How to Make Arroz Ala Cubana One-Plate Meal Recipe Guide

Arroz Ala Cubana is a Filipino dish inspired by Spanish and Cuban cuisine. Traditionally made with sautéed ground beef cooked in garlic, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings, it’s typically served with white rice, a sunny-side-up egg, and sweet fried bananas (usually saba). The combination of savory meat, creamy egg yolk, and caramelized banana creates a perfect balance of flavors—salty, sweet, and rich in every bite. While the name hints at Cuban origins, this version has been embraced and adapted by Filipino kitchens, becoming a staple comfort food that’s both filling and easy to prepare.

This one-plate meal is not only flavorful but also budget-friendly and nutritious. The ground meat mixture can be enhanced with vegetables like carrots or green peas for added texture and nutrients. Arroz Ala Cubana is often served at home for lunch or dinner, especially when quick, satisfying meals are needed. Arroz Ala Cubana is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that showcases the heart of Filipino home cooking.

Arroz Ala Cubana Recipe by Filipino Vegan
Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled, crushed, and minced
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• ¼ cup diced potatoes
• 2 cups tofu giniling
• ¼ cup diced carrots
• ¼ cup green peas
• ¼ cup raisins
• 3 pieces ripe saba bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise, ½ inch wide
• Scrambled tofu upon serving(optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and cook until golden. Mix in the onions and cook until the onions have turned soft and translucent.
3. Mix in the potatoes. Lower the heat and cover the pan to soften the potatoes. Occasionally stir to make sure nothing sticks on the bottom.
4. Once the potatoes are soft, mix in the tofu giniling.
5. In a bowl, combine the tomato paste, soy sauce, salt and pepper.
6. Pour the liquid mixture into the pan and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Mix in the carrots, peas, and raisins. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Turn off the heat and transfer everything to a plate.
8. To cook the bananas, use the same pan and fry the bananas in oil, cook all side until darker in color. Turn off the heat.
9. Upon serving, assemble the tofu giniling, fried bananas, scrambled tofu(optional), and rice on a plate. End.