The flavors of the Caribbean – a fusion of African, European, and indigenous influences that will tantalize your taste buds. From spicy jerk chicken to sweet coconut curry shrimp, the islands have a rich culinary heritage that’s waiting to be explored. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 authentic Caribbean recipes that showcase the region’s bold flavors and vibrant culture.
Whether you’re looking for hearty stews, seafood-packed curries, or sweet treats, our collection of recipes has something for everyone. And the best part? Each dish is inspired by the unique cultural heritage of the Caribbean – from Jamaica to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados to Haiti.
So let’s dive in and discover the flavors of the Caribbean!
Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Jamaica with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. With its spicy kick and tropical twist, Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 1 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and olive oil.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the jerk mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro in a bowl.
6. Serve jerk chicken with pineapple salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Warm up with a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines succulent shrimp with the richness of coconut milk and the spiciness of curry powder. This Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in curry powder and coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes.
Plantain and Black Bean Stew
This hearty stew combines sweet plantains with savory black beans, onions, and spices, making it a perfect dish for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the sliced plantains, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the plantains are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Callaloo with Salted Cod
This classic West Indian dish combines the flavors of leafy callaloo greens, succulent salted cod, and aromatic spices. This recipe is a perfect representation of the cultural exchange that occurs when African, European, and indigenous cuisines meet in the Caribbean.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch callaloo leaves (or substitute with spinach or collard greens)
– 1/2 pound salted cod, soaked overnight and flaked
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the flaked salted cod, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the callaloo leaves and stir until wilted.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rum Glazed Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops with a rich rum glaze that combines the flavors of brown sugar, butter, and spices. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, rum, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce glaze by half, stirring occasionally.
4. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
5. Grill or pan-fry pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush glaze on pork chops during the last minute of cooking.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Conch Fritters with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Savor the taste of the Caribbean with these crispy conch fritters served with a spicy dipping sauce that adds an extra layer of excitement. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound conch meat (or substitute with shrimp or scallops)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Dipping Sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add conch meat and mix well.
3. Beat in the egg until just combined.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the mixture into the oil.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels.
Spicy Dipping Sauce:
– Mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco), and 1 minced garlic clove.
– Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes for frying.
Caribbean Mango Chicken Curry
This flavorful curry combines the sweetness of mango with the spice of Caribbean-inspired flavors, resulting in a delicious and aromatic dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in mango, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using); cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low; let curry simmer for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of sweet potatoes and coconut milk, making it a delightful twist on traditional soups.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, or until they start to brown.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caribbean Spiced Grilled Fish
Escape to the Caribbean with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the freshness of fish with the warmth of spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (tilapia, mahi-mahi, or snapper work well)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Caribbean jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp lime zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Caribbean jerk seasoning, lime zest, garlic, and brown sugar.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the fish fillets.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place fish on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Rice and Peas with Coconut Milk
This flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish combines fluffy rice, tender peas, and rich coconut milk for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect as a side or main course, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine with water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
2. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the frozen peas and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine the cooked rice with the pea mixture and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caribbean Beef Patties
Savor the flavors of the Caribbean with these savory beef patties, wrapped in a flaky pastry crust and seasoned with aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, garlic, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Add egg and breadcrumbs; mix until just combined.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
6. Fold other half over filling and press edges to seal. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water).
7. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush tops with vegetable oil.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fried Plantains with Honey Drizzle
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet addictive recipe! Fried plantains are a popular street food in many Latin American countries, and adding a drizzle of honey takes them to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe plantains
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Optional: lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch rounds.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Dip each plantain round into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the plantains for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Drizzle with honey and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total (including frying time).
Caribbean Lobster Bisque
Transport yourself to the islands with this rich and flavorful Caribbean Lobster Bisque, featuring succulent lobster meat simmered in a spicy coconut broth. Perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat (claw and body)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Scotch bonnet peppers (or substitute with jalapeño)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet peppers; cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in lobster meat, coconut milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let bisque cook for 10-12 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Curried Goat with Roti
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this comforting goat curry served with soft, flaky roti. Aromatic spices and tender goat meat come together to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb goat meat (or beef/lamb), cut into small pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
– Roti dough (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden brown.
2. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add goat meat and cook until browned, breaking into smaller pieces if necessary.
4. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.
6. Serve with roti (see below for recipe).
Roti Recipe:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup lukewarm water
– Ghee or oil, for brushing
Combine dry ingredients and add water to form a dough. Knead and divide into small portions. Roll out each portion into thin circles and cook in a hot skillet with ghee or oil until crispy.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Caribbean Rum Cake
Transport yourself to the islands with this moist and flavorful Caribbean Rum Cake, infused with the warmth of dark rum and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and dark rum to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Saltfish and Ackee Breakfast
Start your day with a flavorful and nutritious Jamaican-inspired breakfast dish that combines the savory taste of salted cod fish with the creamy texture of ackee fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup salted cod fish (saltfish), soaked overnight and flaked
– 1/2 cup ackee fruit, cooked and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the flaked saltfish and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.
4. Add the cooked ackee fruit and stir to combine.
5. Make four wells in the mixture and crack an egg into each well.
6. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caribbean Banana Bread with Rum Glaze
Transport yourself to the islands with this moist and aromatic banana bread infused with the warmth of Caribbean spices, topped with a rich rum glaze.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Rum glaze: 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and chopped walnuts (if using).
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow bread to cool before drizzling with rum glaze (simply whisk together dark rum and powdered sugar).
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Spicy Coconut Rice with Shrimp
Elevate your rice game with this flavorful and spicy twist! This recipe combines the warmth of coconut milk, the spiciness of red pepper flakes, and the sweetness of succulent shrimp for a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in coconut milk, shredded coconut, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through (2-3 minutes per side).
6. Serve shrimp over spicy coconut rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caribbean Pumpkin Soup
Get ready to transport yourself to the islands with this warm and comforting Caribbean Pumpkin Soup recipe! This sweet and savory soup is perfect for a cozy evening or as a starter for your next Caribbean-inspired dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for an additional minute.
3. Add pumpkin, chicken broth, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Rum
Savor the sweetness of pineapple, elevated by warm cinnamon and a hint of rum.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 8 wedges
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Brush pineapple wedges with vegetable oil on both sides.
4. Place pineapple wedges on the grill, leaving space between each wedge.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
6. If using rum, brush it over the pineapple during the last minute of cooking.
7. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your culinary routine with these 20 authentic Caribbean recipes! From classic dishes like Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa and Coconut Curry Shrimp, to innovative twists on old favorites like Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup and Spicy Coconut Rice with Shrimp. This diverse collection also features a range of seafood options, including Conch Fritters with Spicy Dipping Sauce and Caribbean Lobster Bisque. With flavors ranging from spicy to sweet and everything in between, these recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to the islands. Try them out for a taste adventure!