How to Make Caribbean Fried Rice (You’ll Love)
Talk about food fusion! Did you know, that what we know as Caribbean food today is the result of the accumulation of cuisine influences from many different countries around the world? Caribbean fried rice is just one example of Chinese influence on Caribbean food. In fact, people all over the Caribbean make their own versions of Chinese fried rice. In this post, you will learn about fried rice from many different Caribbean countries. More specifically, you’ll have access to Jamaican fried rice recipes, Cuban fried rice recipes, Puerto Rican fried rice recipes, and Trinidad and Tobago fried rice recipes. Read further to learn more!
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Caribbean Cuisine Influences
There are so many cuisines from all over the world that play a role in what Caribbean food is today.
European settlers, for example, migrated to the Caribbean and brought African slaves with them. These African slaves introduced the following food products to the Taíno Indians already living on the islands:
- Ackee
- Okra
- Callaloo
- Pudding
- Fishcakes
- Saltfish
- Cornmeal
- Cassava
- Plantains
- Bananas
- Sweet Potatoes
- Yams
Naturally, the Africans also brought with them their African cooking styles and meals, too. Jamaican callaloo is just one food example of a food that comes from Africa.
After slavery had been abolished, the European settlers traveled to India and China and brought back people from those countries with them to the Caribbean for labor.
As a result, Chinese and Indian cooking was brought over to the Caribbean and became infused with the cooking styles and foods that were already there.
For example, many Caribbean dishes today incorporate curry powder, which was brought over from India.
Also, many Caribbean dishes today use rice, which the Chinese brought over from China.
In addition, the Spanish settlers brought over many fruits that are now very popular in the Caribbean islands.
These fruits, which may have originated in other countries, too, include:
- Coconuts
- Oranges
- Tamarinds
- Limes
- Grapes
- Figs
- Dates
- Figs
Also, the people from the Americas introduced the Caribbean to different foods such as:
- Chili pepper
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Squash
Interesting, right??
Ingredients for Caribbean Fried Rice Recipes
These are the main ingredients you will use in many Caribbean style fried rice recipes:
- White rice
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Carrots
- Green onions
- Fried egg
How to Make Caribbean Chinese Fried Rice
If you’re wondering how to make Caribbean fried rice, it’s really not too different from making Chinese fried rice recipes.
You basically only need to do the following steps:
- Heat oil in a large wok, stockpot, or pan.
- Sautee your vegetables.
- Pour in some soy sauce.
- Add white rice.
- Stir.
- Add chopped scrambled eggs.
- Stir again for a few minutes.
- Taste to see if it is salty enough. If not, add more soy sauce.
- Eat and enjoy!
However, please keep in mind that things may be a little different depending on the Caribbean country. They may have their own special seasonings or sauces, for example.
Read further to find out more about the specifics.
Cuban Fried Rice
Did you know that the Cuban people have their own Caribbean Chinese fried rice recipe versions?
Sadly, I did not know that until recently (how horrible of me)!
Cubans call this dish arroz frito (meaning, fried rice). What may make Cuban fried rice different from other Caribbean-style fried rice recipes is that Cubans like to add pork to their fried rice recipes.
Just so you know, I recently found this SUPER informative YouTube video by CGTN America on the Chinese’s influence on Cuban fried rice.
I’m just telling you… I HIGHLY recommend you check it out as it is SUPER informative and SO interesting!
Anyway, here is the video on how to make a great Cuban fried rice recipe:
Did you catch what they said at the end of the video? Chinese fried rice is one of Cuba’s national dishes!
Sooo cool, right??? Oh, how I love fusion food!
Puerto Rican Fried Rice
So, Puerto Ricans, too, have their own Caribbean Chinese fried rice recipe versions.
Similar to Cuban fried rice, lots of Puerto Ricans enjoy adding pork to their Puerto Rican fried rice recipes.
Check out this Puerto Rican style fried rice by Miosoty Chevere Agosto:
Jamaican Fried Rice
Like most Caribbean fried rice recipes, Jamaican fried rice is very similar to your typical Chinese fried rice.
Here…
Let me show you what I mean.
Please, check out this Jamaican-style fried rice YouTube video by The Jamaican Cooking Journey.
If you’re interested in a different fried Jamaican vegetable rice recipe, check out this video by Chef Ricardo Cooking to learn more.
(By the way, he has some REALLY great tips on how to cook the perfect egg fried rice.)
Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Fried Rice
Trini fried rice is yet one other Caribbean fried rice version you should definitely consider trying!
And, it is one of the more popular rice recipes from Trinidad and Tobago.
Here is a version you may like by Foodie Nation:
(By the way, they use Chief brand Garlic Soy Sauce, which is originally from Trinidad and Tobago).
Lucky for you, you can easily find it on Amazon if you don’t have access to it at your local grocery store.
AND…
They also use Chief brand fried rice seasoning. You can find it on Amazon here.
Anyway, back to the video by Foodie Nation on how to may Trini style fried rice:
What To Serve With Caribbean Styled Fried Rice
Jamaican Fried Rice
- Jerk chicken
- Peppered shrimp
- Brown stew fish
Cuban Fried Rice
- Pork chops (Chuletas de puerco)
- Chicken Fricassee (Fricasé de pollo)
- Crispy fried beef (Vaca frita)
Puerto Rican Fried Rice
- Mofongo
- Roast pork (pernil)
- Pasteles
- Pastelillos
Trinidad and Tobago Fried Rice
- Crab & Callaloo
- Fish broth
- Barbecued pigtail
Other
- Fried chicken
- French fries
FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions pertaining to Caribbean fried rice.
What is Caribbean rice made of?
These are the main ingredients for Caribbean fried rice:
- White rice
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Carrots
- Green onions
- Fried Egg
What is the secret to fried rice?
The secret to making great Caribbean fried rice is to use cold, leftover cooked long-grain white rice.
How do I make Caribbean rice?
Following these steps to make Caribbean fried rice:
- Heat oil in a large wok, stockpot, or pan.
- Sautee your vegetables.
- Pour in some soy sauce.
- Add white rice.
- Stir.
- Add chopped eggs.
- Stir again for a few minutes.
- Taste to see if it is salty enough. If not, add more soy sauce.
- Eat and enjoy!
What gives fried rice its flavor?
Soy sauce is the main ingredient that gives Caribbean fried rice its rich, salty, umami flavor.
Related Articles:
- Spiced Jamaican Coconut Cake (Toto)
- Jamaican Gung Beans Recipes (You’ll Love)
- How to Make a Delicious Jamaican Fried Chicken Recipe
- Jamaican Pudding Recipes You Must Try
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap! I hope you seriously consider making at least one of these Caribbean-style fried rice recipes. Did any of them stand out to you? Which ones? If so, please let me know in the comments below!
