Caribbean cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant ingredients, and diverse culinary influences. This collection of 22 Caribbean Inspired Recipes brings a taste of the islands to your home kitchen. From savory main dishes to tropical desserts, these recipes offer a range of flavors and techniques that capture the essence of Caribbean cooking. Even if it’s your first time, you’ll find approachable recipes that use readily available ingredients to create satisfying meals. Join me as we explore these dishes that blend traditional Caribbean elements with home cooking practicality.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Egg Rolls
If you’ve ever made jerk chicken, you know that it can be a bit of a feast. There are usually plenty of leftovers, which is great because you can use them to make these delicious jerk chicken egg rolls! They’re perfect for an appetizer or main course, and they’re especially good when served with our delicious spicy mango pineapple dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken Egg Rolls
Slow Roasted Lechon – Asado Cuban Mojo Pork Shoulder
Lechon Asado (Cuban Mojo Pork Roast) is a popular and traditional dish in Cuban cuisine. The recipe involves marinating a pork shoulder in a zesty and flavorful mojo sauce, slow roasting it in the oven until it’s tender and juicy, and serving it with a variety of tasty sides. The aroma of the pork as it cooks is enough to make your mouth water and the flavor is out of this world. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties or special occasions. It’s also sure to impress your guests with its succulent taste and vibrant flavors. This recipe will leave you licking your fingers and wondering where it’s been all your life
Get the Recipe: Slow Roasted Lechon – Asado Cuban Mojo Pork Shoulder
Jamaican Chicken Patties
Jamaican curry chicken patties are a popular Caribbean snack that is loved for their bold and spicy flavors. These patties are filled with a delicious mixture of curried chicken and vegetables, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry shell made from scratch. With the use of authentic Jamaican seasonings and spices, you’ll be able to create an irresistible and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Chicken Patties
Grilled Avocado with Mango Chicken
Delicious grilled avocado topped with seasoned chicken and mango salsa will have you feeling like you are on a tropical vacation without leaving your backyard. Healthy and easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Avocado with Mango Chicken
Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pizza
Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pizza Recipe- Sweet, spicy and salty pizza loaded with veggies, spicy chicken and drizzled with honey.
Get the Recipe: Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pizza
Rasta Pasta
Spice up your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and flavorful rasta pasta recipe with a creamy alfredo-esque sauce! A delightful fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines, this skillet dinner features creamy penne pasta tossed with spicy jerk chicken and colorful bell peppers. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with jerk seasoning. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this jerk chicken pasta is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta
Caribbean Johnny Cakes
Learn how to make delicious Caribbean Johnny Cakes with this easy recipe. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these golden fried breads are perfect for a Caribbean breakfast, savory dinner, or enjoyed on their own as a snack.
Get the Recipe: Caribbean Johnny Cakes
Coconut Rum Cake
This Coconut Rum Cake adds even more Caribbean flavor to the classic cake recipe with the sweet infusion of coconut and a buttery glaze.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Rum Cake
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
This Deeply flavorful, rich, and downright addictive Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken starts with chicken that has been intensely marinated in a variety of aromatic spices and then braised down in the best savory liquids, resulting in the most comforting Caribbean-style stew you can imagine!!
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
Sautéed Onion, Ham and Cheese Empanadas
These sautéed onion, ham and cheese empanadas are the perfect almost-homemade snack. Using refrigerated pie crust dough instead of homemade pastry cuts down on prep time, and baking instead of frying prevents the need to heat up a big pot of oil.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Onion, Ham and Cheese Empanadas
Accras de Morue (Cod Fritters)
Accras de Morue or Cod fritters are popular appetizers in the French Caribbean made with onion, chives, thyme and a touch of hot pepper. Usually Deep-fried, but here is a double recipe for the Air fryer for a healthier bite!
Get the Recipe: Accras de Morue (Cod Fritters)
Cuban Frijoles Negros
“My abuela’s cuban frijoles negros recipe is simple, easy, and delish. It’s full of flavor but only made with a handful of pantry ingredients. Use canned beans and simmer on the stovetop for 20 minutes and serve as a side dish with white rice!”
Get the Recipe: Cuban Frijoles Negros
Belizean Salbutes
A popular street food in Belize, Salbutes make for a great on-the-go snack, a quick and delicious lunch or even an impressive appetizer!
Get the Recipe: Belizean Salbutes
Cuban Sliders
These easy Cuban sliders, also known as mini medianoche sandwiches are made with leftover pulled mojo pork (lechon asado), ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and creamy mustard sauce and served on sweet Hawaiian rolls. These mouth-watering sliders are a great addition to your game day menu or as a quick and tasty snack are low on time and need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sliders
Coconut Rice and Beans
Coconut Rice and Beans is hearty, packed with flavor and perfect served alongside all of your favorite Caribbean fare!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Rice and Beans
Grilled Mango Skewers
With this grilled mango recipe, cubed mango is marinated in honey and dark rum for some Caribbean flair and then lightly charred on the grill on skewers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango Skewers
Tostones with Cilantro, Jalapeño Green Sauce
These crispy tostones, or twice-fried green plantains, are extra crunchy and delicious when served with a cilantro jalapeño sauce. They’re crispy, salty, and super addictive–the perfect snack or side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Tostones with Cilantro, Jalapeño Green Sauce
Ropa Vieja
Cuba’s national dish, Ropa Vieja, is a hearty and delicious dish made with flavorful ingredients such as flank steak, vegetables, and spices and served with rice and black beans. A meal loved by the whole family, easily double the recipe and enjoy leftovers all week.
Get the Recipe: Ropa Vieja
Fried Plantains
Fried Plantains might be quick and easy to make but boy oh boy do they slap! That means they taste amazing boos. You start by slicing ripe sweet plantains then you fry them until that golden irresistible caramelized texture develops making them crisp on the outside and perfectly soft and tender on the inside. With just 2 ingredients in this fried plantains recipe, they can be made in no time. You can serve them up as a snack or as a side dish so delish it might compete with the attention of the main course.
Get the Recipe: Fried Plantains
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs
Jamaican jerk chicken thighs is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more. The spice blend used in this recipe packs quite the punch, but it’s simple to make, so even those without any culinary experience can attempt this recipe!
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs
Cuban Inspired Vegan Fricase
This hearty, healthy, and flavorful one-pot vegan fricase combines tofu and potatoes with a rich tomato-based sauce reminiscent of the Cuban-style chicken fricase or “Fricasé de Pollo.” If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan version with tofu, you’re going to love this.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Inspired Vegan Fricase
Spicy Pineapple Mango Dipping Sauce
This pineapple mango habanero salsa is the perfect way to spice up your next meal. A favorite recipe of ours. The sweet flavor of the fruit helps balance out any heat from the hot peppers so it’s perfect not only as an ingredient in recipes but also on top of dishes like chicken or pork satay skewers!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pineapple Mango Dipping Sauce
