Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the beautiful Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the best Dominican recipes! Bursting with vibrant flavors, these dishes are a true reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage and tropical ingredients.
From hearty stews to refreshing beverages, this blog post will introduce you to the mouthwatering delights that will transport you straight to the sandy beaches and lively streets of the Dominican Republic. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of Dominican cuisine!
1. Mangu
Mangu is a traditional Dominican dish made from mashed green plantains. It is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal, especially breakfast.
The plantains are boiled and then mashed until they have a creamy, mashed potato-like consistency. Mangu is typically served with pickled onions, fried queso, or fried salami. It is a must-try dish for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Dominican cuisine.
2. Roasted Butterflied Latin Style Chicken
The Roasted Butterflied Latin Style Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of a perfectly roasted chicken. The seasoning is excellent, resulting in a well-balanced flavor.
The chicken is butterflied for even cooking and the recipe is easy to follow. It pairs well with Black Bean Cilantro Saffron Rice. Overall, a must-try recipe for those who love Latin flavors.
3. Dominican Yuca Fritters
Dominican Yuca Fritters are a delicious side dish in Dominican cuisine. Made with grated yuca, butter, egg, anise seed, salt, oregano, and sugar, these fritters are fried until golden brown. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack or appetizer.
The combination of flavors, including the hint of anise seed, adds a unique twist to the fritters. Overall, Dominican Yuca Fritters are a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Dominican cuisine.
4. Sancocho Dominicano
Sancocho Dominicano is a traditional Dominican stew made with a variety of meats and root vegetables. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often enjoyed during special occasions such as Christmas and Easter.
The combination of meats and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Sancocho Dominicano is a must-try dish for those looking to experience the authentic flavors of Dominican cuisine.
5. Dominican Bakes
Dominican Bakes are a traditional Dominican dish made from a simple combination of flour, water (or milk), baking powder, salt, and butter. These saucer-like shapes are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy and delicious treat.
While the recipe may seem straightforward, mastering the art of making bakes requires skill and practice. Enjoy these bakes with your favorite side for a delightful Caribbean experience.
6. Dominican Callaloo Soup
Dominican Callaloo Soup is a traditional dish from Dominica, often considered the national dish. It is a flavorful soup made with young dasheen or tannia leaves (or spinach), crabs, coconut milk, and a variety of herbs and spices.
The use of crabs adds a unique twist to the recipe, giving it a rich and savory flavor. The soup is typically served with provisions like green bananas, dasheen, breadfruit, or plantains. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Dominican cuisine.
7. Dominican Sazón
Dominican Sazón is a classic and authentic seasoning used in Dominican cuisine. Made with a blend of colorful peppers, onions, cilantro, oregano, garlic, vinegar, lime, adobo, soy sauce, and water, this sazón adds a burst of flavor to meats, fish, and other dishes.
It is easy to use, simply sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons over your desired protein and cook. The sazón can be made in large batches and stored in the freezer for future use. It is a must-have for anyone looking to recreate traditional Dominican flavors in their cooking.
8. Dominican Beans
These creamy Dominican beans are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish. Made with red kidney beans, garlic, onion, cubanelle pepper, and adobo seasoning, they have a creamy and thick texture that pairs perfectly with white rice.
The beans are cooked in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker, and the aromatics are sautéed separately to infuse the dish with delicious flavors. Whether served as a meatless main or a side dish, these Dominican beans are a must-try for anyone looking to explore Dominican cuisine.
9. Locrio
Locrio is a classic Dominican dish that is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Dominican cuisine. This one-pot chicken and rice dish is packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. The chicken is seasoned with a combination of lemon juice, soy sauce, oregano, and garlic, creating a delicious marinade.
The chicken is then cooked with caramelized sugar, tomato sauce, olives, onions, and chicken bouillon, resulting in a rich and savory sauce. The rice is added to the pot and cooked until tender, absorbing all the flavors from the chicken and sauce. The end result is a hearty and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Dominican cooking. Serve it with a side of green salad or fried plantains for a complete and delicious meal.
10. Shrimp Plantain Cups
Shrimp Plantain Cups are a delicious Dominican appetizer that combines the flavors of shrimp, plantains, and a variety of seasonings. The shrimp is seasoned with adobo, oregano, garlic, lime, and soy sauce, then cooked with onions, peppers, olives, and tomato sauce.
The plantains are sliced, fried, and flattened to create a cup shape, which is then filled with the flavorful shrimp mixture. These cups are crispy, savory, and make for a perfect bite-sized treat.
11. Pulled Pork Sliders
Pulled Pork Sliders are a delicious and easy way to repurpose leftover Dominican Pernil (Pulled Pork). The tender pulled pork is seasoned with Dominican Sazón, giving it a unique and flavorful twist.
The sliders are assembled with cheddar cheese, dill pickles, and a buttery cilantro glaze, then baked to perfection. These sliders are a mouthwatering combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
12. Dominican Spaghetti with Salami
Dominican Spaghetti with Salami is a classic and beloved dish in Dominican cuisine. This recipe combines the flavors of salami, onions, peppers, and garlic with tomato sauce and spices, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
It is a popular choice for family dinners or beach outings, as it is easy to make and can feed a large group. The addition of salami adds a unique and savory twist to traditional spaghetti. Overall, Dominican Spaghetti with Salami is a must-try dish for those looking to explore the flavors of Dominican cuisine.
13. Mamajuana
Mamajuana is a unique and flavorful Dominican drink that combines wine, rum, honey, and a blend of herbs and spices. It is known as "Dominican viagra" and is best served over ice or as a shot.
The recipe varies depending on where you buy it, but it typically includes Dominican bark, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and raisins. Mamajuana has a distinct taste and is often enjoyed for its smooth and spiced rum flavor.
