Arroz Tapado: Peruvian Beef and Rice Dish
By Noah Bennett
Arroz tapado is a beloved Peruvian dish featuring layers of cooked white rice and a savory beef filling. This flavorful meal also incorporates hard-boiled eggs and olives, enhancing its taste and presentation. Served either warm or at room temperature, it is a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with fried bananas or eggs, making it perfect for gatherings or a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- •1 tsp olive oil (or another type of oil)
- •1 clove garlic (finely grated, chopped or ground (optional but highly recommended))
- •0.75 tsp salt
- •1 cup long-grain rice
- •1.25 cup water
- •2 tbsp olive oil
- •1 medium red onion (finely chopped)
- •2 tsp paprika
- •2 tsp dried oregano
- •2 cloves garlic (puréed, minced or finely grated)
- •2 tbsp ají panca paste
- •500 g lean meat (cut in 5mm cubes)
- •salt
- •black pepper
- •50 g blonde raisins
- •2 hard-boiled eggs
- •6 olives (purple/Alfonso or black olives)
- •3 tbsp butter
- •3 bananas (or ripe plantains, cut in half lengthwise)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat a small pot over medium heat.
- 2
Add the olive oil, garlic, and salt, stirring until the garlic starts to become golden.
- 3
Add the rice and stir constantly for one minute.
- 4
Add the water still on medium heat and let it come to a boil.
- 5
Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a minimum and place the lid on the pot.
- 6
After 15 minutes, use a fork to check that there’s no water left at the base of the pot.
- 7
If there's still water, let it cook for a few more minutes; if not, fluff up the rice and let it dry out without the lid for an extra minute.
- 8
In a large pan, add the oil and cook the onion with paprika and oregano over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 9
Add the garlic and ají panca paste, stirring for one minute.
- 10
Add the beef, salt, and pepper, stirring well.
- 11
Lower the heat and cook the beef for 5 minutes until juicy.
- 12
Taste and adjust salt if needed, then add the raisins and stir well.
- 13
In personal bowls, form a layer of rice at the base and flatten it.
- 14
Add a layer of beef on top of the rice and flatten it, then add 1/4 hard-boiled egg and an olive per portion.
- 15
Cover the beef with more rice and flatten it as well.
- 16
Cover the bowl with a serving dish and flip it.
- 17
You can microwave it like this if it's cold.
- 18
Remove the bowl.
- 19
Cut the bananas in half lengthwise and peel them.
- 20
Preheat a pan to medium heat and add the butter.
- 21
Add the banana halves and cook until both sides are golden.
- 22
Serve with the arroz tapado.
