Cuban food brings together rich flavors from Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines. It features savory meat dishes, beans, rice, and tropical fruits.

The recipes often use spices like cumin and oregano to create bold tastes.

You can make many classic Cuban dishes at home with simple ingredients. These 21 recipes will help you cook authentic Cuban meals in your own kitchen.

From hearty stews to crispy sandwiches, you’ll find options for every meal of the day. Get ready to enjoy the delicious tastes of Cuba!

1. Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish that’s perfect for your next meal. It features tender shredded beef in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

To make Ropa Vieja, you’ll cook beef until it’s easily shredded. While the meat cooks, prepare a sauce with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

Add garlic, cumin, and oregano to give the dish its signature taste. Some recipes include olives and capers for extra flavor.

Once the sauce is ready, mix in the shredded beef. Let it simmer to allow the flavors to blend.

Serve your Ropa Vieja with rice for a delicious Cuban meal.

2. Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo is a classic Cuban dish that combines chicken and rice in a flavorful one-pot meal. You’ll love how the rice soaks up all the tasty juices from the chicken and spices.

To make this dish, start by browning chicken pieces in olive oil. Then add sofrito, a mix of onions, garlic, and bell peppers, for extra flavor.

Rice, tomato sauce, and spices like cumin go in next. Let everything simmer together until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Serve your Arroz con Pollo with a side of fried plantains or a simple salad for a complete Cuban meal.

3. Moros y Cristianos

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

To make it, soak black beans overnight. Cook them with water, pepper, bay leaf, and salt until tender.

In a separate pot, sauté onions, garlic, and peppers in olive oil. Add rice, cooked beans, and spices like cumin and oregano.

Simmer everything together until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavors. Some recipes include bacon for extra taste.

This dish is perfect as a side or main course. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

4. Vaca Frita

Vaca frita is a tasty Cuban dish made with shredded beef. To make it, you boil flank steak until tender. Then you shred the meat and fry it until crispy.

The beef is seasoned with garlic, lime juice, and orange juice. Onions are often cooked with the meat for extra flavor.

You can cook vaca frita in a Dutch oven or pressure cooker. It’s usually served with rice and beans on the side.

This crispy beef dish is popular in Cuban cuisine. It’s a great way to use leftover boiled beef.

5. Yuca con Mojo

Yuca con mojo is a classic Cuban side dish you’ll love. It features boiled yuca, a starchy root vegetable, topped with a zesty garlic sauce.

To make it, boil peeled yuca chunks until tender. This usually takes about 30 minutes. While it cooks, prepare the mojo sauce.

For the sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add sour orange juice or a mix of orange and lime juice. Some recipes include onions and spices like cumin and oregano.

Once the yuca is ready, drain it and pour the hot mojo sauce over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.

Serve warm and enjoy!

6. Lechón Asado

Lechón Asado is a mouthwatering Cuban roast pork dish. You start by marinating a pork shoulder in a flavorful mix of citrus juices, garlic, and spices.

To prepare, you score the pork skin and rub the marinade all over. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roast the pork for about 4 hours, basting occasionally with the marinade.

The result is tender, juicy meat with crispy skin. For extra crispy skin, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end.

Lechón Asado is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. Serve it with traditional Cuban sides like black beans and rice.

7. Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is a delicious pressed sandwich. 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, roasted pork, more cheese, pickles, and ham. Top with the other bread slice.

Butter the outside of the sandwich and press it in a sandwich press or heavy skillet. Cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts.

The key is using high-quality ingredients, especially the roasted pork. You can make your own by seasoning pork with garlic, oregano, and citrus juices before roasting.

8. Picadillo

Picadillo is a tasty Cuban dish made with ground beef. You cook the beef with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Then you add tomato sauce, olives, and raisins.

Spices like cumin and cinnamon give picadillo its unique flavor. Some recipes include diced potatoes for extra heartiness.

You can serve picadillo over rice or use it as a filling for empanadas.

This versatile dish is quick to make on busy weeknights. It’s comfort food that the whole family will enjoy. Try making picadillo for an easy introduction to Cuban cuisine.

9. Tostones

Tostones are a popular Cuban side dish made from green plantains. To make them, you’ll need to fry plantain slices twice.

Start by peeling and cutting the plantains into thick rounds. Fry them in oil for a few minutes until they’re lightly golden.

Next, flatten each slice using a plantain press or the bottom of a glass. Fry them again until crispy and golden brown.

Sprinkle the tostones with salt and serve them hot. They’re great with garlic dipping sauce or mojo sauce.

Tostones are a tasty and versatile dish. You can enjoy them as a snack or serve them alongside your favorite Cuban main courses.

10. Cuban Black Beans

Cuban black beans are a staple dish in Cuban cuisine. You can make this flavorful side at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by soaking dried black beans overnight. Then cook them with water until soft.

While they simmer, prepare a sofrito by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil.

Add the sofrito to your beans along with spices like cumin and oregano. A touch of vinegar and sugar helps balance the flavors.

Let everything cook together until the beans are creamy and the broth is thick.

Serve your Cuban black beans over white rice for a classic combination. They’re great alongside roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.

11. Mojo Chicken

Mojo chicken is a flavorful Cuban dish that will spice up your dinner routine. You marinate the chicken in a zesty citrus sauce called mojo.

To make mojo sauce, blend orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices. This creates a tangy, herbaceous flavor.

Marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking pan with the marinade.

Bake for about 50 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. For extra flavor, add orange wedges to the pan while cooking.

12. Camarones Enchilados

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

To make it, you sauté onions, peppers, and garlic in olive oil. Then add tomato sauce, white wine, and spices like oregano and cumin.

The shrimp cooks in this flavorful sauce until pink. Some recipes include olives or pimientos for extra zest.

You can serve Camarones Enchilados over rice. It’s a quick and easy meal that brings Cuban flavor to your table.

13. Platanos Maduros

Platanos maduros are a beloved Cuban side dish made from ripe plantains. To make them, you’ll need very ripe plantains with black or dark brown skin.

Peel the plantains and cut them diagonally into 1-inch slices.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown.

The key is to cook them slowly so they caramelize and become soft inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan or they may stick together.

Drain the fried plantains on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Platanos maduros have a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs well with savory Cuban dishes. You can also try cooking them in an air fryer for a lighter version.

14. Cuban Oxtail Stew

Cuban Oxtail Stew, or Rabo Encendido, is a hearty dish that will warm you up. You’ll love the tender oxtails braised in a flavorful sauce.

To make it, cook oxtails with vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Add tomato sauce, wine, and spices for extra flavor. The meat becomes incredibly soft after slow cooking.

This stew takes time to prepare, but it’s worth the wait. You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot.

Serve your Cuban Oxtail Stew with rice to soak up the tasty sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.

15. Mojito

The mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail perfect for hot days. To make one, you’ll need white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water.

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

Add rum and ice to the glass, then top with soda water. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge. The result is a cool, minty drink with a hint of sweetness and a rum kick.

16. 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 in its preparation.

To make it, you’ll start by baking a light sponge cake. Once cooled, poke holes all over the surface. This allows the cake to soak up the milk mixture.

Next, you’ll combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Pour this mixture over the cake, letting it absorb completely.

Top your Tres Leches Cake with a layer of whipped cream for extra decadence. Some recipes also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit for garnish.

This rich, creamy dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a treat after a Cuban meal. Your family and friends will love this traditional Cuban cake.

17. Cuban Flan

Cuban Flan is a creamy dessert loved for its smooth texture and rich caramel topping. You’ll find this treat at many Cuban gatherings and restaurants.

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

Pour the caramel into a mold, then add the custard mixture. Bake it in a water bath for about an hour until it’s set but still jiggly in the center.

After cooling and refrigerating, flip the flan onto a plate. The caramel will create a beautiful topping as it flows down the sides.

18. Cuban Coffee

Cuban coffee is a strong, sweet espresso drink. You can make it at home with a few simple steps.

Start by brewing espresso in a moka pot. While it brews, put sugar in a small cup.

When the first drops of coffee come out, mix them with the sugar. Stir quickly to make a thick paste.

Pour the rest of the espresso over the sugar mixture. Stir well to combine.

The result is a rich, concentrated coffee with a layer of sweet foam on top. Serve it in small cups to enjoy the full flavor.

19. Boliche

Boliche is a tasty Cuban pot roast dish. You stuff a beef roast with chorizo and olives for extra flavor.

Marinate the beef in citrus juices and spices. This helps tenderize the meat and adds zest.

Sear the roast to lock in juices. Then cook it low and slow with veggies like onions, garlic, and carrots.

The result is fork-tender beef with rich, savory flavors. Serve boliche with rice or potatoes to soak up the tasty sauce.

This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s a classic Cuban comfort food you’ll love.

20. Cuban Tamales

Cuban tamales are a tasty twist on the classic Latin American dish. They use corn masa as a base, similar to other tamales. But Cuban tamales often include pork as the main filling.

To make them, you’ll need corn masa, pork, and spices. Cook the pork with onions, garlic, and peppers. This creates a flavorful sofrito. Mix the masa with corn and seasonings.

Wrap the tamales in corn husks or banana leaves. Steam them for about 90 minutes. The result is a soft, savory treat.

Cuban tamales are often served as a main dish or appetizer. They’re perfect for gatherings or family meals. Try them for a taste of Cuban cuisine at home.

21. Cubano Salad

Cubano salad is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll love its mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy radishes.

To make it, start with a bed of romaine lettuce. Add sliced tomatoes, thinly cut radishes, and red onions.

For extra flavor, toss in some ripe avocado chunks.

The dressing is simple but tasty. Mix olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss everything together just before serving. This salad goes great with Cuban sandwiches or as a light meal on its own.

Authentic Ingredients

Cuban cuisine relies on a blend of fresh produce and aromatic spices. These ingredients give Cuban dishes their distinctive flavors and textures.

Traditional Spices

Cumin brings an earthy warmth to many Cuban recipes. You’ll often find it in bean dishes and meat marinades.

Oregano adds a subtle herbal note, while bay leaves provide depth to stews and soups.

Garlic is essential in Cuban cooking. It’s used in sofrito, a flavor base for many dishes. Onions and bell peppers round out the sofrito trio.

Cilantro brings freshness to salsas and garnishes. Saffron gives color and aroma to rice dishes like paella.

Fresh Produce

Citrus fruits play a big role in Cuban cuisine. Limes and oranges are key in mojo, a popular marinade. You’ll find their zesty flavors in meat dishes and cocktails.

Plantains are a staple. Green ones are fried for tostones, while ripe ones make sweet maduros.

Yuca, also called cassava, is a versatile root vegetable. You can boil, fry, or mash it.

Tomatoes add acidity and color to many dishes. Black beans are crucial for classic sides and stews.

Avocados often appear in salads or as a creamy garnish. Tropical fruits like mango and guava are common in desserts and drinks.

Cooking Techniques for Cuban Cuisine

Cuban cooking uses several key methods to create its signature flavors. These techniques bring out the best in fresh ingredients and create tender, flavorful dishes.

Slow-Cooking Methods

Slow cooking is a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine. You’ll often use a large pot called a caldero to simmer meats and beans for hours. This method tenderizes tough cuts and infuses deep flavors.

For dishes like ropa vieja, you’ll braise beef in a tomato-based sauce until it falls apart. Black beans are cooked low and slow to develop a creamy texture.

Sofrito forms the flavor base for many dishes. You’ll gently cook onions, garlic, and peppers in oil until soft and fragrant.

Grilling and Roasting

Grilling adds a smoky char to Cuban dishes. You’ll often see pork marinated in mojo sauce before hitting the grill.

Chicken and fish are also popular grilled items.

For roasting, you’ll typically use an oven or outdoor pit. Lechon asado is a whole pig roasted until the skin is crispy.

Smaller cuts like pork shoulder are common too.

Vegetables like plantains and yuca are often roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. You can toss them with oil and spices before cooking.