Welcome to a culinary journey through the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of Cuba! From the succulent meats, aromatic spices, and tropical fruits, Cuban recipes are a celebration of the island's rich cultural heritage.
Whether you're a fan of hearty stews, zesty marinades, or indulgent desserts, this blog post will introduce you to some of the best Cuban recipes that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked streets of Havana. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving more. Let's dive right in!
1. Homemade Cuban Sazon Completa
Homemade Cuban Sazon Completa is a versatile and flavorful spice blend that enhances the taste of various Cuban dishes. Made with a combination of ground coriander, annatto, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, this seasoning adds a savory and earthy flavor to chicken, pork, fish, beef, and more.
It is free from additives and MSG, making it a healthier and more affordable alternative to store-bought spice blends. With a shelf life of up to 6 months, this homemade seasoning is a must-have in any Cuban kitchen.
2. Cuban Picadillo
Cuban Picadillo is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of Cuban cuisine. Made with ground beef, tomato sauce, fried potatoes, raisins, and green olives, this fragrant hash is a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
It is traditionally served with tostones, tomato and red onion salad, and white rice or Moros y Cristianos. The addition of olives and raisins adds a tangy and sweet twist to the dish, making it a delightful and budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal.
3. Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban Sandwich is a hearty and delicious combination of flavors and textures. It features layers of sweet ham, juicy tender pork, melted Swiss cheese, and dill pickles, all slathered with yellow mustard. This classic sandwich originated in Key West, Florida, and has become a favorite among many.
It is typically made with soft white French or Italian bread, and can be grilled to perfection. The Cuban Sandwich is perfect for casual entertaining or as a satisfying splurge. It is a must-try for sandwich lovers and a great addition to any Cuban recipe collection.
4. Cuban Quesadilla
The Cuban Quesadilla is a delicious and flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla. Inspired by the famous Cuban sandwich, it features ham, pulled pork, cheese, and pickles. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
The combination of ingredients creates a mouthwatering blend of flavors that will satisfy any Cuban food lover. Try it for yourself and experience the deliciousness of this Cuban-inspired dish.
5. The Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban Sandwich is a delicious and iconic dish that has gained popularity in various settings, from casual diners to upscale restaurants. This recipe includes a twist with the addition of pepperoni, which may not be traditional but adds a unique flavor.
The star of the sandwich is the roast pork, marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices, citrus juices, and olive oil. Served on a sandwich roll with yellow mustard, ham, Swiss cheese, and sweet pickle slices, this Cuban Sandwich is a mouthwatering delight.
6. Cuban Sliders
Cuban Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic Cuban sandwich. These slider-sized sandwiches are perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties. Made with sandwich rolls, ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles, they are packed with flavor.
The addition of mayo, mustard, and butter adds a tangy and savory touch. You can also customize the recipe by using different types of bread, cheese, or adding spicy ingredients like jalapeños. Overall, Cuban Sliders are a crowd-pleasing and easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine.
7. Homemade Cuban Bread
Homemade Cuban Bread is a delightful recipe that captures the authentic flavors of traditional Cuban bread. Made with bread flour, fast-action yeast, sugar, salt, lard (or vegetable shortening for a vegan option), and room temperature water, this bread offers a chewy texture and a soft, fluffy interior.
The unique scoring technique using a palmetto frond or alternative creates the signature appearance of Cuban bread. With just 90 calories per slice, this bread is a delicious addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen for later use, Homemade Cuban Bread is a must-try for bread lovers seeking a taste of Cuba.
8. Cuban Beef Cigars
Cuban Beef Cigars are a delicious fusion of Cuban empanada filling wrapped in crispy filo dough. The spicy picadillo meat mixture is the star of this dish, with a perfect balance of flavors from green peppers, onions, garlic, and tomato.
The addition of potatoes, olives, and raisins adds a unique twist. Whether baked or fried, these cigars are a delightful appetizer or main dish option.
9. Mojito
The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that is refreshingly delicious. Made with white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and a splash of sparkling water, it offers a perfect balance of flavors. The recipe calls for a unique technique of muddling only the bottom of the mint stem, resulting in a vibrant green color and avoiding any bitter taste.
While authentic Cuban rum may be hard to find, using a good quality white rum will still provide a great experience. Overall, the Mojito is a must-try cocktail for those looking to enjoy a taste of Cuba.
10. Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich
The Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich is a mouthwatering classic that is sure to satisfy any sandwich lover. The tender and juicy slow cooked Cuban pork, paired with ham, pickles, cheese, and mustard, creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're a fan of pulled pork or simply enjoy a good sandwich, this Cuban recipe is a must-try.
11. Smoky Cuban Sandwiches
The Smoky Cuban Sandwiches are a delicious combination of citrus seasoned pulled pork, peppery ham, melty Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and robust mustard, all stuffed inside a crusty loaf of bread.
Grilled to perfection, this sandwich offers a smoky and flavorful twist on the classic Cuban sandwich. Perfect for using leftover pulled pork, it's a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste.
12. Instant Pot Cuban Pork
The Instant Pot Cuban Pork recipe is a quick and easy way to make flavorful and garlicky shredded pork. It is perfect for making Cuban sandwiches or serving with rice and beans. The recipe includes simple ingredients like lime juice, orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, and broth.
The pork is cooked in the Instant Pot, resulting in tender and delicious meat. It can also be frozen for later use. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of Cuban cuisine.
13. Carne Con Papas
Carne Con Papas is a classic Cuban dish that combines tender beef with potatoes in a flavorful sauce. It's a comforting and affordable meal that is popular in Cuban households. The dish is saucy rather than soupy, resembling a beef stew.
With ingredients like onions, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and olives, Carne Con Papas is packed with delicious flavors. It is typically served with white rice, making it a satisfying and complete meal.
14. Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish consisting of shredded beef in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The beef is tender and succulent, perfectly complemented by the sautéed onions and garlic.
This dish is a true representation of Cuban cuisine, with its simple yet vibrant flavors. Whether served with rice and beans or accompanied by traditional sides like fried plantains, Ropa Vieja is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Cuba.
15. Cuban Sandwiches
Cuban Sandwiches are a delicious and iconic dish that originated in Tampa Bay. This recipe adds a twist by including salami and a flavorful herby garlic butter. The combination of swiss cheese, mojo pulled pork, ham, and pickles creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
Baked in the oven for convenience, these sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly crispy bread and melted cheese make this recipe a must-try for any Cuban food lover.
16. Cuban Spaghetti
Cuban Spaghetti is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. The seasoned ground beef, infused with sazon, adobo, and sofrito, adds a burst of flavor to the dish. The crushed tomatoes lightly coat the spaghetti, allowing the spice blend to shine through.
This recipe is not overly saucy, but rather has a slightly dry texture. The addition of capers or olives adds a tangy element to the dish. Overall, Cuban Spaghetti is a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds craving more.
17. Easy Cuban Sandwich
The Easy Cuban Sandwich is a delicious and hearty sandwich that combines two kinds of pork, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Toasted in butter and pressed to perfection, this sandwich is a pork lover's dream.
The layers of smoked ham and thinly sliced pork tenderloin, along with the tangy pickles and mustard, create a flavorful combination. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you're from Miami or Tampa, this sandwich is a classic and satisfying choice.
18. Sopa de Res
Sopa de Res is a classic Cuban-style beef soup that is both easy to make and affordable. This hearty soup features tender chunks of beef cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices.
The addition of potatoes and carrots adds a delicious depth of flavor and texture. Served over white rice, this soup is a comforting and nutritious meal option.
19. Cuban Pork Shoulder
The Cuban Pork Shoulder recipe is a traditional Christmas meal in Cuban households and is perfect for smaller gatherings. The pork shoulder is marinated with citrus and garlic, along with other spices, and then grilled to perfection.
The result is tender meat with crispy skin and authentic flavors. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the taste of Cuban cuisine.
20. Cuban Stuffed Peppers
Cuban Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and a variety of spices and seasonings. The unique Cuban beef filling is cooked with onions, garlic, tomato paste, and tomato sauce, giving it a rich and savory taste.
The addition of Spanish olives and raisins adds a delightful burst of flavor. These stuffed peppers are then baked to perfection, resulting in a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfect for those looking to experience the flavors of Cuba in a simple and tasty dish.
21. Authentic Cuban Sandwich
The Authentic Cuban Sandwich is a grilled sandwich filled with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard on Cuban bread. It is a Florida tradition and is considered by many to be the best sandwich in America.
The addition of salami is optional, but the sandwich can still be enjoyed without it. The key to making it great is pressing it with butter, resulting in a crispy and delicious sandwich. Overall, the Authentic Cuban Sandwich is a taste of Florida culture in every bite.
22. Albondigas Cubanas
Albondigas Cubanas are Cuban-style meatballs made with a combination of ground beef and pork. These tender and flavorful meatballs are pan-seared and then smothered in a deliciously spiced tomato sauce.
They are traditionally served with white fluffy rice and fried plantains, making it a complete and satisfying dinner meal. If you're a fan of Cuban cuisine, you'll definitely love these unique meatballs that are packed with flavor.
23. Cuban Shrimp Creole
Cuban Shrimp Creole is a saucy and fragrant dish that showcases the flavors of Cuban cuisine. This recipe combines shrimp with a flavorful tomato sauce, onions, green peppers, and garlic. The dish is simmered to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy shrimp.
Served over white rice, the dish becomes even more satisfying as the rice soaks up the delicious sauce. With its quick and easy preparation, this Cuban Shrimp Creole is a must-try for seafood lovers looking for a taste of Cuban cuisine.
