Arroz Con Todo (Rice With Everything) Panama Style Recipe

Our friend Chef Felipe Milanés is a renowned Panamanian chef and restaurateur known for elevating Panamanian cuisine with modern techniques and Caribbean influences.

We partnered with him on this special recipe. Hope you enjoy it!

Arroz con Todo with Mo’s Heat Sauce

AKA “Rice with Everything”

Serves: 6 People

Ingredients – Sofrito

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 bunch culantro or cilantro
• 2 tablespoons achiote oil
• 4 tablespoons Mo’s Heat Sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients – Rice

• 8 strips bacon, diced
• 1 pound beef tenderloin or skirt steak, diced small
• ½ pound cooked octopus, chopped
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup petit pois (green peas)
• 3 cups rice
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 2 extra tablespoons Mo’s Heat Sauce

Garnish

• Crunchy pork rinds
• Fresh cilantro
• Lemon wedges
• Extra Mo’s Heat Sauce for finishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Build the Sofrito
   In a blender, combine the red pepper, green pepper, onion, garlic, culantro, achiote oil, Mo’s Heat Sauce, and salt. Blend until smooth. This sofrito is the backbone of the arroz con todo.
2. Render the Bacon
   Heat a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and let the fat slowly render out until crispy. Remove half of the bacon and save it for garnish. Leave the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Cook the Proteins
   Add the diced beef and sear until nicely browned. Add the octopus, corn, and petit pois. Mix well and let all the flavors marry together. Add the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of Mo’s Heat Sauce and continue mixing.
4. Cook the Rice
   Add the rice and stir thoroughly so every grain gets coated. Pour in the sofrito and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat completely. Do not cover. Cook until the rice is juicy, fluffy, and fully cooked.
5. Plate It Up
   Serve a generous portion of rice. Top with crispy bacon, crunchy pork rinds, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and a final touch of Mo’s Heat Sauce. Remember… this is Latino style rice with everything.