Brian Nagele
Exploring new cuisines is a great way to find dishes to add to your weekly menu, but it’s also an insight into a culture.
Caribbean food, which encompasses dishes from thirteen countries bordering the Caribbean sea, focuses on tropical flavors and slow-cooked stews, often of African and Indian origins.
One of the best parts of Caribbean recipes is how flexible they are. The recipes in this list offer the ability to change ingredients to things you can find locally, like using white fish if you can’t find flying fish.
Read on for 19 Caribbean recipes for a variety of occasions.
Conch Fritters
Conch fritters are a Bahamian favorite, featuring a crispy, golden shell that gives way to a tender, flavorful center. The conch meat has a mild sweetness, complemented by a blend of spices and a subtle heat from scotch bonnet pepper. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, balanced by the soft interior.
Served with a tangy dipping sauce, the fritters have a savory depth with hints of herbs and citrus. Freshly fried, they offer the perfect texture, but they can also be reheated without losing their crispness. This seafood appetizer is a delicious combination of crunch, spice, and rich flavor.
Coucou and Flying Fish
Coucou and flying fish is a well-loved Barbadian dish that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures. The fish is seasoned with a bold mix of spices, creating a balance of heat and savory depth. Pan-fried or steamed, it remains tender and flaky, soaking up the flavorful gravy served alongside it. The seasoning enhances the natural taste of the fish without overpowering it.
Coucou, made from cornmeal and okra, has a smooth, comforting texture that pairs perfectly with the fish. Despite the use of okra, the dish avoids any sliminess, resulting in a hearty, well-balanced meal with a gentle warmth.
Creole Bread
Creole bread from Belize is a soft, lightly sweet bread with a delicate hint of coconut. Made with coconut milk and coconut oil, it has a rich yet subtle flavor that makes it a perfect complement to both savory and sweet dishes. The crust is slightly crisp, while the inside remains fluffy and moist, creating a satisfying contrast in texture.
This bread is often enjoyed warm with butter or used to soak up flavorful sauces from curries and stews. Unlike other traditional breads, it requires only a few hours to make, making it a quick and delicious homemade option.
Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
Jerk chicken with pineapple salsa is a classic Caribbean dish that brings together bold spices and fresh, fruity flavors. The chicken is marinated in a mix of aromatic spices, including allspice and scotch bonnet pepper, creating a smoky heat that builds with every bite. Grilling over an open flame adds a slight char, enhancing the deep, savory taste while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
The pineapple salsa adds a refreshing contrast, blending sweetness with a touch of tang. The juicy pineapple, combined with herbs and citrus, balances the spice, making each bite a mix of heat, sweetness, and zest.
La Bandera
La Bandera is a staple in the Dominican Republic, named after the national flag due to its colorful presentation. This comforting dish consists of fluffy white rice, savory stewed beans, and tender, seasoned meat, creating a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The beans add a rich, velvety contrast to the rice, while the meat, often chicken or beef, is slow-cooked with spices for a deep, hearty taste.
Each household puts its own spin on La Bandera, making it a versatile meal that can be customized to personal preferences. A side of fresh salad adds a crisp, refreshing element.
Plantain Mofongo
Plantain mofongo is a Puerto Rican favorite, known for its rich, savory taste and satisfying texture. Made from mashed green plantains, crispy pork rinds, and garlic, it has a hearty and slightly smoky flavor. The plantains are fried before mashing, giving them a soft yet dense consistency that absorbs the bold seasonings beautifully.
Often served with a flavorful broth, mofongo can be enjoyed on its own or paired with meat for a heartier dish. Its garlicky, slightly salty taste makes it a perfect comfort food, and serving it straight from the mortar keeps its rustic, homemade charm intact.
Sofrito
Sofrito is a fragrant, herbaceous blend that serves as the foundation of many Puerto Rican and Caribbean dishes. Made from a mix of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs, it brings a deep, savory richness to meats, sauces, and stews. The fresh ingredients create a balance of mild sweetness and earthy undertones, enhancing any dish it’s added to.
This versatile sauce is easy to prepare and stores well, making it a convenient staple for home cooking. With a drizzle of olive oil, it transforms into a smooth, aromatic base that can be adjusted to personal taste with different herbs and spices.
Curried Goat
Curried goat is a well-loved Caribbean dish, known for its rich, deep flavors and tender texture. The meat is slow-cooked until it becomes fall-off-the-bone soft, allowing it to absorb the fragrant blend of spices. The curry seasoning brings warmth without overpowering, creating a perfect balance between savory and mildly spiced notes.
This dish is often paired with rice or roti, soaking up the flavorful sauce for a satisfying meal. Goat meat’s natural richness pairs well with the bold seasoning, but mutton can be used as an alternative. The slow cooking method ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Trinidad Pelau
Trinidad pelau is a flavorful one-pot dish from Trinidad and Tobago, combining seasoned chicken, pigeon peas, and fragrant rice. The defining element is the browning sauce, made by caramelizing sugar before adding the meat, creating a deep, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the dish’s richness. As the ingredients cook together, the rice absorbs the savory broth, resulting in a dish with a well-rounded taste.
This hearty meal takes about an hour to prepare, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Often served with a fresh salad or as a side, pelau offers a satisfying mix of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.
Baigan Choka
Baigan choka is a simple yet flavorful Trinidadian dish that highlights the rich, smoky taste of roasted eggplant. The eggplant is charred over an open flame or baked until soft, then mashed with garlic, roasted tomatoes, and a touch of oil. This process enhances its natural depth, creating a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of smokiness.
Seasoned with salt and spices, baigan choka delivers a bold, comforting taste. Often served with roti or rice, it makes for a satisfying vegetarian meal. The roasted tomatoes add a slight sweetness, balancing the dish’s savory and smoky elements beautifully.
Callaloo
Callaloo is a well-loved Jamaican dish that transforms leafy greens into a rich and flavorful side. The greens, traditionally callaloo leaves or substitutes like spinach, are sautéed with onions, garlic, and peppers, creating a savory blend with a hint of natural sweetness. A touch of seasoning enhances the depth, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
This dish is versatile and can be adapted based on available greens, making it an easy addition to any meal. Whether served alongside fish, rice, or as part of a larger spread, callaloo delivers a comforting taste with a tender yet slightly crisp texture.
Poulet En Sauce
Poulet en sauce is a flavorful Haitian chicken stew known for its rich, well-seasoned sauce and tender meat. The chicken is first browned for added depth, then simmered with tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and herbs, creating a hearty dish with a slightly tangy and savory taste. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal.
This dish is often served with rice or cornmeal, soaking up the flavorful sauce for a well-rounded meal. While it can be prepared quickly, letting it simmer longer enhances its richness, making it perfect for a relaxed family gathering.
Gizzada
Gizzada is a Jamaican coconut tart with a crisp, buttery crust and a rich, spiced filling. The shell, carefully pinched into its signature shape, holds a sweet mixture of grated coconut, brown sugar, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The combination creates a chewy, caramelized center that contrasts beautifully with the flaky pastry.
Though they require some preparation, these tarts are well worth the effort, offering a balance of sweetness and texture in every bite. Often enjoyed as a special treat, gizzada is a delicious way to appreciate the deep flavors of coconut in a perfectly baked pastry.
Dominican Chapea
Dominican chapea is a hearty and comforting stew made with rice, beans, and vegetables simmered in a well-seasoned broth. Traditional versions include pumpkin or chayote squash, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. The combination of herbs, garlic, and peppers gives the dish a rich depth, making each spoonful warm and satisfying.
This stew is highly adaptable, with each household adding its own twist based on available ingredients. Whether made with simple vegetables or heartier additions like smoked meat, chapea remains a filling and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Keshi Yena
Keshi yena is a flavorful Aruban dish that combines spiced meat with the rich, creamy taste of melted Edam cheese. Traditionally made with ground beef or chicken, the filling is seasoned with garlic, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers, creating a balance of heat and savory depth. The mixture is then covered in cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.
Though commonly found in hotels and inns as a breakfast dish, keshi yena is versatile enough for any meal. The contrast between the bold, seasoned filling and the smooth, melted cheese makes it a comforting and satisfying option.
Tamarind Balls
Tamarind balls are a popular Caribbean treat made by mixing tangy tamarind pulp with sugar and spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. Some variations include a touch of hot sauce or cayenne pepper, adding a hint of heat to complement the natural tartness. The mixture is rolled into bite-sized spheres and coated in sugar for a delightful contrast in texture.
These simple yet bold-flavored treats are enjoyed as a snack or dessert, offering a unique taste that lingers with every bite. Tamarind balls are easy to make and can be found in Caribbean and specialty stores.
Mangu
Mangu is a classic Dominican dish made from mashed green plantains, butter, and simple seasonings, creating a smooth and creamy texture. The natural mildness of the plantains pairs well with a touch of salt and a drizzle of oil or butter, making it a satisfying and versatile dish.
Traditionally served for breakfast, mangu is often accompanied by scrambled eggs, fried cheese, and salami, creating a hearty meal. It also works well as a side dish for lunch or dinner, especially with roasted or grilled meats. Its comforting taste and simplicity make it a staple in Dominican cuisine.
Pigeon Peas and Rice
Pigeon peas and rice is a staple in Caribbean cuisine, offering a rich and comforting combination of flavors. The dish is often cooked with bacon or salted meat, adding a smoky depth that enhances the earthy taste of the pigeon peas. A blend of onions, garlic, and coconut milk brings a subtle sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
More than just a side, this dish provides a hearty and nutritious boost to any meal. Packed with iron, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium, pigeon peas and rice is both flavorful and wholesome, making it a favorite alongside stews and grilled meats.
Pineapple Chow
Pineapple chow is a refreshing and tangy Trinidadian snack that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. Fresh pineapple chunks are tossed with garlic, cilantro, and hot peppers, creating a bold contrast between the fruit’s natural sweetness and the seasoning’s heat. A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavors, making each bite more intense.
This dish is commonly made with underripe mango, but pineapple adds a juicy twist. The combination of citrus, spice, and herbs makes it a popular choice for a light snack or a flavorful side. It’s a simple yet exciting way to enjoy tropical fruit.
