Cuban food brings together flavors from Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines. It uses local ingredients like citrus, pork, and beans to create tasty dishes. Cuban recipes often feature bold spices and slow cooking methods.

You can easily make many popular Cuban dishes at home. From hearty stews to crispy sandwiches, Cuban food offers something for everyone. Try out some Cuban recipes to add new flavors to your cooking routine.

1. Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish of shredded beef in a flavorful tomato sauce. To make it, you’ll cook flank steak until tender, then shred it.

In a pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add tomato sauce, dry cooking wine, cumin, and oregano to create a rich base.

Mix in the shredded beef and let it simmer. Some recipes include olives, capers, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Ropa Vieja takes time to cook, but the result is worth it. The meat becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Serve it with rice for a satisfying meal.

2. Picadillo

Picadillo is a classic Cuban dish you’ll love. It’s made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a mix of spices.

You’ll find raisins and olives in this tasty meal. They add a sweet and salty contrast that makes it unique.

Picadillo is versatile. You can serve it over rice for a filling dinner. Or use it as a stuffing for tacos and empanadas.

This dish is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful.

Try making picadillo at home. You’ll enjoy its rich taste and how simple it is to prepare.

3. Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is a tasty pressed sandwich with roots in Florida and Cuba. It’s made with Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

To make one, start by spreading mustard on the bread. Layer Swiss cheese, warm roast pork, more cheese, pickles, and ham. Top with the other bread slice.

Press the sandwich in a panini press or heavy skillet until the cheese melts and the bread gets crispy. This takes about 3-5 minutes per side.

The mix of flavors and textures makes the Cuban sandwich special. You get salty meat, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and crunchy bread in each bite.

4. Lechon Asado

Lechon Asado is a classic Cuban roast pork dish that will make your mouth water. You start by marinating the pork in a flavorful garlic-citrus mixture. This gives the meat a tangy, zesty taste.

To cook it, you slow roast the pork until it’s tender and juicy on the inside. The outside becomes crispy and golden brown. This creates a delicious contrast in textures.

You can use different cuts of pork for this recipe. Some people prefer a whole pig, while others use smaller cuts like pork shoulder. The key is to let the meat marinate long enough to absorb all the flavors.

Serve your Lechon Asado with traditional Cuban sides like black beans and rice. It’s perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.

5. Mojito Cubano

The Mojito Cubano is a refreshing Cuban cocktail perfect for hot days. You’ll need white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and sparkling water.

Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar and lime juice in a glass. This releases the mint’s oils and flavors. Add white rum and fill the glass with ice.

Top it off with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge. The result is a cool, minty drink with a perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Enjoy your homemade Mojito Cubano while imagining yourself on a sunny Cuban beach.

6. Tostones

Tostones are a popular Cuban side dish made from green plantains. You start by peeling and slicing 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 crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle with salt while still hot.

Serve your tostones warm with a garlic dipping sauce or mojo sauce. They make a great snack or accompaniment to many Cuban meals.

7. Yuca con Mojo

Yuca con Mojo is a classic Cuban side dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love the tender yuca topped with a zesty garlic sauce.

Start by boiling yuca until soft, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour. While it cooks, prepare the mojo sauce.

For the sauce, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add lime juice, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Once the yuca is tender, drain it and place it in a serving dish. Pour the hot mojo sauce over the yuca, making sure it’s well coated. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.

8. Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo is a beloved Cuban dish that combines chicken and rice in a flavorful one-pot meal. To make it, you’ll brown seasoned chicken pieces in a large pan.

Next, you’ll sauté onions and peppers before adding rice, broth, and spices. Common seasonings include cumin, oregano, and saffron or annatto for color.

As the dish simmers, the rice absorbs the savory flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Some recipes add beer or wine for extra depth.

Peas and pimientos are often stirred in near the end of cooking. The result is a comforting, aromatic dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

9. Vaca Frita

Vaca frita is a tasty Cuban dish that will satisfy your cravings. It’s made with shredded beef that’s crispy on the outside but tender inside.

To make vaca frita, you’ll start by boiling flank steak until it’s fork-tender. Then shred the meat and marinate it in lime juice and garlic.

The final step is pan-frying the beef until it gets crispy edges. This creates an amazing texture contrast.

Vaca frita is often served with rice, black beans, and fried plantains. The dish’s name means “fried cow” in Spanish.

Try this Cuban classic for a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. The mix of crispy beef, onions, and citrus flavors is hard to beat.

10. Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is a Cuban classic that’s both tasty and filling. To make it, you’ll need dried black beans, onions, peppers, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano.

Soak the beans overnight, then simmer them with veggies and spices for several hours. The long cooking time makes the soup thick and creamy.

Some recipes add ham or bacon for extra flavor. Others keep it vegetarian. You can blend part of the soup for a smoother texture or leave it chunky.

Serve your black bean soup with white rice, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro. It’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a hearty meal.

11. Cuban coffee

Cuban coffee, also known as café cubano or cafecito, is a sweet and strong espresso drink. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by brewing dark roast espresso. While it’s brewing, mix sugar with a small amount of the espresso to create a thick foam called espuma.

Pour the rest of the espresso into a small cup. Add the espuma on top. This creates a rich, sweet layer that balances the strong coffee flavor.

Cuban coffee is often served in small shots after meals. You can enjoy it any time of day for a quick energy boost. Its unique preparation method and flavor make it a beloved part of Cuban culture.

12. Croquetas

Croquetas are beloved Cuban snacks. These crispy, golden cylinders are filled with creamy ham mixture.

To make croquetas, blend ham in a food processor. Cook onions in butter, then add flour, milk, and seasonings to create a thick sauce. Mix in the ground ham.

Let the filling cool, then shape into small logs. Coat them in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.

Serve croquetas hot with mayoketchup sauce for dipping. You can make this sauce by mixing mayonnaise and ketchup.

13. Cuban Empanadas

Cuban empanadas are savory pastries filled with a flavorful meat mixture. You can make the dough from scratch using flour, lard, and water. Chill it before using.

For the filling, cook ground beef with onions, peppers, and spices. Let it cool before assembling.

To make empanadas, place a spoonful of filling on each dough circle. Fold and seal the edges. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake the empanadas in a hot oven until crispy and golden brown. Serve them hot as a tasty snack or appetizer.

14. Tamales

Cuban tamales are a tasty treat wrapped in corn husks. You’ll find them filled with a savory pork mixture and cooked masa.

To make them, start by preparing the filling. Cook pork with onions, peppers, and garlic. Add spices like cumin for flavor.

Mix masa harina with water to form the dough. Spread it on corn husks, add the pork filling, and wrap them up.

Steam the tamales for about 90 minutes until fully cooked. The result is a soft, flavorful pocket of cornmeal and meat.

Serve your homemade Cuban tamales as a main dish or appetizer. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting meal.

15. Caldosa

Caldosa is a hearty Cuban stew that will warm you up on chilly days. This dish combines chicken, various meats, and starchy vegetables in a flavorful broth.

To make caldosa, start by boiling chicken, smoked ham, and chorizo in water. Add corn and root vegetables like potatoes and yuca.

While the meat cooks, prepare a sofrito by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Season with cumin and oregano for authentic Cuban flavor.

Add the sofrito to the pot and let everything simmer until the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your caldosa hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for family gatherings or cold evenings.

16. Cuban Chicken Fricassee

Cuban Chicken Fricassee is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful sauce. You start by browning chicken pieces in a pot. Then you cook onions, garlic, and bell peppers to create a savory base.

Next, you add tomato sauce, wine, and spices like cumin and oregano. The chicken goes back in the pot with potatoes and simmers until everything is tender.

Olives and capers give the dish a tangy kick. The result is a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect over rice. It’s a great way to enjoy Cuban flavors at home.

17. Moros y Cristianos

Moros y Cristianos is a classic Cuban dish combining rice and black beans. You’ll love this flavorful and filling meal.

To make it, start by cooking black beans until tender. Then sauté onions, peppers, and garlic in oil.

Add rice, beans, water, and spices like cumin and oregano to the pot. Cover and simmer until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed the liquid.

The result is a delicious mix of tender beans and rice infused with savory flavors. Serve Moros y Cristianos as a hearty side dish or vegetarian main course.

18. Camarones Enchilados

Camarones Enchilados is a tasty Cuban shrimp dish. You’ll love its rich, spicy flavors.

To make it, start by sautéing onions and peppers in oil. Add garlic and cook briefly.

Next, mix in tomato sauce, white wine, and spices. Bring this sauce to a boil.

Add peeled shrimp to the pan. Simmer everything for about 15 minutes until the shrimp are cooked.

Serve your Camarones Enchilados over white rice. This dish is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.

19. Chicharrones

Chicharrones are a crispy Cuban snack made from pork belly. You can fry them on the stovetop or in an air fryer.

To make chicharrones, cut pork belly into thick strips. Season them with salt and spices. Then fry until golden and crunchy.

Chicharrones de pollo is a chicken version. Marinate bite-sized chicken pieces in garlic, lime, and rum. Coat them in flour and fry until crispy.

These fried treats are popular appetizers or snacks in Cuba. Serve them with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. They go well with rice and beans on the side.

20. Media Noche

The Media Noche is a delicious Cuban sandwich. It’s similar to the famous Cuban sandwich but uses a sweeter, softer bread.

To make one, start with medianoche bread. Spread mustard and mayo on the inside. Layer Swiss cheese, ham, roasted pork, and pickles.

Press the sandwich on a hot griddle. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.

The Media Noche is perfect for a late-night snack. Its name means “midnight” in Spanish. You can enjoy this tasty sandwich any time of day.

21. Papa Rellena

Papa rellena is a tasty Cuban potato dish. You make it by mashing potatoes and forming them into balls. Then you stuff the balls with a meat filling called picadillo.

To prepare, you boil potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter, garlic powder, and salt. Form the mashed potatoes into patties and add picadillo in the center. Then shape them into balls.

Next, you dip the potato balls in beaten egg and roll them in breadcrumbs. Some recipes call for corn flake crumbs instead. You repeat this coating process twice for a crispy exterior.

Finally, you fry the papas rellenas until golden brown. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The meat filling adds a nice savory flavor to the dish.

History And Influences Of Cuban Cuisine

Cuban cuisine draws from African, Spanish, and Caribbean traditions. These influences blend to create unique flavors and dishes that reflect Cuba’s rich cultural heritage.

African Influence

African culinary traditions greatly shaped Cuban food. Enslaved Africans brought ingredients like okra, plantains, and yams. They introduced cooking methods like frying and slow-cooking stews.

Popular Cuban dishes with African roots include:

• Tostones (fried plantains)
• Yuca con mojo (cassava with garlic sauce)
• Congrí (rice and black beans)

These foods became staples in Cuban homes. African spices and seasonings also add depth to many Cuban recipes.

Spanish Influence

Spanish colonizers left a lasting mark on Cuban cuisine. They brought olive oil, garlic, and wine. Spanish cooking techniques like sofrito (sautéed aromatics) became key in Cuban kitchens.

Spanish-inspired Cuban dishes include:

• Arroz con pollo (chicken and rice)
• Ropa vieja (shredded beef stew)
• Picadillo (ground beef hash)

The Spanish also introduced citrus fruits and coffee to Cuba. These became important crops and flavors in Cuban cooking.

Other Cultural Contributions

Caribbean neighbors and Chinese immigrants added to Cuba’s food culture. Nearby islands shared similar tropical ingredients and cooking styles. Chinese workers brought wok cooking and soy sauce to Cuba in the 1800s.

Some dishes showing these influences are:

• Moros y cristianos (black beans and rice)
• Arroz frito (Cuban-Chinese fried rice)
• Lechón asado (roast pork)

You’ll find traces of French and American cuisine in some Cuban dishes too. This mix of cultures makes Cuban food diverse and flavorful.

Traditional Ingredients Used In Cuban Recipes

Cuban cuisine uses distinct ingredients that give dishes their unique flavors. These components form the foundation of many classic recipes.

Common Spices

Cuban cooking relies on a mix of spices to create bold tastes. Cumin adds an earthy flavor to many dishes. Oregano brings a pungent, slightly bitter note. Garlic powder gives foods a savory kick.

Bay leaves are often used in soups and stews. Paprika adds color and a mild pepper taste. Saffron is prized for its unique flavor and golden hue in rice dishes.

Staple Vegetables

Onions and garlic form the base of many Cuban recipes. Bell peppers, known as “ají” in Cuba, are used in sofrito sauce. Tomatoes add acidity and color to sauces and stews.

Yuca, a starchy root vegetable, is popular boiled or fried. Plantains are eaten ripe as a sweet side or green in savory dishes. Black beans are a key protein source used in many meals.

Popular Proteins

Pork is the most common meat in Cuban cooking. You’ll find it roasted, stewed, or ground in many dishes. Chicken is also widely used, often marinated in citrus juices.

Beef appears in classics like ropa vieja. Fish and shellfish are common in coastal areas. Eggs are used in many recipes and as a protein source.

Dried or canned beans provide protein in vegetarian dishes. Rice often accompanies meat to make a complete protein meal.

Cooking Techniques And Methods

Cuban cuisine relies on a few key cooking methods to create its signature flavors and textures. These techniques bring out the best in simple ingredients and infuse dishes with rich, complex tastes.

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is essential for many Cuban dishes. You’ll often use this method for stews, soups, and meat dishes. It allows flavors to develop and tenderizes tough cuts of meat.

To slow cook Cuban-style, start by making a sofrito base with onions, garlic, and peppers. Add meat and other ingredients, then simmer on low heat for several hours. This works great for ropa vieja, a shredded beef dish.

Slow cooking in a pressure cooker is also common. It speeds up the process while still producing tender, flavorful results. Try this for black beans or Cuban-style pork.

Frying

Frying is used in Cuban cooking for both main dishes and sides. It creates crispy textures and locks in flavors.

You’ll fry plantains to make tostones or maduros. Slice green plantains, fry them once, smash them, then fry again for tostones. For maduros, use ripe plantains and fry until caramelized.

Frying is also key for the Cuban sandwich. Press the sandwich and fry it in butter until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.

Baking

Baking plays a role in Cuban desserts and some savory dishes. It’s used to make Cuban bread, a key component of many meals.

For desserts, try baking a flan or Cuban bread pudding. These sweet treats use simple ingredients and gentle heat to create creamy textures.

Baking is also used for casseroles like papas rellenas, stuffed potato balls. You’ll form seasoned mashed potatoes around a meat filling, then bake until golden.