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Published on by Jamie Silva
If you’ve never experienced the rich, hearty flavors of Cuban food, I’m happy to introduce you!
Cuban food is a rich, hearty melting pot of Spanish, African, and other Caribbean cuisines. The majority of Cuban recipes are slow-cooked, sautéed, and/or tomato-based with spices.
If you’re looking to spice up your weekly menus, I’ve gathered these 12 Cuban recipes that range from savory dinners to sweet desserts that you must try.
1. Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)
Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)
With hundreds of top-notch ratings, this Cuban Coffee stands out as the ultimate choice! Café Cubano, a delectable espresso concoction, is crafted from potent, dark roast espresso, harmoniously blended with a luscious sugar foam. In the heart of Cuban culture, Cuban cafecito holds a cherished place. Whether enjoyed during breakfast as the indispensable café con leche, relished as a delightful dessert, craved for that much-needed 3:05 pm energy boost, or shared with newfound friends, it remains the epitome of coffee perfection.
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2. Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)
Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)
Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes) hold a special place in Cuban households, evoking cherished memories of childhood and family traditions. These bite-sized delights feature creamy ground ham coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and then fried to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying snack, they make any day of the week extra special with their nostalgic flavor and texture.
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3. Pastelitos de Guayaba + Queso (Guava Cheese Pastries!)
Pastelitos de Guayaba + Queso (Guava Cheese Pastries!)
Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso! Cuban guava and cheese pastries are made with storebought puff pastry and then filled with guava paste and softened cream cheese. Just 4 ingredients! You and your family will fall in love with these easy-to-make sweet, tart guava cheese turnovers. Enjoy them for breakfast or as a delicious snack.
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4. Easy Cuban Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice!)
Easy Cuban Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice!)
Cuban Arroz Imperial aka Imperial Rice. A classic Cuban comfort food dish made with layers of yellow rice, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, large crowds, and any time of year!
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5. Tender Lechon Asado (Cuban Roast Pork Recipe)
Tender Lechon Asado (Cuban Roast Pork Recipe)
Experience the rich tradition of Cuban Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) with this mouthwatering Cuban Lechon Asado. The pork shoulder is marinated in a homemade garlic-citrus mojo marinade and then slow-roasted to perfection in the oven. The result is tender, juicy shredded pork with that coveted crispy pork skin, making it a delightful tradition reminiscent of holiday gatherings you'll want to savor year-round.
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Arroz con pollo is a classic, one-pot Cuban chicken and rice dish made with juicy chicken thighs, fluffy yellow rice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, sofrito, and spices. There are several variations of this traditional Latin American dish but this one is from my Cuban family. It's the easiest comfort food dinner recipe that practically makes itself!
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7. Arroz Con Leche (Cuban Rice Pudding)
Arroz Con Leche (Cuban Rice Pudding)
Arroz con Leche is an easy-to-make, creamy Cuban rice pudding made with sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and lemon zest. The perfect dessert for any day of the week and it's unbelievably delicious!
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Learn how to make flavorful and authentic Cuban picadillo at home with this simple 30-minute recipe. Made stovetop, it features ground beef, tomato sauce, select spices, olives, and raisins. Serve with rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
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9. Cuban Yuca con Mojo
Cuban Yuca con Mojo
A simple boiled yuca recipe made Cuban-style with homemade citrus-garlic mojo sauce. This traditional root vegetable turned Cuban side dish makes an appearance during the holiday and for dinner on any day of the week. Learn how to make this popular Cuban staple from start to finish in just a few easy steps!
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10. Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)
Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)
These frijoles negros are a silky smooth black bean recipe cooked to perfection. The most flavorful Cuban side dish served with white rice!
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11. Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef Recipe)
Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef Recipe)
Learn how to make the best authentic ropa vieja with this classic Cuban recipe! This slow-cooked shredded beef dish is made with tenderized flank steak, sofrito, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This recipe requires only 25 minutes of hands-on work once the meat is tenderized.
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12. Cuban Shrimp Creole Recipe (Camarones Enchilados)
Cuban Shrimp Creole Recipe (Camarones Enchilados)
A deliciously saucy and fragrant Cuban-style shrimp creole recipe (Camarones Enchilados) served over white rice. A simple 30-minute meal!
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If you try any of these Cuban recipes, comment below! I’d love to hear from you!
You may also like:
- What is Cuban Food?
- Sign up to learn how to make Cuban food at home!
- Click here to see all Cuban recipes
JAMIE SILVA
Miami native, first-generation Cuban-American, and the founder, recipe developer, and food photographer behind A Sassy Spoon. Since 2016, Jamie has been developing recipes inspired by her rich Cuban heritage and Latin-inspired recipes influenced by her hometown of Miami.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Caridad Nunez says
your recipes are exactly what i grew-up eating in Cuba….thank you for sharing our
traditional Cuban food with others……muchas gracia
Caridad Nunez
Reply
Maureen Mendez says
I have tried many of these recipes. My husband is from Cuba and his mother taught me how to make them.
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Steve Vaujin says
I grew up in South Miami. Father was from Matanzas, Cuba and went to medical school on Havana. Interned at University of Michigan, and did his residency in Chicago.
I love croquetas, arroz con Pollo, roast pork, and Paella.Reply
Sabrina Addams says
It’s amazing to read that Cuban food is like a mixture of African, Spanish, and Caribbean flavors, and most recipes are slow-cooked. My roommate is getting married in July, and we want to find a restaurant to eat out at to celebrate sometime before then. We love trying new food, so we’ll have to find a Cuban restaurant in NJ to try.Reply
Tori Raddison says
Sofrito sounds really good! Onions, garlic, and green peppers go really well together and I cook with them a lot. I hadn’t really thought about putting them all into one dish before though. Maybe I’ll have to try some Cuban cuisine and see if tastes as good as it sounds!Reply
Ivette Pieterick says
My fav is lechon and pollo asado. But i am know to buy every pastel de gauyaba when I order them. And if you show up late for a family party forget about getting any croquettas they go fast.
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Jamie Silva says
They do! Lol
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