Have you ever heard the term ‘fusion cuisine’? Naturally, this term refers to those cuisines that bring together flavors, ingredients, textures and any influence in general from different cultures.
There are, of course, many examples we could mention of this type of cuisine. But the one that wins over the others is Peruvian cuisine.
Peruvian cuisine is known worldwide for its unique and delicious flavor. The popularity of Peruvian dishes has grown in recent years as many immigrants from Peru have moved to other countries around the world.
Hands on: a recipe for Chaufa Rice with tortilla
One of the most popular dishes is the Peruvian chaufa rice with tortilla, a dish that forms part of the so-called chifa cuisine, a fusion of Chinese-Peruvian flavors that originated in the 19th century with the arrival of Chinese immigrants to Peru. In fact, the name “chaufa” comes from the Spanish transliteration Peruvian people made of the Chinese word chǎofàn which literally means fried rice.
This recipe is a perfect example of the fusion between Peruvian and Chinese flavors. It consists of a combination of white rice, egg, vegetables, beef, and soy sauce, all cooked together in a wok. The result is a delicious, flavorful dish that is sure to please your family.
This dish is a very popular and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. It is a delicious meal you can make in about 30 minutes, once you have all the following.
Ingredients needed
- 3 cups of cooked white rice.
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- ¼ cup of diced celery.
- ¼ cup of diced onion.
- ¼ cup of diced bell pepper.
- 1 cup of diced cooked beef.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten.
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- 1 package of store-bought tortillas.
Step by step instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet (much better if you use a wok) over medium-high heat.
- Add the celery, onion, and bell pepper, and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked beef and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add the cooked white rice, eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on the stove-top.
- Spoon the rice mixture onto the tortillas and roll up.
Cook’s tips
For an extra flavor boost, add a dash of hot sauce or a few drops of sesame oil. You can also try adding different vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Furthermore, you can see a different approach to this dish at https://carolinarice.com/recipes/arroz-chaufa/ where you’ll find more information about which type of rice to use and useful tips on cooking.
Serving suggestions
Peruvian chaufa rice with tortilla is best served hot and can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or a bowl of soup.
To complete the meal, traditional Peruvian beverages such as Chicha Morada, or a Pisco Sour are recommended.
Why not try a vegan version of this Chaufa Rice with Tortilla?
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can just omit the egg and the beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Even better, to replace the needed protein content of the beef, you may choose any of these options:
- Seitan: This is a meat substitute made from wheat protein. It has a dense and chewy texture that is similar to beef, perfect for vegan chaufa rice.
- Mushrooms: Portobello, shiitake, and other meaty mushrooms can be sliced and sautéed with spices to create a beef-like flavor and texture.
- Lentils: Cooked lentils can be used to add protein and texture to the dish. They can be seasoned with spices to enhance their flavor.
- Tofu: Firm tofu can be crumbled and seasoned with spices to mimic the texture and flavor of ground beef.
Whatever version of this dish you choose, rest assured, you will love it. If you make it, let us know how it goes in the comment section below!