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Arroz chaufa
Break up the cold rice with your fingers so there are no clumps. Put every ingredient within reach of the stove, because once the wok is hot it moves fast.
Watch: Cooked rice left warm can grow bacteria whose toxins survive frying. Cool it within an hour, keep it in the fridge and use it within a day.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Arroz chaufa take?
27 min all in — 15 min prep, 12 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 4 plates. 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 Eggs, Soy, Wheat, Sesame. 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, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Wok, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ½ tsp.
How much soy sauce?
3 tbsp of Soy sauce.
How much toasted sesame oil?
1 tsp of Toasted sesame oil.
What can I use instead?
Chicken → Chinese roast pork (char siu) or prawns. Chaufa especial often has chicken and roast pork together. Wok → Large cast-iron frying pan. Works if it is very hot. Cook in two batches.
What should I watch for?
Cooked rice left warm can grow bacteria whose toxins survive frying. Cool it within an hour, keep it in the fridge and use it within a day.
Any tips from this recipe?
No leftover rice? Cook it, spread it on a tray and chill it uncovered for an hour. Soy poured on the hot metal caramelises. Soy poured on the rice just makes it wet.
Can I prepare this ahead?
No leftover rice? Cook it, spread it on a tray and chill it uncovered for an hour.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.