20 of the Best Peruvian Rice Dishes

Peruvian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and rich culinary traditions, with rice being a staple ingredient in many of its dishes. From Tacu Tacu to Arroz con Camarones, Peruvians have mastered the art of preparing rice in various ways that truly tantalize the taste buds.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Peruvian rice dishes, exploring their distinct combinations of herbs, spices, and local ingredients that create unique and mouthwatering flavors.

Whether you are a food enthusiast looking to explore new culinary adventures or simply curious about Peruvian cuisine, get ready to embark on a delicious journey through some of Peru's most beloved rice-based recipes.

What is Peruvian Rice Cuisine?

Peruvian rice dishes are a delicious and popular part of the country's culinary tradition. Rice is a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, and it is creatively prepared in various ways to create mouthwatering dishes that are full of flavor. These dishes often combine rice with other ingredients such as meats, seafood, vegetables, or spices to create unique and satisfying meals.

One famous Peruvian rice dish is arroz con pollo, which translates to rice with chicken. This dish features tender pieces of chicken cooked with rice and an array of flavorful ingredients such as onions, garlic, peppers, carrots, peas, and cilantro.

It is seasoned with a combination of cumin and paprika that gives it a warm and aromatic taste. Another well-known Peruvian rice dish is Arroz con Lomo Saltado.

Let’s dive into the world of Peruvian Rice recipes!

Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo translates to rice with chicken in Spanish. It is a popular and traditional dish that can be found throughout various countries in Latin America, each adding its unique twist to the recipe.

The foundation of Arroz con Pollo is simple: rice and chicken. However, the magic lies in combining these ingredients with an array of spices and vegetables. 

Tacu Tacu

Tacu tacu is a traditional Peruvian specialty that dates back to the colonial era. It combines elements from African, Spanish, and indigenous cuisines to create a unique and flavorful meal. 

At its core, tacu tacu consists of a thick pancake-like mixture made from rice and beans. The name tacu tacu itself comes from the Quechua word takuy, which means to mix. This perfectly describes how the dish is prepared – by mixing leftover rice and beans with various seasonings like garlic, onions, and spices such as cumin or paprika.

Seco de Cordero

Seco de Cordero is a dish that features tender pieces of lamb cooked in a delicious blend of spices and served with rice and beans.

The word seco translates to dry in English, but don't let that fool you! The dish gets its name from the cooking method rather than its texture. In reality, Seco de Cordero is anything but dry; it's incredibly moist and succulent. The meat is marinated with garlic, cumin, coriander, and other aromatic herbs before being braised to perfection.

Arroz con Mariscos

What is Arroz con Mariscos? A delightful and flavorful dish that hails from the coastal regions of Latin America. Meaning rice with seafood in Spanish, Arroz con Mariscos is a popular seafood rice dish that combines the best of land and sea.

This delectable culinary creation showcases an array of fresh ingredients like shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, fish, and more! The seafood is cooked to perfection and combined with aromatic spices and herbs to create a mouthwatering medley of flavors.

In addition to the succulent seafood, Arroz con Mariscos also features fluffy rice cooked in a flavorful broth. This combination results in a satisfyingly hearty yet light dish that captivates your taste buds with every bite. The aromatic base for this dish typically includes onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.

Arroz Chaufa

Arroz Chaufa, also known as Peruvian Fried Rice, is a delectable dish that combines the flavors of Chinese stir-fried rice with Peruvian seasonings and ingredients. Originating from the fusion of Chinese immigrants and Peruvian cuisine, Arroz Chaufa has become a beloved staple in Peru's gastronomic landscape.

Cau Cau de Mariscos

This delightful dish typically consists of tender pieces of seafood such as fish, shrimp, and squid cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, yellow chili peppers, and aromatic spices. The name Cau Cau comes from the Quechua language spoken by indigenous people in Peru and translates to a mixture. This perfectly sums up this delicious dish as it brings together various ingredients to create an explosion of taste.

Arroz con Champiñones

Arroz con Champiñones is a traditional Spanish rice dish that features mushrooms as the star ingredient. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish. The name itself translates to rice with mushrooms, which perfectly describes what this dish is all about. 

Arroz con Lomo Saltado

This dish combines the best of both worlds – tender beef stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and spices, served on a bed of perfectly cooked rice. The name itself gives away its main ingredients; arroz means rice in Spanish while lomo saltado translates to stir-fried beef.

Arroz con Leche

Arroz con Leche, also known as Rice Pudding, is a delicious and traditional dessert enjoyed in many Latin American countries. This sweet treat consists of rice cooked in milk with sugar and aromatic spices. It has a creamy texture and is often served warm or chilled, making it perfect for any season. Some variations include adding raisins or condensed milk for extra richness.

Arroz con Leche can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting dessert or paired with toppings such as ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.

Arroz con Pato

This traditional dish combines succulent duck with aromatic rice and an assortment of spices, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave you begging for more. Arroz con Pato translates to rice with duck, and it is a staple in Peruvian cuisine. The dish features tender pieces of duck that are first marinated in a blend of spices, including cumin, garlic, and pepper.

Arroz Tapado

Arroz Tapado is a popular dish that translates to covered rice in English, and it gets its name from the unique way it is prepared and presented. Arroz Tapado combines layers of seasoned rice with a savory filling that can vary depending on personal preference or regional traditions. If you are looking to explore new culinary experiences or simply want to indulge in a mouthwatering meal, Arroz Tapado should be on your list!

Arroz con Maracuyá

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Say hello to Arroz con Maracuya, a vibrant dish that will transport you straight to the tropics! This mouthwatering recipe combines two key ingredients – rice and maracuya (also known as passion fruit) – resulting in a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors.

Arroz con Menestra

Arroz con Menestra is a dish that combines two staple ingredients: rice and menestra. But what exactly is menestra? It is a type of stew made with lentils or beans, vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and aromatic spices. When these two elements come together, they create a mouthwatering combination that will leave you wanting more.

Arroz con Pollo a la Chiclayana

Arroz con Pollo a la Chiclayana is a Peruvian dish known for its vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and succulent chicken. Originating from the coastal region of Peru, specifically the city of Chiclayo, this dish showcases the culinary heritage and diversity of Peruvian cuisine. The star ingredient of Arroz con Pollo a la Chiclayana is undoubtedly chicken – typically cooked with bone-in pieces to infuse more flavor into the dish.

Arroz con Adobo

Arroz con Adobo, which translates to rice with adobo, is a traditional Puerto Rican recipe that combines two key components: seasoned rice and marinated meat. The star of this dish is the adobo seasoning, a blend of spices such as garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika. It infuses both the rice and meat with an irresistible flavor that brings warmth and depth to every bite.

Arroz con Cuy

Arroz con Cuy may sound exotic to those unfamiliar with Peruvian cuisine. But fear not, as we embark on a beginner's guide to understanding this delectable dish and what makes it so special. Arroz con Cuy translates to rice with guinea pig in English, and yes, you read that right! This unique dish combines fluffy rice cooked with tender pieces of guinea pig meat, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Originating from the Andean region of Peru, Arroz con Cuy has deep cultural roots dating back centuries. The guinea pig was considered a sacred animal by the Incas and played an essential role in their rituals.

Arroz con Pescado

As the name suggests, Arroz con Pescado translates to rice with fish in English. This flavorful and hearty meal combines rice and fish, creating a delicious fusion of flavors.

Arroz con Vegetales

Arroz con Vegetales, also known as Rice with Vegetables, is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that originated in the beautiful country of Puerto Rico. This recipe combines the fluffy goodness of white rice with a medley of colorful vegetables to create a deliciously satisfying meal. If you're new to the world of Latin cuisine or simply looking for an exciting way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, Arroz con Vegetales is the perfect choice.

Arroz con Aceitunas

Arroz con Aceitunas is a dish from Spain that translates to rice with olives in English. This popular Mediterranean recipe combines the simplicity of rice with the bold flavors of olives, creating a mouthwatering meal that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat. 

Arroz con Camarones

Arroz con Camarones, also known as shrimp rice, is a traditional dish from Latin America. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines rice with succulent shrimp, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. This popular dish has its roots in the coastal regions of countries like Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador.

As a whole, Peruvian rice dishes are a delicious and versatile part of Peruvian cuisine. From the hearty and comforting Arroz con Pollo to the flavorful and spicy Arroz Chaufa, there is a rice dish for every palate.

Peruvians have perfected the art of cooking rice, resulting in perfectly cooked and flavorful dishes. Trying out some Peruvian rice recipes is a great way to explore new flavors and expand your culinary repertoire.

So why not give it a try? Grab some ingredients, follow a recipe, and enjoy the wonderful world of Peruvian rice dishes!