The 30 BEST Cuban Recipes (2024)

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Cuban cuisine is one of our favorites. With their bold flavors from garlic, citrus, and a variety of seasonings, it’s inevitable that their food would be amazingly tasty.

To help you recreate these tropical flavors in your own kitchen, we’ve compiled this list of Cuban Recipes from GypsyPlate and around the internet.

From their hearty soups and stews, roasted and grilled meats, rice preparations, plantain dishes and more, you’ll find it all here.

Try cooking all of these great Cuban dishes, you’re going to love these flavors!

The Best Cuban Recipes:

1. Ropa Vieja (Cuba’s National Dish)

Ropa Vieja is one of Cuba’s most loved and famous dishes.

This rustic, slow-cooked beef is made in a tomato wine sauce along with some flavorful ingredients and herbs. It tastes out of this world delicious.

The recipe is an amazing treat to impress your family and friends with.

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2. Cuban Mojo Pork

For all the Cuban food lovers, here is a very simple and delicious, yet very iconic Cuban Recipe,Mojo Pork!!

Rich and succulent tender shredded pork with amazing flavors created by citrus juice, plenty of garlic and some select herbs. All you are doing is making a quick Mojo Marinade and cooking the pork slow and low for hours, smothered in citrusy Mojo.

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3. Vaca Frita

Give your shredded beef some splendid Cuban flavors with this Vaca Frita recipe!

Flank steak is slowly stewed for hours and tenderized. But we are not stopping there. Once the meat is fork tender, shred it and fry it to crispy perfection with lots of garlic and lime.

You can serve it with a side of rice, or add it in a tortilla.

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4. Cuban Mojo Marinade

Recreate the exact taste from your favorite Cuban restaurant using this super awesome Mojo Marinade recipe!

You can jazz up any of your favorite meats with these flavorful, tangy, citrusy, garlicky Mojo flavors.

It’s so so easy to make at home, that we bet you will never buy it from the store again. Try out our best Cuban marinade today.

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5. Bistec Encebollado (Steak & Onions)

Are you a fan of steak? Then Bistec Encebollado is a must-try recipe for you!

This simple Cuban dish is a flavor bomb that will just explode in your mouth deliciously. An easy dish that tastes just too good.

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6. Fricase de Pollo (Cuban Chicken Fricassee)

Ok, have you made Cuban Chicken Fricassee at home? If not, then this is your best chance to give your family an amazing meal.

You will love the beautifully marinated chicken and potatoes, which are slowly simmered in a tasty tomato sauce.

Served with rice or some crusty bread for a hearty meal.

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7. Pollo a la Plancha

CubanPollo al la Planchais citrus marinated thin chicken breast grilled or seared to golden tender perfection, then topped with sautéed onions.

A staple in Cuban cuisine, it’s a 20-minute quick weeknight dinner full of flavors. Serve it up with white rice,Frijoles Negrosand maduros orTostones, and you’re in for a great Latin meal!

Get the Recipe: Pollo a la Plancha

8. Cuban Black Beans

Cuban Black Beans are one of the tastiest and easiest side dishes for any of your favorite protein.

They are are well-cooked in a savory and flavorful sauce, and later finished with fresh cilantro and lime to make them extra special.

This is one of the essential Cuban recipes.

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9. Tostones

Tostones are a famous street food from Latin countries, and you can make it at home with our easy recipe!

They are basically green plantains that are double-fried for a perfectly crispy outside and soft inside.

Tostones make a great appetizer for any of your events, just serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and simply enjoy.

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10. Cuban Arroz Con Pollo

Cuban Arroz Con Pollo is known for its delicious flavors and simple ingredients, which make the dish a super hit.

This one-pot chicken and rice dish will definitely become your family’s all-time favorite Latin American comfort food.

Get the Recipe @ aspicyperspective

11. Cuban Roast Pork (Lechon Asado)

Guys, this holiday season give Cuban Roast Pork, popularly known as Lechon Asado, a sure try.

In this classic recipe, your pork is well-marinated in the most flavorful homemade garlic citrusy marinade, then slow-roasted to perfection.

It will be one of your favorite Cuban recipes.

Get the Recipe @ asassyspoon

12. Cuban Beef Empanadas

Do you like empanadas? Then jazz it up in Cuban style! These Cuban Beef Empanadas are the best handheld appetizer, packed full of delicious flavors.

You can enjoy these snacks any time of the day, and they are super easy to make as well. So just relish this awesome variation when you crave empanadas.

Get the Recipe @ cook2eatwell

13. Cuban Picadillo

Cuban dishes are jam-packed with flavors and amazing ingredients, and this Cuban Picadillo is no different.

It’s a delicious treat that you can give to your loved ones with its hearty beef, veggies, potatoes, olives, spices, and sultanas. All together it tastes just amazing. So enjoy this Cuban treat…

Get the Recipe @ slimmingeats

14. Cuban Creole Shrimp (Enchilado de Camarones)

Cuban Creole Shrimp, also called Enchilado de Camarones, is truly delectable and absolutely very easy to make.

This Cuban delicacy will become your new favorite, so enjoy this flavorful and mind-blowing shrimp dish with everyone.

Get the Recipe @ kitrusy

15. Papas Rellenas

Try making this classic Cuban appetizer, Papas Rellanas, for your next get-together and be ready for compliments!

It is super easy to make these balls with mashed potatoes stuffed with flavorful picadillo, and then coated with breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. So good!

Get the Recipe @ thekitchenprepblog

16. Rabo Encendido (Cuban Oxtail Stew)

Stews are very famous in Cuban cuisine, and this Rabo Encendido is one of the most amazingly flavorful and satisfying stews you will ever make!

This oxtail stew recipe takes time to cook, but it delivers the most delicious stew with fall apart tender and juicy meat. It’s one of our favorite Cuban recipes.

Get the Recipe @ asassyspoon

17. Cuban Sandwich

All sandwich lovers, make the ultimate handheld meal with this Cuban Sandwich recipe!

This sandwich is loaded with swiss cheese, ham, pork tenderloin, pickles, and mustard, then grilled to crispy perfection. You are all set to enjoy the most epic sandwich ever.

Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo

18. Cuban Style Steak and Avocado Rice

Surprise your family with this Cuban Style Steak and Avocado Rice. With refreshing pineapple chimichurri, it’s the best bowl meal you ever have made!

This bowl is loaded with delicious ingredients and flavors that go just fabulously with each other. An incredibly tasty and satisfying weekend dinner.

Get the Recipe @ halfbakedharvest

19. Imperial Rice

Imperial Rice is a restaurant-worthy meal that you can easily make at home.

This outstanding chicken and rice casserole is made with amazing ingredients and flavors, and it is great for family get-togethers or holidays.

Get the Recipe @ savorthebest

20. Carne con Papas (Cuban Beef Stew)

Treat yourself to this exceptional Cuban Beef Stew, known as Carne con Pappas, and you will certainly add this to your favorite stew repertoire.

This recipe is made with tender beef chunks and potatoes slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a great comfort food, which everyone will go crazy for.

Get the Recipe @ asassyspoon

21. Pan con Bistec

Yet another classy sandwich recipe, which is insanely delicious, is this Pan con Bistec! It is a Cuban streak sandwich, which is loaded with juicy pan-seared cube steaks with plenty of onions.

You need to try this sandwich today!

Get the Recipe @ latinamommeals

22. Potaje de Garbanzo (Cuban Chickpea Stew)

Potaje de Garbanzo, aka Cuban Chickpea Stew, is brimming with mouth-watering flavors and warm ingredients.

You will love this slow-cooked stew that has hearty chickpeas, sweet squash, potatoes, chard, and smoky chorizo. All together it tastes just divine.

It’s a perfect stew for cozy winter nights.

Get the Recipe @ myjewishlearning

23. Citrus and Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers

Make your beloved grilled chicken in Cuban style with this Citrus and Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers recipe!

The hero is the zesty, citrusy mojo marinade that gives the simple chicken some gorgeous flavors. It’s perfect for your summer grilling parties.

Get the Recipe @ inspiredwithatwist

24. Croquetas de Jamon (Cuban Ham Croquettes)

These Croquetas de Jamon are the most flavorful finger food, which can serve at any of your special get-togethers to wow your guests.

You will love the light crispy coating. Inside is the tasty goodness of ham, sofrito and spices. A must-try Cuban appetizer for you.

Get the Recipe @ latinamommeals

25. Mojito

We know everyone loves their co*cktails, and this Mojito recipe is the best!

It’s super easy to make at home and tastes amazing. So gather your friends and family and make them this refreshing and awesome Mojito co*cktail. Cheers…

Get the Recipe @ thenovicechefblog

26. Cuban Frita Burger

Make the most flavorful burger at home with this Cuban Frita Burger recipe!

It is super easy to make with a well-seasoned pork and beef patty, shoestring fries, onions, and smoky spicy ketchup, all packed inside toasted buns.

It’s just too good!

Get the Recipe @ panningtheglobe

27. Chicharron de Pollo (Cuban Fried Chicken Chunks)

Are you looking for an easy and delicious appetizer for your next occasion? We have you covered with these Cuban Fried Chicken chunks, also called Chicharron de Pollo!

This crispy awesomeness is made with beautifully marinated chicken chunks coated in flour and then fried to crunchy perfection.

The best part is, they get ready in just 30 minutes. So simply enjoy…

Get the Recipe @ asassyspoon

28. Frituras de Malanga (Malanga Fritters)

Try another variation in your favorite fritters, these Frituras de Malanga also known as the Malanga fritters recipe!

Malanga is a starchy root vegetable that is peeled and mixed with eggs, parsley, garlic, and pepper, and then fried to golden crispy perfection.

It makes a great snack that you can relish any time of the day.

Get the Recipe @ asassyspoon

29. Cuban Grilled Salmon with Tomato Avocado Salsa

Amaze your loved ones with this Cuban Grilled Salmon with Tomato Avocado Salsa, and see everyone’s super happy faces!

This recipe is all about perfectly seasoned grilled salmon that will just melt in your mouth deliciously, along with fresh tomato avocado salsa.

It’s like a match made in heaven, and is super hard to resist. A sure-shot-a-winner recipe.

Get the Recipe @ halfbakedharvest

30. Cuban Arroz Con Leche

Let’s end our list of Cuban Recipes with a delicious Cuban dessert, Arroz Con Leche.

This rich and creamy rice pudding is packed with the flavors of cinnamon, anise, and lime zest, which give this dessert a stunning uplift.

You will definitely love this easy and perfect dessert to end your favorite Cuban meal.

Get the Recipe @ fatgirlhedonist

So many tropical and delicious Cuban recipes to try. The flavors are all so amazing!

Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

Check out these other great recipe collections!
Latin American Recipes
Puerto Rican Recipes
Caribbean Recipes
Mexican Recipes
Jamaican Recipes
American Recipes
African Recipes
Moroccan Recipes

30 BEST Cuban Recipes

This collection of easyCuban Rican Recipesincludes all of the classic mains, stews, sides and more. For an essential side dish, perfect this Cuban marinade:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1.5 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup lime and lemon juice (you can use either, or mix)
• 1/3 cup grapefruit juice
• 8 cloves of garlic, pressed or finely minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp cilantro chopped

Instructions

1. Juice citrus.
2. Chop onions and mince garlic.
3. Mix all ingredients.

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