  • ½pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1(2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
  • 4garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green portions separated
  • 1tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more for seasoning
  • 1teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¼teaspoon MSG (optional)
  • 2cups cooked white rice, cooled
  • 2tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, plus more for seasoning
  • 1tablespoon sesame oil
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

419 calories; 23 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 12 grams monounsaturated fat; 7 grams polyunsaturated fat; 35 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 19 grams protein; 624 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil over high until shimmering. Add the eggs, season with a pinch of salt and cook until fully cooked, flipping over once halfway through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, roughly chop it into small pieces and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Return the pan to high heat and add another tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the bell pepper, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until lightly charred along the edges and softened, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.

  3. Step 3

    Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add the ginger, garlic and scallion whites; cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant and softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the cumin, white pepper, sugar and MSG (if using) and stir to combine.

  5. Step 5

    Break up the cooled rice with your hands, so the grains are separate, then add to the pan. Stir frequently so all the ingredients are well incorporated and each grain of rice is coated in fat. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil along the outside perimeter of the pan and toss to combine. Cook, frequently stirring, until some of the rice starts to crisp and turn toasty, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, bell pepper and scallion greens to the rice; toss to combine.

  6. Step 6

    Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce and white pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,250 user ratings
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Comments

I think people rate it after reading it based on how they think it’ll taste. Not at all fair, I believe. Make it as written, rate it and tell things you’ll change next time you make it!

Cooked brown rice, or light brown, if you can get it, can be used. It’s delicious and more filling than white rice, and much healthier. I cook brown rice in whatever stock I have on hand and add a tablespoon of dark soy sauce. It’s a great base for stir fries and fried rice dishes.

Is there a rule of thumb for translating x inches of fresh ginger to x ounces (or grams)? Ginger root sizes vary so greatly that I'm more comfortable using weight for accuracy. Thanks.

The first time I cooked this, I didn’t have cumin. My husband is Peruvian and he loved it. Second time, I had cumin and used it, to my regret. It completely took over the other flavors. No cumin next time.

It's good as is. I didn't have leftover rice, so I served the stirfry over hot basmati. I did stir in a bunch of basil from the garden. It didn't suffer.

Good, will make again: I didn’t have all the ingredients and it was still good. Next time I will have scallions and chiken thighs: I had rotisserie chiken.

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