Step 1 of 6
Arroz caldo
Heat the oil in a heavy pot and fry the sliced garlic over low heat, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until pale gold. Lift it out onto paper, where it crisps as it cools, and keep the oil in the pot.
Watch: Garlic goes from gold to bitter in seconds. Take it out a shade lighter than you want it.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Arroz caldo take?
1 hr 20 min all in — 15 min prep, 1 hr 5 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 bowls. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish, Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Saucepan, Chef's knife.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list salt as its own ingredient. Saltiness comes from Fish sauce — 3 tbsp (plus more at the table). Taste at the end rather than adding a number we did not write.
How much fish sauce?
3 tbsp (plus more at the table) of Fish sauce.
What can I use instead?
Glutinous rice → All jasmine rice. Thinner and less silky. Simmer 10 minutes longer.
What should I watch for?
Garlic goes from gold to bitter in seconds. Take it out a shade lighter than you want it.
Any tips from this recipe?
It thickens a lot as it stands. Keep hot water handy to loosen leftovers. Make extra fried garlic. It keeps a week in a jar and goes on everything. Wings or a whole jointed chicken give a richer pot than thighs alone.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.