10+ Caribbean Recipes to Spice Up Your Cooking

Caribbean recipes are a vibrant mix of flavors and cultures that reflect the rich history of the region. From spicy jerk chicken to sweet plantains, these dishes bring a taste of the islands right to your kitchen.

Exploring Caribbean recipes can open up a world of exciting meals that are sure to please your taste buds.

You can find a variety of dishes inspired by the diverse influences of African, Asian, and European cooking. Each recipe tells a story, highlighting local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re bound to discover new favorites that will inspire you to bring the spirit of the Caribbean into your home.

1) Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jamaican jerk chicken is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. The chicken is marinated in a spicy mixture that includes peppers, garlic, and other herbs. This gives it a unique, smoky flavor that is truly irresistible.

To make jerk chicken, you can use various cooking methods like grilling or baking. The goal is to achieve tender and juicy meat with a great char. Pair it with rice and beans for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or jalapeños)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients except chicken. Blend until smooth.
2. Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it sit for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
4. Grill the chicken for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

2) Puerto Rican Mofongo

Mofongo is a delicious Puerto Rican dish made from fried green plantains. You will love how it combines mashed plantains, garlic, and crunchy bits of chicharrón, or pork cracklings.

To make mofongo, you just mash the ingredients together. This creates a hearty side that pairs well with meats and broths.

You can enjoy it warm, topped with a savory sauce or served with your favorite protein. It’s perfect for family gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 green plantains
• 2 cups chicharrón (crispy pork skin)
• 4 cloves garlic
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the plantains into 1-inch pieces.
2. Fry the plantains in hot oil (around 350°F or 175°C) until golden.
3. Drain the plantains and let them cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, mash the plantains, garlic, and chicharrón together.
5. Season with salt and serve warm.

3) Cuban Ropa Vieja

Cuban Ropa Vieja is a tasty dish that features slow-cooked shredded beef. It simmers in a rich tomato sauce, making it full of flavor. This dish pairs well with rice and black beans for a hearty meal.

To make Ropa Vieja, you’ll want ingredients like beef, tomatoes, and spices. The combination creates a delicious blend of tastes that your family will love. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the steak on all sides.
2. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, broth, and cumin.
4. Cover and simmer for 4-6 hours at 300°F (150°C) until beef is tender.
5. Shred the beef and mix it back into the sauce before serving.

4) Haitian Rhum Cake

Haitian Rhum Cake is a delicious dessert that brings joyful flavors to your table. This cake is moist and rich, soaked in rum syrup, giving it a unique taste. You’ll love the hint of lime zest and vanilla mixed in for extra flavor.

You can use dark rum for a deeper taste. It’s perfect for celebrations or special occasions. Topping the cake with glazed fruits can add a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Lime zest (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until blended.
4. Add melted butter, rum, and vanilla to the egg mixture.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
6. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
7. Bake for about 40-45 minutes.
8. Allow to cool, then soak with rum syrup before serving.

5) Guyanese Pepperpot Stew

Guyanese Pepperpot is a rich and hearty stew, perfect for family gatherings. This dish combines beef and goat, slow-cooked to bring out the flavors. The unique ingredient, cassareep, gives it a dark color and sweet taste.

You’ll also find aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves, along with wiri wiri peppers for a kick. The stew is simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve this dish with bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a true celebration of Caribbean cooking!

Ingredients

• 4 lbs of meat (beef and goat)
• 1 cup cassareep
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-inch piece of orange peel
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 wiri wiri peppers
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cube the meat and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot, combine the meat, cassareep, cinnamon sticks, garlic, and orange peel.
3. Add water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, add wiri wiri peppers, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
5. Stir in the brown sugar and adjust seasoning as needed. Enjoy your meal!

6) Trinidadian Doubles

Trinidadian doubles are a popular street food from Trinidad and Tobago. This dish consists of two soft flatbreads called bara, filled with a spicy curried chickpea mixture known as channa.

To enjoy this dish, you can customize it with toppings like mango chutney or pepper sauce. It’s both tasty and satisfying.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water (as needed)
• 1 can chickpeas (or 2 cups cooked)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Oil (for frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form a dough.
2. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
3. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add chickpeas and curry powder, cook until warm.
5. Roll dough into small circles and fry in oil until golden.
6. Fill each flatbread with the chickpea mixture and serve hot.

7) Bajan Flying Fish and Cou-Cou

Bajan Flying Fish and Cou-Cou is a popular dish from Barbados. It features flying fish, which you can prepare by steaming or frying. The fish is often served with cou-cou, a creamy mix made from cornmeal.

To make cou-cou, you will need to cook cornmeal in water until it thickens. This side dish has a texture similar to polenta or grits, perfect for pairing with fish.

The dish is often enjoyed with a flavorful tomato and onion gravy. This adds a delicious touch to the meal.

Ingredients

• 2 flying fish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Gradually stir in cornmeal, cooking until it thickens.
3. In another pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft.
4. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Prepare the fish by steaming or frying it.
6. Serve the flying fish with cou-cou and gravy on top.

8) Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. This recipe uses tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich sauce made with aromatic spices.

To make it, season your chicken with black pepper, salt, and allspice. Add onions, bell peppers, and thyme for more flavor. Brown the chicken in a pan, then simmer it in a mixture of soy sauce and tomato.

Serve it with rice and peas or your favorite side dish for a complete meal. The combination of spices gives it a delicious taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken pieces
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with black pepper, salt, and allspice.
2. Heat oil in a pan and brown the chicken.
3. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in soy sauce and thyme.
5. Add water and simmer for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

9) Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is a delicious and hearty meal. It features layers of savory meats, Swiss cheese, and pickles. The sandwich is pressed and toasted for a crispy outside and melty inside.

You can start with Cuban bread, which is key to the dish. Add sliced ham, roasted pork, and Swiss cheese. Don’t forget the dill pickles and a bit of mustard for extra flavor.

Once it’s layered, press the sandwich until it’s golden brown. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a favorite for many.

Ingredients

• Cuban bread
• Sliced ham
• Roasted pork
• Swiss cheese
• Dill pickles
• Yellow mustard
• Butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet or sandwich press to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Slice the Cuban bread and spread mustard on both halves.
3. Then, layer ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles on the bottom half.
4. Close the sandwich and butter the outside.
5. Place the sandwich in the skillet or press and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side.

10) Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaican beef patties are a delicious snack, perfect for any time of day. They have a flaky crust filled with spiced ground beef, making them a favorite in Caribbean cuisine.

To make these patties, you will need simple ingredients like ground beef, onion, and spices. The flaky pastry adds a wonderful texture and flavor.

You can enjoy them warm for a quick meal or as an appetizer at gatherings. Pair them with a side of hot sauce for some extra kick!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold water

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat oil. Then, sauté onions, scallions, and garlic until soft.
3. Add ground beef, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned.
4. For the dough, mix flour with a pinch of salt and cold water until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
6. Fill each circle with the beef mixture, fold, and seal the edges.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.