Peruvian chifa recipes
Classic recipes from Peruvian chifa: chinese-peruvian fusion you can’t miss at your table
Chifa is much more than just a type of cuisine; it’s a living reflection of Chinese migration to Peru, where eastern culinary traditions were masterfully fused with local ingredients and flavors to create iconic dishes that are now part of the country’s gastronomic soul. This unique fusion has given rise to a delicious and diverse variety, with each recipe telling a story of cultural exchange and adaptation.
Among the most representative and beloved dishes are arroz chaufa, comforting sopa wantán, colorful tallarín saltado, flavorful pollo chijaukay, sweet and tangy chancho con tamarindo, crispy wantán frito, and traditional min pao in both sweet and savory versions. These classic chifa recipes not only win over palates, but are also a must-have on any table that celebrates this special culinary fusion.
Arroz chaufa
This dish was born in the mid-19th century with the arrival of Chinese migrants to Peru. It’s the Peruvian adaptation of Chinese fried rice, full of flavor and versatility.
Main ingredients
250 g cooked white rice
chicken breast
eggs
bell pepper
Chinese onion
ginger
soy sauce
Preparation
season and cut the chicken into small cubes
slice the vegetables into thin strips
make an omelet with the eggs and cut into strips
stir-fry the chicken until browned
add the vegetables and then the rice, mixing well
add soy sauce and stir
add the omelet strips and stir-fry for a few more seconds
Sopa wantán
A must-have on any chifa menu, this soup blends chicken broth with wontons, Chinese noodles, and vegetables like napa cabbage and scallions.
Ingredients
chicken breast
pre-cooked Chinese noodles
napa cabbage
chicken broth
quail eggs
Chinese onion
sesame oil
soy sauce
preparation
cook the chicken, cabbage, and noodles in chicken broth with salt and pepper
add a few drops of sesame oil
add cooked quail eggs and scallions just before serving
Wonton filling
ground pork
grated ginger
soy sauce
Chinese onion
cornstarch
mix all ingredients and fill the wonton wrappers, then boil and serve in the soup
Tallarín saltado
A noodle-based version of the classic lomo saltado, with chicken or beef stir-fried with vegetables, oyster sauce, and soy sauce.
Ingredients
chicken strips
grated ginger and minced garlic
red bell pepper, red onion, napa cabbage
oyster sauce and soy sauce
Chinese-style noodles
bean sprouts
Preparation
stir-fry the chicken with salt and pepper
add ginger, garlic, and vegetables cut into strips
incorporate oyster sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth thickened with cornstarch
add the noodles and bean sprouts, stir-fry for a few minutes and serve
Chancho con tamarindo
A sweet and sour dish typical of Cantonese cuisine, featuring pork and tamarind sauce.
Ingredients
pork
scallions, chili, garlic, vinegar, sugar
tamarind sauce
cornstarch
Preparation
brown the garlic and pork pieces
add tomato, chili, sugar, vinegar, and tamarind
thicken with cornstarch and cook until the scallions are tender
serve with white rice
Wantán frito con salsa de tamarindo
The perfect side for arroz chaufa, with crispy fried wontons and sweet and sour tamarind sauce.
Ingredients
homemade wonton wrappers
filling made of chicken and pork with ginger and napa cabbage
tamarind sauce with rice vinegar, ají panca, lemongrass, and sugar
Preparation
prepare the filling and assemble the wontons
deep-fry until golden brown
cook the sauce until it reaches a light syrup consistency
serve the wontons with the sauce
Min pao (sweet and savory)
Steamed Chinese buns, filled or plain, commonly eaten for breakfast or as desserts.
Sweet min pao
dough made with flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and sugar
filled with sweetened mashed beans
Savory min pao
similar dough
filled with meat, chicken, or pork marinated in oyster sauce, cabbage, and scallions
steam and serve hot
The legacy of china on the peruvian table
Exploring and preparing these classic recipes from Peruvian chifa is an invitation to immerse yourself in a cultural fusion that has enriched Peru’s gastronomy. Beyond flavor, each dish is a tribute to the history and blending of traditions from around the world. Bringing these flavors to your table not only delights everyone who tastes them, but also celebrates the diversity and richness of our culinary identity.