Cuban cuisine offers a mix of flavors from Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. It uses simple ingredients to create bold, tasty dishes.

You can easily make many Cuban recipes at home to bring the island’s flavors to your kitchen.

By trying Cuban recipes, you’ll discover new tastes and cooking methods. These dishes often feature rice, beans, plantains, and meats prepared with aromatic spices and herbs.

From hearty stews to sweet desserts, Cuban food has something for everyone. Give these recipes a try to add some Cuban flair to your meals.

1. Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish that you’ll love. It features tender, shredded beef in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

To make it, you’ll slow-cook flank steak or brisket until it’s fall-apart tender. Then shred the meat and combine it with a sauce made from sofrito, peppers, onions, and spices.

The name means “old clothes” in Spanish, likely because the shredded beef looks like tattered fabric. This hearty dish is perfect served over rice with black beans on the side.

Give Ropa Vieja a try for an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

2. Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is a tasty mix of flavors in one handheld meal. You’ll find roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between slices of Cuban bread.

To make one at home, start with good Cuban bread or a French baguette. Layer thin slices of roasted pork and ham. Add Swiss cheese and dill pickle slices.

Spread yellow mustard on the bread. Some folks like to add mayo too.

Press the sandwich in a hot pan or panini press until the cheese melts and the bread gets crispy.

You can change it up by using different meats or cheeses. Try turkey or salami instead of pork. Swap the Swiss for provolone if you prefer.

3. Lechon Asado

Lechon Asado is a beloved Cuban roast pork dish. You’ll love its crispy skin and juicy meat.

To make it, you’ll need a pork leg or shoulder.

The key is the marinade. Mix garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, onion, and sour orange juice. Rub this all over the pork and let it sit overnight.

When ready to cook, roast the pork slowly in the oven. It can take several hours, but the wait is worth it. The result is tender meat with a golden, crispy exterior.

Lechon Asado is perfect for special occasions. Serve it with rice and beans for a true Cuban feast.

4. Picadillo

Picadillo is a flavorful Cuban dish that you’ll love. It’s made with ground beef, spices, and vegetables.

To make picadillo, start by browning the beef in a pan. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra taste.

Spices like cumin and oregano give picadillo its distinctive flavor. Some recipes include olives and raisins for a sweet and salty mix.

You can serve picadillo over white rice or use it as a filling for tacos and empanadas. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for quick meals.

Try making picadillo at home for a taste of Cuban cuisine. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

5. Vaca Frita

Vaca frita is a tasty Cuban dish you’ll love. It’s made with flank steak or brisket that’s boiled until tender.

After cooking, you shred the meat and fry it with onions and garlic. This gives it a crispy texture.

The dish has a rich flavor from lime juice and spices. You can serve it with white rice and black beans.

Vaca frita is similar to ropa vieja but uses fewer ingredients. It’s a dry meat dish that doesn’t need sauce.

Try this easy recipe for a taste of Cuban cuisine. It’s a great way to enjoy beef with a crispy twist.

6. Fricase de Pollo

Fricase de Pollo is a tasty Cuban chicken dish. You marinate chicken pieces in salt and mojo sauce. This gives the meat lots of flavor.

To cook, you pat the chicken dry and fry it in oil. Then you add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. White wine and tomato sauce go in next.

The chicken simmers in this flavorful mix. Olives and potatoes are common additions. As it cooks, the sauce thickens.

This hearty meal is perfect with rice. The tender chicken and rich sauce make for a comforting dinner. You can enjoy this Cuban classic any night of the week.

7. Yuca con Mojo

Yuca con mojo is a tasty Cuban dish that combines boiled yuca with a zesty garlic sauce. You’ll love the soft, starchy texture of the yuca paired with the flavorful mojo.

To make this recipe, start by peeling and cutting yuca into chunks. Boil it until tender, then drain and set aside.

For the mojo sauce, mix minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and orange juice. Heat the mixture gently to bring out the flavors.

Pour the warm mojo sauce over the cooked yuca. Add sliced onions for extra taste and crunch.

This dish is perfect as a side or part of a larger Cuban meal.

8. Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo is a classic Cuban dish that combines chicken and rice in one flavorful pot. You’ll love this comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

To make it, you’ll need chicken pieces, rice, and a mix of spices. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.

A sofrito of onions, peppers, and garlic forms the flavor base. Saffron or annatto gives the rice its signature golden color.

Beer or wine adds depth to the broth as the dish simmers. The result is tender chicken and fluffy rice infused with rich flavors.

This one-pot meal is easy to make and feeds a crowd. It’s a great way to experience authentic Cuban cuisine at home.

9. Tostones

Tostones are a popular Cuban side dish made from green plantains. To make them, you’ll need to peel and slice the plantains into thick rounds.

Fry the slices in oil until they’re lightly golden. Then, flatten each slice using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass.

Fry the flattened plantains again until they’re crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle with salt to taste.

Tostones are often served with garlic mojo sauce for dipping. They make a great appetizer or accompaniment to main dishes.

You can easily adjust the recipe to make more or fewer tostones depending on how many people you’re serving. Enjoy this crispy Cuban treat!

10. Cuban Black Beans

Cuban black beans are a staple dish in Cuban cuisine. You’ll find them served with rice, meat, or as a side dish.

To make authentic Cuban black beans, start with dried black beans soaked overnight.

Cook them with garlic, onion, and green bell pepper. Add spices like oregano and cumin for flavor. Some recipes call for a bay leaf too.

You can use canned beans to save time, but dried beans often taste better. Cook the beans until tender but not mushy.

For extra flavor, mash some of the cooked beans and mix them back in. This creates a thicker, creamier texture.

11. Cuban Flan

Cuban flan is a beloved dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and rich. You’ll find it at many Cuban gatherings and restaurants.

To make it, you’ll need eggs, cream cheese, sugar, and water. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

First, make the caramel by melting sugar until it’s golden brown. Pour this into your baking dish.

Next, blend the eggs, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.

Pour the mixture over the caramel and bake in a water bath for about an hour. Once cooled, chill the flan for several hours before serving.

When ready, run a knife around the edge and invert onto a plate. The caramel will create a delicious sauce on top.

12. Cuban Coffee

Cuban coffee is a strong, sweet espresso drink loved across Cuba and beyond. You can make it at home with a few key ingredients and tools.

You’ll need dark roast coffee beans, sugar, and a moka pot or espresso machine. Grind the beans finely for the best flavor.

Brew a small amount of strong espresso.

While it’s still hot, mix in sugar until it forms a thick paste. This creates the signature sweet foam called espuma.

Pour the rest of the coffee over the espuma and stir. The result is a rich, potent cup with a sweet caramel-like flavor.

Serve Cuban coffee in small cups called tacitas. It’s often enjoyed as a quick afternoon pick-me-up or after meals.

13. Croquetas

Croquetas are a beloved Cuban snack. These crispy, golden appetizers are filled with creamy ham goodness.

To make them, start by creating a thick sauce with butter, onions, milk, and flour.

Blend ham in a food processor and add it to the sauce. Shape the mixture into small cylinders once cooled.

Coat them in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.

For best results, chill the formed croquetas before frying. This helps them keep their shape.

Serve these tasty bites hot as an appetizer or snack. You can also try different fillings to create your own unique croquetas.

14. Cuban-style Empanadas

Cuban-style empanadas are tasty pastry pockets filled with savory ingredients. You can make them with beef, chicken, or cheese fillings.

To prepare these empanadas, start by making or buying dough discs. Fill each disc with your chosen mixture, then fold and seal the edges.

You can fry, bake, or air fry your empanadas. Frying gives the crispiest result, but baking is a healthier option.

Serve your Cuban-style empanadas hot as a snack or appetizer. They’re perfect for parties or as a quick meal on the go.

15. Cuban Mojo Chicken

Cuban Mojo Chicken is a tasty dish that brings zesty flavors to your table. You marinate chicken in a mix of citrus juices, garlic, and spices. This creates a tangy, garlicky taste that’s hard to resist.

To make it, you combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and herbs. Add the chicken and let it soak up the flavors.

After marinating, you can roast or grill the chicken until it’s cooked through.

The result is juicy chicken with a bright, citrusy kick. You can serve it with rice and beans for a full meal. It’s a great way to bring Cuban flavors into your kitchen.

16. Camarones Enchilados

Camarones Enchilados is a tasty Cuban shrimp dish. You’ll love this flavorful meal that combines shrimp with a spicy tomato sauce.

To make it, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers. Add tomato sauce, white wine, and spices to create a rich base.

Next, simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes. Then add peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking until they turn pink.

Serve your Camarones Enchilados over rice for a complete meal. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

17. Moros y Cristianos

Moros y Cristianos is a classic Cuban dish that combines black beans and rice. This flavorful meal is also known as arroz moro or congrí.

To make it, you’ll soak dried black beans overnight. Then cook them with spices and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and garlic.

The cooked beans are mixed with white rice and simmered together. Some recipes add bacon for extra flavor, but you can omit it for a vegetarian version.

The dish gets its name from the contrast between the dark beans and white rice. It’s a staple in Cuban cuisine that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

18. Cuban Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a beloved Cuban dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

This moist cake gets its name from the three types of milk used to soak it.

To make this treat, you’ll start with a simple sponge cake. After baking, you’ll poke holes in the cake and pour over a mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.

Let the cake chill in the fridge to absorb all the milky goodness.

Before serving, top it with a layer of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

This rich and creamy dessert is perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to impress your guests with a taste of Cuban cuisine.

19. Maduros

Maduros are a beloved Cuban side dish made from ripe plantains.

You’ll know plantains are ready when their skin turns dark brown or black.

To make maduros, peel the plantains and slice them diagonally.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and caramelized.

The result is a sweet, soft, and slightly crispy treat.

Maduros pair well with many Cuban main dishes like roast pork or black beans and rice. You can also enjoy them on their own as a snack.

20. Cuban Oxtail Stew

Cuban Oxtail Stew, known as Rabo Encendido, is a hearty dish packed with flavor.

You’ll love this slow-cooked meal that turns tough oxtail into tender, succulent meat.

To make it, marinate the oxtail in red wine, oregano, and bay leaves overnight. Then sear the meat and simmer it with onions, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes.

The stew cooks for several hours until the meat falls off the bone.

You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot.

Serve your Cuban Oxtail Stew over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. It’s a comforting meal perfect for cold days.

21. Pernil

Pernil is a beloved Cuban roasted pork dish. You’ll find it at many holiday gatherings and special events.

To make pernil, you start with a pork shoulder or leg. Season it generously with garlic, oregano, and other spices. Let it marinate overnight for maximum flavor.

Slow-roast the pork at a low temperature for several hours. This makes the meat incredibly tender and juicy. The outside develops a crispy, flavorful crust.

Serve your pernil with rice, beans, and plantains for a classic Cuban meal.

Leftovers make great sandwiches too. With its rich taste and fall-apart texture, pernil is sure to become a favorite.

Cuban Cuisine Essentials

Cuban food combines fresh ingredients with rich flavors. The cuisine relies on key components and methods that give dishes their unique taste and texture.

Traditional Ingredients

Cuban recipes use a mix of proteins, herbs, and spices. Pork and beef are common meats. Rice and beans are staples. Plantains add sweetness to many meals. Fresh fruits like mango and pineapple bring tropical flavors.

Garlic and onions form the base of many dishes. Cumin, oregano, and bay leaves add depth. Citrus juices, especially lime and orange, give brightness. Olive oil is used for cooking and flavoring.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking is key in Cuban cuisine. Many dishes simmer for hours to develop flavor.

Braising tough cuts of meat makes them tender.

Sofrito, a mix of sautéed aromatics, starts many recipes. It adds a punch of flavor.

Marinating meat in citrus juices is common. This tenderizes the protein and adds tang.

Grilling and frying are popular methods too. They create crispy textures in dishes like tostones (fried plantains). Roasting pork for hours results in juicy, flavorful meat that’s often the star of meals.

Cultural Influence on Cuban Recipes

Cuban cuisine blends flavors and cooking methods from different cultures. These influences shape the unique tastes and ingredients found in Cuban dishes today.

Afro-Cuban Impact

African influences add bold flavors to Cuban cooking. Yams, plantains, and okra came from Africa and are now staples in Cuban kitchens. Taro root, known as malanga, is used in soups and stews.

Cooking techniques like frying and slow-cooking also have African roots. The popular dish fufu is made by mashing starchy vegetables, a method brought by African slaves.

Spices like cumin and oregano, common in Cuban food, reflect African tastes. Coconut milk in desserts and sauces is another African-inspired ingredient.

Spanish Heritage

Spanish settlers brought key elements to Cuban cuisine. Olive oil, garlic, and wine are Spanish additions that form the base of many Cuban dishes.

The sofrito, a mix of sautéed onions, garlic, and peppers, comes from Spanish cooking. It’s used to start many Cuban recipes.

Rice and beans, a Cuban staple, blend Spanish and African traditions. The Spanish introduced rice, while beans were already grown on the island.

Pork is central to Cuban meals thanks to Spanish influence. Roast pork dishes like lechón asado are popular at gatherings and holidays.