Close your eyes and imagine this: The aroma of garlic, cumin, and slow-cooked pork filling your kitchen. A plate of golden tostones (fried plantains) waiting to be dipped in tangy mojo sauce. A steaming bowl of ropa vieja—shredded beef so tender it melts in your mouth.
This isn’t just food—it’s Cuban soul on a plate.
Cuban cuisine is a vibrant mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors—think citrus-marinated meats, hearty rice dishes, and plantains in every form. Whether you’re craving comfort food or planning a Cuban night with friends, these 18 essential recipes will transport you to Havana.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
✅ Classic Cuban dishes (Like lechón asado and picadillo)
✅ Easy-to-find ingredients (No fancy grocery runs needed)
✅ Step-by-step instructions (Even beginners can nail these)
✅ Pro tips from Cuban home cooks
Why Cuban Food?
Before we dive into recipes, here’s what makes Cuban cuisine so special:
✔ Big, bold flavors (Garlic, lime, oregano, cumin)
✔ Comfort food at its best (Slow-cooked, hearty, family-style)
✔ Budget-friendly (Uses cheap cuts of meat & pantry staples)
Fun fact: Many Cuban dishes taste even better the next day—perfect for meal prep!
The Ultimate Cuban Recipe List
1. Arroz con Pollo (Cuban Chicken & Rice)
The dish every Cuban abuela makes. Chicken, rice, beer, and spices cooked in one pot.
Key flavors: Saffron, green olives, bell peppers
Pro tip: Use thighs (they stay juicier than breasts).
2. Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef Stew)
Cuba’s national dish. Literally means “old clothes” (from the shredded meat!).
Key flavors: Tomato sauce, cumin, green olives
Serve with: White rice & fried plantains
3. Lechón Asado (Cuban Roast Pork)
The star of every Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). Marinated in mojo (garlic-citrus sauce) for 24+ hours.
Secret ingredient: Sour orange juice (or mix lime + orange)
4. Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)
Cuban “french fries.” Green plantains smashed and fried twice for crispy perfection.
Dip in: Garlic mojo or ajo sauce
5. Moros y Cristianos (Black Beans & Rice)
A must-have side dish. Black beans and rice cooked together with spices.
Fun fact: The name means “Moors and Christians” (from Spanish history).
6. Picadillo (Cuban Ground Beef Hash)
Weeknight dinner hero. Ground beef with raisins, olives, and spices.
Serve with: Rice or stuff into empanadas
7. Yuca con Mojo (Cassava with Garlic Sauce)
Creamy, garlicky heaven. Boiled yuca drenched in mojo (olive oil + garlic + citrus).
Best with: Roast pork
8. Cuban Sandwich (The REAL Version)
No, it’s not just ham and cheese. Authentic Cubanos have:
- Roast pork
- Ham
- Swiss cheese
- Pickles
- Mustard
Pressed on Cuban bread until crispy.
🔗 External Link: History of the Cuban Sandwich
9. Plátanos Maduros (Sweet Fried Plantains)
Caramelized, sweet, sticky. Made with ripe (black) plantains.
Perfect with: Rice dishes or as a dessert
10. Fricase de Pollo (Cuban Chicken Fricassee)
Comfort in a pot. Chicken stewed with potatoes, olives, and capers.
Secret trick: A splash of white wine
11. Croquetas (Ham or Chicken Croquettes)
Creamy, crispy bites. Fried béchamel-filled logs.
Street food favorite in Cuba
12. Flan de Leche (Cuban Caramel Custard)
Silky, wobbly perfection. The ultimate Cuban dessert.
Pro tip: Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks
13. Café Cubano (Cuban Espresso)
Sweet, strong, foamy. Sugar is whipped into the espresso shots.
Served: In tiny cups, all day long
14. Pan con Bistec (Cuban Steak Sandwich)
Juicy, garlicky steak on crusty bread with onions.
Havana street food classic
15. Buñuelos (Cuban Fritters)
Crispy, doughy, sweet. Like churros’ cousin.
Dipped in: Anise syrup or honey
16. Sopa de Pollo (Cuban Chicken Soup)
Grandma’s cure-all. With noodles, lime, and avocado.
Better than chicken noodle soup
17. Masitas de Puerco (Fried Pork Chunks)
Garlicky, crispy, juicy. Marinated pork shoulder fried golden.
Serve with: Lime wedges
18. Guayaba con Queso (Guava & Cheese)
Sweet + salty = magic. Guava paste with cream cheese.
Simple dessert that wows
Cuban Cooking Tips from Abuelas
- Garlic is life. Cuban cooking uses 3x more garlic than you think.
- Marinate overnight. Mojo needs time to work its magic.
- Low & slow wins. Most meats are braised or roasted for hours.
- Don’t skip the lime. Bright acidity balances rich flavors.
- Use a caldero. A heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) is essential.
Where to Find Cuban Ingredients
| Ingredient | Where to Buy | Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Sour orange juice | Latin markets | ½ lime + ½ orange |
| Plantains | Any supermarket | Green bananas (for tostones) |
| Cuban bread | Bakeries or make your own | French bread |
Final Tip: Share the Love!
Cuban food is meant for big family meals. Double the recipes, invite friends, and serve with plenty of rice, beans, and laughter.
Which recipe will you try first? (Comment below!)
FAQs About Cuban Food
Q: Is Cuban food spicy?
A: Not usually. It’s flavorful but mild (unlike Mexican cuisine).
Q: What’s the most popular Cuban dish?
A: Ropa vieja (shredded beef) or lechón asado (roast pork).
Q: Can I make Cuban food vegetarian?
A: Yes! Try vegetarian picadillo (with lentils) or fried yuca with mojo.
