Cuban food brings the flavors of the Caribbean to your kitchen. With its mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, Cuban cuisine offers tasty dishes for every meal.

From hearty stews to crispy sandwiches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

These 22+ Cuban recipes will help you create authentic meals at home. You’ll find classic dishes like ropa vieja and mojo pork, as well as Cuban-style chicken soup and black beans.

The recipes use common ingredients and simple cooking methods, so you can easily make these flavorful dishes in your own kitchen.

1. Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja is a beloved Cuban dish of slow-cooked shredded beef. The name means “old clothes” in Spanish, referring to the beef’s shredded appearance.

To make ropa vieja, you’ll cook beef brisket or flank steak until tender. Then shred the meat and simmer it in a flavorful tomato sauce.

The sauce typically includes bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. Some recipes add olives, capers, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Serve your ropa vieja over rice with black beans on the side. This hearty, comforting meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

2. 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, remove them and flatten each piece with 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.

Serve your tostones hot as a snack or side dish. They pair well with garlic sauce or mojo for dipping.

You can also enjoy them alongside Cuban main courses like arroz con pollo.

3. Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is a tasty pressed sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. You’ll need Cuban bread or a crusty French loaf for the best results.

Layer your bread with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Add a spread of yellow mustard for extra flavor.

Press the sandwich in a panini maker or on a hot griddle with a weight on top. This creates a crispy exterior and melts the cheese inside.

The combination of meats, cheese, and tangy pickles makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can easily make these sandwiches at home for a quick and tasty Cuban-inspired dish.

4. Lechon Asado

Lechon Asado is a Cuban roast pork dish that will make your taste buds dance. This flavorful meal starts with a succulent pork shoulder marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, citrus, and spices.

To make it, you’ll create a marinade by mashing garlic, salt, and peppercorns. Mix in dried oregano, onion, and sour orange juice for an authentic Cuban flavor.

Rub the marinade all over the pork and let it sit overnight. Then, slow-roast the meat until it’s tender on the inside with a crispy golden exterior.

Serve your Lechon Asado with traditional Cuban sides like black beans and rice. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your dinner guests with a taste of Cuba.

5. Vaca Frita

Vaca frita is a popular Cuban dish that translates to “fried cow.” You’ll love this flavorful and crispy beef recipe.

To make vaca frita, you start by simmering flank steak or brisket until tender. This usually takes 1-1.5 hours on the stovetop.

After cooking, shred the beef and fry it with onions and garlic until crispy. The result is juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

Vaca frita is often served with white rice and black beans. It’s similar to ropa vieja but uses fewer ingredients and has a drier texture.

Try this easy Cuban classic for a delicious meal that showcases the flavors of Cuba. You’ll enjoy the crispy beef paired with traditional sides.

6. Mojito Chicken

Mojito Chicken brings Cuban flavors to your dinner table. This dish combines zesty citrus, garlic, and herbs for a tasty twist on roasted chicken.

To make it, marinate chicken in a mix of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and mint. This infuses the meat with bright, tangy flavors.

Roast the marinated chicken in the oven until golden and cooked through. The result is juicy meat with a crispy skin.

You can serve Mojito Chicken with rice and beans for a complete Cuban-inspired meal. It’s an easy way to add some tropical flair to your cooking.

7. Cuban Black Beans

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

To make them, you’ll need dried black beans, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Soak the beans overnight, then cook them with the vegetables and spices.

Key flavors come from cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Some recipes add a splash of vinegar for tanginess.

You can use canned beans for a quicker version. Either way, the result is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Serve your Cuban black beans hot. They pair well with white rice, plantains, or as part of a larger Cuban meal.

8. Picadillo

Picadillo is a classic Cuban dish you’ll love. It’s made with ground beef, onions, and bell peppers. The beef is cooked with spices like cumin and garlic for great flavor.

You’ll find raisins and olives in many picadillo recipes. These add a nice sweet and salty contrast. Some versions include diced potatoes too.

Picadillo cooks quickly in one pan. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it over rice for a tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple but delicious.

9. Cuban Arroz Con Pollo

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

To make it, you’ll need chicken pieces, rice, and a mix of vegetables like onions, peppers, and garlic. The dish gets its signature taste from spices and tomato sauce.

Start by seasoning the chicken and browning it in a large pan. Then, add the vegetables and cook until soft.

Stir in the rice, spices, and liquid, then let everything simmer together.

As it cooks, the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s bursting with Cuban flair.

10. Cuban Garlic Chicken

Cuban Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines zesty citrus and aromatic garlic. To make it, you’ll marinate chicken in a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice. Add crushed garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin to the marinade.

Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan and pour the remaining marinade over it.

Bake the chicken for about 45 minutes to an hour. Make sure to baste it often with the pan juices.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve your Cuban Garlic Chicken with rice and black beans for a tasty Cuban-inspired meal. The tangy citrus and bold garlic flavors will transport your taste buds to Havana.

11. Yuca Con Mojo

Yuca con mojo is a tasty Cuban side dish. You’ll love the soft, starchy yuca paired with a zesty garlic sauce.

To make it, boil frozen yuca with salt and bay leaves for about 30 minutes. While it cooks, prepare the mojo sauce.

Mix garlic, citrus juice, and olive oil for the mojo. This bright sauce adds lots of flavor to the yuca.

Drain the cooked yuca and pour the mojo sauce over it. The warm yuca soaks up all the garlicky goodness.

Serve yuca con mojo hot as part of a Cuban meal. It goes great with roasted pork or as a starchy side to any main dish.

12. Cuban Flan

Cuban Flan is a beloved dessert that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Cuba. This creamy custard treat is known for its smooth texture and caramel topping.

To make Cuban Flan, you’ll need condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. The caramel is made by heating sugar until it turns golden brown.

Pour the caramel into a mold, then add the custard mixture. Cook the flan in a water bath to ensure even heating. This can be done in an oven or pressure cooker.

Once cooked and chilled, flip the flan onto a plate. The caramel will create a delicious sauce that coats the custard.

Enjoy this classic Cuban dessert at your next gathering!

13. Cuban Lobster Bisque

Cuban Lobster Bisque is a rich and creamy seafood soup with a tropical twist. You start by making a sofrito, sautéing onions, green peppers, garlic, and tomatoes in olive oil. This forms the flavor base of the bisque.

Next, you cook lobster tails until their shells turn bright red. Remove the meat and set it aside. Use the shells to make a flavorful stock for the soup.

Blend the sofrito and stock to create a smooth base. Add cream for richness and chunks of lobster meat for texture. Season with Cuban spices like cumin and oregano.

Serve this luxurious bisque hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress dinner guests with a taste of Cuba.

14. Cuban Bread

Cuban bread is a staple in Cuban cuisine. It’s a long, crusty loaf with a soft interior. You can find it in bakeries or make it at home.

To bake Cuban bread, you’ll need flour, yeast, salt, and water. Mix these ingredients and knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise, then shape it into long loaves.

Before baking, score the top of the bread with a sharp knife. This creates the signature split crust. Bake until golden brown and crusty.

Cuban bread is perfect for sandwiches, especially the famous Cuban sandwich. It’s also great for dipping in coffee or soup.

15. Tamal en Cazuela

Tamal en Cazuela is a tasty Cuban dish that brings the flavors of tamales without the wrapping. You’ll love this easy-to-make casserole version of the classic.

To make it, you start by browning small cubes of pork. Then you cook onions, peppers, and garlic for extra flavor.

The key ingredient is a mixture of fresh corn and cornmeal. This gets combined with the pork and veggies to create a hearty, comforting meal.

As it cooks, the flavors blend together beautifully. The result is a dish that’s similar to polenta but with a distinctly Cuban twist.

You can serve Tamal en Cazuela as a main course or a side dish. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

16. Cuban Shrimp Creole

Cuban Shrimp Creole, also known as Enchilado de Camarones, is a tasty dish you can make in about 20 minutes. It features shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic.

To make it, start by sautéing onions and green peppers in olive oil. Then add garlic and tomato sauce.

Simmer the shrimp in this mixture until they’re pink and cooked through.

This recipe is great for quick weeknight meals. You can serve it over rice to soak up the yummy sauce. It’s a classic Cuban dish that brings big flavor without much fuss.

17. Carne con Papas

Carne con Papas is a classic Cuban beef stew that warms the soul. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of beef with soft potatoes in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

To make it, you’ll brown the beef first, then sauté onions, garlic, and peppers. Add tomato sauce, spices, and broth, then simmer until the meat is tender.

Potatoes are added towards the end of cooking. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

You can cook Carne con Papas on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot for quicker preparation. Serve it with white rice for a true Cuban experience.

18. Camarones Enchilados

Camarones Enchilados is a tasty Cuban shrimp dish. It features shrimp cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

To make this dish, you’ll need large shrimp, red and cubanelle peppers, onions, and garlic. The sauce includes tomatoes and Cuban spices.

You start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then add the chopped peppers and cook until soft.

Next, add the shrimp and tomato sauce. Let it simmer until the shrimp are cooked through.

This dish is often served over white rice. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights.

19. Cuban Spaghetti

Cuban Spaghetti puts a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. You’ll love the blend of Cuban spices that make this pasta unique.

To make it, you start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Then add ground beef seasoned with cumin and oregano.

Mix in crushed tomatoes, capers, and olives for extra zest. Toss this sauce with cooked spaghetti noodles.

The result is a slightly dry pasta dish that lets the spices shine. It’s not overly saucy like traditional spaghetti.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor. This tasty meal brings Cuban flair to your dinner table.

20. Cuban Pineapple Cake

Cuban Pineapple Cake is a sweet treat that combines tropical flavors with traditional baking techniques. This dessert features a moist vanilla cake filled with a tangy pineapple filling.

To make this cake, you’ll need crushed pineapple, including its juice, for both the cake batter and filling. The filling is cooked separately and spread between cake layers.

The cake is often topped with whipped cream frosting, adding a light and airy texture to balance the rich pineapple flavor. Some recipes may include additional pineapple slices on top for decoration.

This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a refreshing dessert on a warm day. Its tropical taste will transport you to the sunny shores of Cuba with every bite.

21. Arroz con Leche

Arroz con Leche is a beloved Cuban dessert that combines rice, milk, and sweetness. You’ll find this comforting treat at many Cuban gatherings and family meals.

To make it, you cook rice with milk, cinnamon sticks, and lemon peel. As it simmers, the rice absorbs the flavors and becomes creamy. You then add sugar and more milk to reach the right consistency.

Some recipes include vanilla or coconut for extra flavor. The finished dish is usually served cold or at room temperature. It’s a simple yet satisfying dessert that brings back memories for many Cubans.

You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking. Try making this classic Cuban rice pudding for a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine.

22. Papas Rellenas

Papas rellenas are tasty Cuban potato balls filled with seasoned ground beef. To make them, you’ll mash potatoes and form them into balls around a meat filling.

The filling often includes ingredients like garlic, onions, and spices. Some recipes add a smoky touch with paprika or a hint of heat from cayenne pepper.

Once filled, you’ll coat the potato balls in egg and breadcrumbs. Then fry them until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Papas rellenas make a great appetizer or snack. You can serve them hot as part of a Cuban-inspired meal. They’re a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and ground beef.

Culinary History of Cuban Cuisine

Cuban cuisine blends flavors and techniques from different cultures. It reflects the island’s rich history and diverse influences over time.

Influences from Africa and Spain

Spanish colonizers brought their cooking styles to Cuba in the 15th century. They introduced olive oil, garlic, and wine to the island. The Spanish also brought rice, a staple in many Cuban dishes today.

African slaves arrived in Cuba during the colonial period. They added new ingredients and methods to Cuban cooking. Yams, plantains, and okra became part of the cuisine. African cooks created dishes like fufu, a mashed plantain dish.

Cuban food also has touches of French, Chinese, and Caribbean cooking. This mix of cultures led to unique flavor combos in Cuban kitchens.

Evolution of Traditional Dishes

Ropa vieja is a classic Cuban dish that has changed over time. It started as a way to use leftover meat. The name means “old clothes” in Spanish. Today, it’s made with shredded beef, peppers, and tomatoes.

Arroz con pollo, or chicken with rice, became popular in the 20th century. It combines Spanish and African cooking methods. The dish often includes saffron, which gives it a yellow color.

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, food options became limited. Cubans had to be creative with available ingredients. This led to new takes on traditional recipes. Rice and beans became even more important in daily meals.

Key Ingredients in Cuban Recipes

Cuban cuisine uses many tropical ingredients and spices to create its unique flavors. These key components form the basis of traditional dishes and give Cuban food its distinctive taste.

Utilization of Tropical Produce

Plantains are a staple in Cuban cooking. You’ll find them fried as tostones or mashed into fufu. Yuca, also called cassava, is another common root vegetable used in many dishes.

Citrus fruits like oranges and limes add bright flavors to marinades and sauces. Sweet potatoes, known as bonata in Cuba, often appear in stews and side dishes.

Beans are crucial to Cuban recipes. Black beans and red beans show up in popular meals like congri and frijoles colorados. Rice usually accompanies these bean dishes.

Importance of Spices and Herbs

Garlic is essential in Cuban cooking. You’ll use it to make sofrito, a flavor base for many recipes.

Cumin adds an earthy taste to meat dishes and beans.

Oregano brings a fresh, pungent note to marinades and sauces. Bay leaves infuse soups and stews with subtle flavor.

Onions and bell peppers form part of the aromatic foundation in Cuban dishes. Tomatoes round out this mix in sofrito and other sauces.

Cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy touch to finished plates. You might also use parsley for a milder herb flavor in some recipes.