Last Updated on May 31, 2025 by Ed Joven
Filipino Arroz Ala Cubana Everyone Should Try
If you ever want to serve something hearty, tasty, and packed with flavor, the Arroz A la Cubana Recipe never fails. This Filipino-style comfort food combines savory ground meat, sunny-side-up eggs, fried bananas, and rice in one generous plate. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug from your childhood kitchen. It’s a go-to meal when you want something quick but satisfying.
Arroz Ala Cubana may have Cuban roots, but the version in the Philippines has its charm. It’s meaty, a little sweet, perfectly balanced, and very Pinoy in flavor. People love it for lunch or dinner because it’s so easy to whip up, yet it tastes like you spent hours preparing it.
Let’s discuss what makes this dish a winner and why you might want to add it to your regular meal rotation.
Table of contents
Why the Arroz Ala Cubana Recipe Hits the Spot
This recipe gives you everything your body needs in one colorful plate. You get protein from the ground meat and eggs, energy from the rice, and vitamins from the banana. It’s a well-balanced dish that fills and fuels you for the day.
The bananas add a touch of natural sweetness without loading the dish with sugar. It balances the savory flavor of the meat beautifully. You can switch to brown rice or leaner ground meat to make healthier swaps. You still enjoy the same comfort with better nutrition.
Because it combines different food groups, the Arroz Ala Cubana works great for adults and kids. Plus, it’s easy to portion, which makes it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients and Step by Step Procedure:
Arroz A la Cubana Recipe : A Hearty Meal for your Family
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. Canola Oil
- 1 med. Carrot diced
- 1 med. Potato diced
- 1 sm. Red Bell Pepper diced
- Pinch Salt to taste
Meat:
- 2 tbsp. Canola Oil
- 1 med. Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 500 g Ground Beef
- 2 tbsp. Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp. Sriracha
- 1 tbsp. Soy Sauce
- ¼ cup Green Peas
- ¼ cup Raisins
- ½ cup Beef Stock
- Salt & Pepper to taste
To Serve with:
- 4 pcs Fried Saba Banana sliced
- 3 pcs Fried Eggs
- Fried Rice or Steamed Rice
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the diced carrots and potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the bell peppers and fry for another minute.
- Remove all the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it turns brown.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir-fry to combine.
- Mix in the tomato paste, sriracha, and soy sauce.
- Continue to sauté until the beef is fully cooked and well coated.
- Return the fried vegetables to the pan.
- Add green peas and raisins, then stir everything together.
- Pour in the beef stock and let it simmer on low heat until the liquid evaporates.
- Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Once done, set the picadillo aside.
- In the same pan, heat more oil and fry the saba banana slices until light brown.
- Fry eggs sunny-side up, and sprinkle with a little salt.
- Serve everything on a plate with warm rice, picadillo, fried bananas, and eggs.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety Tips When Cooking This Dish
Always handle ground meat with care. You need to store it in the coldest part of your fridge before you cook it. When cooking, ensure the meat turns brown and no pink remains. That ensures it’s safe to eat.
Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat. Clean the chopping board and any knife with hot water and soap. Keep cooked food separate from raw ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
Also, cook your eggs until the whites are appropriately set. You want to avoid runny whites that may contain bacteria. A sunny-side-up egg looks good on top, but safety comes first.
Storage Tips for Arroz Ala Cubana Leftovers
Got some leftovers? No problem. Arroz Ala Cubana stores well if you handle it right. Here are a few simple tips to keep your food fresh and safe:
- Use airtight containers to store leftovers and keep them from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours after cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- Keep meat and rice together for easier reheating, but store eggs and bananas separately or cook fresh when serving again.
- Reheat thoroughly in a microwave or stovetop until the meat is steaming hot.
- Avoid reheating fried bananas and eggs as their texture turns rubbery. Fry a fresh egg and banana instead.
- Freeze the meat mixture in individual portions for quick meals later. Just thaw, reheat, and serve with rice and fresh toppings.
What Kitchen Tools Do You Need?
You don’t need fancy equipment to pull off this dish. You need a few kitchen basics.
- Nonstick frying pan or skillet – for cooking the meat mixture evenly
- Spatula – to stir and mix the ground meat while it cooks
- Rice cooker or pot – to steam your rice perfectly
- Sharp kitchen knife – for slicing garlic, onions, and bananas
- Chopping board – to prep your ingredients safely and easily
- Small frying pan – ideal for frying eggs and bananas with better control
- Ladle or serving spoon – for plating and serving the dish neatly
Make It Part of Your Weekly Menu
For this reason, the Arroz A la Cubana earns its spot as a staple in many Filipino homes. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor and brings a mix of nutrients to the table. It doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or high-end tools. You can cook it any day of the week without stress.
Whether you serve it to kids or adults, it gets the same reaction—clean plates and happy faces. So, if you haven’t added it to your home menu yet, now is a great time to give it a go. This recipe doesn’t just feed your stomach. It brings a bit of joy to every meal.
Arroz Ala Cubana FAQ
Ground beef is classic, but pork, chicken, or meat alternatives also work.
Saba bananas are best, but semi-ripe plantains or firm regular bananas can be used.
Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat well before eating.
Round Out Your Plate with These Tasty Add-Ons
Pair your Arroz Ala Cubana with classic Filipino sides like Atchara (pickled papaya) for a tangy contrast or a simple Ensaladang Talong to keep things fresh and a warm bowl of Munggo Guisado. A cold glass of Calamansi Juice Cooler balances the savory and sweet flavors beautifully for drinks. If you want to end on a sweet note, go for local favorites like Leche flan, Mango float, or a chilled cup of Creamy Buko Pandan—each one adds a creamy, refreshing touch that completes the meal.
This dish is absolutely delicious! I followed your recipe and my Arroz a la Cubana turned out amazing. I skipped the rice since I don’t usually eat it, but the combination of the fried banana, eggs, and meat was perfect!
I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe. And thanks for your feedback!