The origins of Arroz à la Cubana are a little hazy. We know that the Spanish dish literally translates to Cuban-style rice, but the version as we Filipinos know it is neither truly Spanish nor Cuban. Versions of it exist in other former Spanish colonies, typically including a 

 (a Spanish tomato-based sauce with many regional variations), rice, fried egg, and plantains—not a single speck of meat.

The Filipino Arroz à la Cubana is almost unrecognizable when compared side-by-side to these versions. The most obvious difference: Ours has meat! Then, instead of a sofrito, we sauté the ground beef or pork in tomato paste. Saba bananas take the place of fried plantains. To round it out as a complete ulam, we add potatoes, raisins, and sometimes even carrots and peas. Interestingly, it’s just a bit of tomato sauce and a few boiled eggs away from being a 

Hazy history and uncanny resemblance to other Filipino dishes aside, this dish is a staple in most Pinoy households. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and uncomplicated dish that’s perfect for days when you want dinner on the table in half an hour.

Saba is the best banana to fry up to serve alongside a Filipino Arroz à la Cubana, as it’s not too sweet and starchy when cooked. But, if you don’t have any on hand or you just can’t find any at your local markets, 

 will work! Other countries’ versions of Arroz à la Cubana use different bananas depending on what’s available, so it’s not the end of the world if you can’t get your hands on saba.

Ingredients

Selina Ocampo

Arroz à la Cubana

Canned Tuna Sisig

Boneless Bangus Sisig

Chicken Sisig

Chicken Salpicao

Army Navy-Inspired Crispy Pork Kare-Kare Burrito Bowl

Burger Steak Kare-Kare

Fiesta Kesong Puti Carbonara

Easy Longganisang Hubad (Naked Filipino Garlic Sausage)

Best Lechon Kawali (Crispy Pork Belly)

Banana Bread French Toast

Stovetop Toyomansi Chicken Thighs

Roast Chicken Sopas (Filipino Macaroni Soup)

Spanish-inspired Arroz à la Cubana, served with pan-fried saba bananas, is simple, hearty, and comes together in 30 minutes.

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