43 Caribbean Food Recipes That Are Perfect To Try Once

Trip to Caribbean island is incomplete without tasting the delicacy of their authentic and vibrant flavors. The local spices and unique and specific ingredients makes these Caribbean recipes one of the best food choices to try at home.

A delightful fusion and blend of fresh herbs and spices makes these dishes taste delicious to satisfy the taste buds. The Caribbean recipes are a feast for the food lover who loves to experiment with their taste and feel delighted to try the authentic dishes.

Here’s A Table Of Some Of The Best Caribbean Foods You Can Prepare In The Comfort Of Your Home.

Recipe	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Creole Bread	351	3 Hours 40 Minutes
Jerk Chicken	210	2 Hours 45 Minutes
Conch Fritters	87	40 Minutes
Mofongo	1069	30 Minutes
La Bandera	1881	2 Hours
Patties	277	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Plantains	109	10 Minutes
Curry Goat	251	3 Hours 15 Minutes
Sweet Potatoes	161	1 Hour
Coconut Drops	360	60 Minutes
Yam	360	45 Minutes
Chapea	402	40 Minutes
Callaloo	145	45 Minutes
Tchaka	108	3 Hours 45 Minutes
Tamarind Balls	110	30 Minutes
Pineapple Chow	92	8 Hours 45 Minutes
Pepper Pot	216	2 Hours 40 Minutes
Black Cake	1030	2 Hours 40 Minutes
Sweet Cornbread	208	40 Minutes
Cuban Sliders	394	30 Minutes
Ital Stew	380	40 Minutes
Shrimp	412	34 Minutes
Dressed Crab	143	40 Minutes
Papacoco	55	15 Minutes
Spices Corn Soup	379	1 Hour 25 Minutes
Pernil	143	6 Hours
Ropa Vieja	365	1 Hour 45 Minutes
Rasta Pasta	608	30 Minutes
Bammy	110	55 Minutes
Coconut Tarts	119	45 Minutes
Coco Bread	230	2 Hours
Fish Tea	236	40 Minutes
Picadillo	254	1 Hour
Boliche	171	4 Hours 30 Minutes
Frita	68	12 Hours 55 Minutes
Cuban Pizza	447	4 Hours 35 Minutes
Mojito	190	10 Minutes
Souse	36	1 Hour
Pikliz	48	25 Minutes
Griot	446	1 Hour
Cassava Pone	239	2 Hours
Bake and Shark	41	41 Minutes
Peas and Rice	414	40 Minutes

Have you been looking for a quick, tasty, and authentic meal that will make your guests want to eat more? Look no further – with these recipes, you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant and spend all your money.

These recipes make it easy to prepare your Caribbean dishes and make them just as delicious as the best Caribbean restaurants.

It’s time to enjoy homemade Caribbean foods that are filling and just as delicious as the ones served at the best Caribbean restaurants.  

These 43 dishes will blow everyone’s taste buds.

1. Creole Bread

This is a local crusty bread served in the Caribbean. The bread is packed with low carbs and is best for dieters. While healthy, it has a rich flavor and a soft crust.

For a quick and delicious snack, grab some Creole bread. Serve hot with one of your favorite beverages.

Calories Per Serving: 351

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 40 Minutes

2. Jerk Chicken

Hot, spicy, and sweet dry or wet meat is a staple in Jamaica. Jerk chicken can be anything you want; the spice is everything. Letting the meat marinade overnight will help the spices penetrate the meat and give it a rich flavor.

This meal is perfect, easy to prepare, and can be enjoyed at a party or on a breezing night.

Calories Per Serving: 210

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

3. Conch Fritters

Conch is famous in the Caribbean due to its availability. These conch fritters are crunchy in appearance, crispy, and delicious.

If you want a quick and filling meal, conch fritters are your best choice. You can serve them as a side dish for a delicious meal for everyone.

Calories Per Serving: 87

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

4. Mofongo

This green plantain mash with a hint of spice is a hit. It’s similar to mashed potatoes but has a more distinctive sweet and savory flavor.

The meal is easy to prepare, and local ingredients are available. For a quick and easy meal, Mofongo is the way to go. Treat yourself to fish soup or shrimp.

Calories Per Serving: 1069

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

5. La Bandera

La Bandera is the most popular dish in the Caribbean – its name means ‘The flag’. The dish resembles the republic flag.

It is made up of rice with seasoned kidney beans, some sliced potatoes, and meat. This dish is incredibly filling. Let your family devour this quick and flavorful dish, and be prepared to prepare the meal more often.

Calories Per Serving: 1881

Preparation Time: 2 Hours

6. Patties

Caribbean Meatloaf is the perfect meal for any time of day. They’re delicious, filling, and easy to customize to suit your tastes. Plus, they’re great for a quick and easy meal.

Caribbean patties are a great way to get protein and vitamins, and they taste amazing. People often eat these patties as a meal, but they can also be served as a side dish.

Calories Per Serving: 277

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

7. Plantains

Plantains are a staple in the Caribbean diet, and for a good reason. They are a great source of potassium and vitamin C and are low in calories and carbohydrates.

They can be boiled, mashed, or fried and are often served with syrup or salt.

Plantains are a great way to add sweetness and flavor to your food. The meal is also very versatile…it can be used in place of bread or chips or as a base for other dishes.

Calories Per Serving: 109

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

8. Curry Goat

Goat curry is one of the tastiest and most complex dishes you’ll ever taste. The taste is vibrant and complex. The main spices are cumin, paprika, and turmeric.

These spices give goat meat a subtle, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of Caribbean fruits. Goat curry is also a very healthy dish as it is rich in protein and nutrients.

Calories Per Serving: 251

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes

9. Sweet Potatoes

First, they make a delicious and nutritious side dish or main dish. Second, they are affordable and easy to grow in most climates.

Lastly, they’re versatile – you can fry, bake, or puree them, and they taste great no matter how you cook them. So why not try sweet potatoes for your next Caribbean meal?

Calories Per Serving: 161

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

10. Coconut Drops

Coconut drops are the perfect Caribbean food because they are both sweet and salty. They are a great way to cool down on a hot day, and they are also a great way to enjoy a festive meal. 

Coconut drops are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean. They are easy to make and a great way to show your love for the Caribbean.

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 60 Minutes

RELATED: The 23 Best Caribbean Recipes

11. Yam

If you’re looking for a delicious Caribbean-inspired meal, you can’t go wrong with the yams. This starchy sweet vegetable is loved by many, and its natural sweetness and texture make it a natural addition to many dishes.

It can be used as a main dish or as a side dish to many dishes. Plus, its creamy texture and natural sweetness make it perfect for desserts and snacks.

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

12. Chapea

Chapea is often considered the best Caribbean cuisine. It can be eaten as is, added to soups, or fried. Chapea is healthy, delicious, and a great protein, fiber, and vitamin C source.

Calories Per Serving: 402

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

13. Callaloo

This dish consists of boiled callaloo leaves that are simmered in a variety of flavorful liquids until thick and tender.

Callaloo is healthy, delicious food that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a more sophisticated meal, Callaloo is a great option.

Calories Per Serving: 145

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

14. Tchaka

Tchaka is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main or side dish. It is also popular as a wedding dish, as it is often served as part of a meal.

Tchaka is a delicious and sumptuous dish, the perfect way to get a taste of the Caribbean. Have a taste of Tchaka, and you’ll be making more of them.

Calories Per Serving: 108

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 45 Minutes

15. Tamarind Balls

Tamarind balls are a popular Caribbean dish with a distinctive sweet and sour taste. The bowl is served with a sweet and sour sauce. Tamarind balls are unique and perfect on a hot summer day.

They are often eaten as a snack or as part of a meal.

Calories Per Serving: 110

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

16. Pineapple Chow

Pineapple chow is an easy-to-make and delicious Caribbean dish. All you need is a chopped pineapple and diced bread. Talk about a perfect and quick meal! You can serve the chow with some sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 92

Preparation Time: 8 Hours 45 Minutes

17. Pepper Pot

Pepper pot is the perfect Caribbean dish to enjoy with friends and family. This dish is a mixture of different meats, vegetables, and spices cooked in a pot of spiced water.

A hearty meal is perfect for chilly days and is best served with peas and sauce to add flavor. This meal will get you addicted.

Calories Per Serving: 216

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 40 Minutes

18. Black Cake

Black cake is made from a combination of sugar, eggs, and cornmeal, which gives it a unique flavor and a slightly hard crust. 

Whether you’re looking for a delicious and unique dessert to enjoy or you just want to add a little bit of Caribbean flavor to your regular diet, black cake is a perfect choice.

Calories Per Serving: 1030

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 40 Minutes

19. Sweet Cornbread

Packed with sweet flavors, a bite of sweet cornbread is satisfying. Eaten as is, drizzled with butter and sugar, or garnished with fruit, this bread is a must.

Calories Per Serving: 208

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

20. Cuban Sliders

Nothing beats the sweet and savory flavors of the Cuban slider buns. They are perfect for a quick and easy meal; one bite and you are hooked for life.

Cuban Sliders are the perfect way to enjoy the best of the Caribbean without leaving your home. It’s easy to create and customize, so why not try it?

Calories Per Serving: 394

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

21. Ital Stew

Spices and flavors in Ital stew create a truly Caribbean-inspired meal. The stew is made with onions, celery, and carrots, which gives it a sweet and savory flavor.

The stew is served over rice, which makes it a filling and nutritious meal. Additionally, the dish is hearty and filling, making it perfect for cold winter days.

Calories Per Serving: 380

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

22. Shrimp

Shrimp is a popular seafood item in the Caribbean, and for a good reason. They are flavorful and easy to cook. Shrimps are a good source of protein and are low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Whether you are looking for a light, delicious meal or a filling main course, shrimp is a great option.

Calories Per Serving: 412

Preparation Time: 34 Minutes

23. Dressed Crab

Dressed crab is a Caribbean meal that is a must-try for any seafood lover. What makes this dish so tasty is the delicate seasoning, which pairs perfectly with the fresh, sweet taste of the crab.

The seafood is cooked in a light and delicate sauce and then served over a bed of steamed rice. It is a perfect meal for a nice, sunny day.

Calories Per Serving: 143

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

24. Papacoco

Papacoco is a Caribbean meal that is delicious and unique. This meal is very tasty, and it is a great way to get your protein and nutrients.

Papacoco is a great way to show your friends and family what the Caribbean is all about. This dish will blow everyone’s mind.

Calories Per Serving: 55

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

25. Spiced Corn Soup

There’s just something irresistibly appealing about spicy corn chowder. Whether it’s the combination of spices that give it a unique flavor or the warmth of the soup itself, It’s hard to resist a bowl of this delicious concoction. 

Calories Per Serving: 379

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

26. Pernil

Pernil is a delicious Caribbean dish made with slow-cooked pork in a flavorful and aromatic broth. Pernil is delicious and easy to make, making it perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Pernil is a hearty meal, especially in cold weather. You can also serve the meal during special occasions such as weddings and birthday parties. The spices in the soup make for a complex and flavorful dish.

Calories Per Serving: 143

Preparation Time: 6 Hours

27. Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja is a classic dish enjoyed by many in the Caribbean. A dish steeped in history and a testament to the unique and diverse cultures of the Caribbean. The Spices used are to die for, and the vinegar enhances the flavor of the spices.

Calories Per Serving:  365

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

28. Rasta Pasta

Rasta pasta is a unique and delicious way to enjoy Caribbean cuisine. Pasta is made from red kidney beans, rice, and spices. A colorful and flavorful dish perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.

Rich in protein and fiber, the Rasta Pasta provides essential nutrients to maintain a healthy body.

Calories Per Serving: 608

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

29. Bammy (Cassava Bread)

What is not there to love in Bammy? Whether you’re looking for something to eat on the go or want to make a hearty meal, Bammy is a perfect choice.

The recipe is easy to do. All you need is rice, peas, chicken, or beef, and you’re ready to go. Cassava bread is a great dish for everyone, whether you are a cooking novice or a seasoned veteran.

Calories Per Serving: 110

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

30. Coconut Tarts

Coconut tarts are one of the most popular Caribbean dishes. It’s sweet and sour, perfect for summer desserts. It can be made with a variety of fillings, but traditional versions contain coconut milk and sugar.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert or a quick snack, coconut cake will leave you fulfilled.

Calories Per Serving: 199

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

31. Coco Bread

Coco bread is usually sweetened with sugar or honey and served with jam, butter, or cream. The bread is soft, fluffy, and delicate, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Its unique flavor and texture make it a favorite choice for appetizers, snacks, and main courses.

There is no doubt that coco bread is one of the most popular Caribbean dishes. If you’re looking for a delicious and unique Caribbean dish, consider trying out coco bread!

Calories Per Serving: 230

Preparation Time: 2 Hours

32. Fish Tea

Fish tea is a Caribbean dish typically made with whitefish, mackerel, or tuna. The fish is cooked in flavored tea (flavored either with spices or herbs).

Fish tea has health benefits because of the omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in the tea. 

Fish tea is a delicious Caribbean dish often enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. Once the fish is cooked, it can be served with rice or other sides.

Calories Per Serving: 236

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

33. Picadillo

Picadillo is the perfect Caribbean food – it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Picadillo is made from ground beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and spices.

It can be made with a variety of meats and can be served with any type of sauce. It is perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a side dish.

Calories Per Serving: 254

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

34. Boliche

Boliche is a unique type of Caribbean food that is a mix of both Spanish and Cuban food. This dish is typically made with pork, ham, chicken, and rice and is served with Dominican sauce and mayonnaise.

Boliche is a great way to enjoy a variety of Caribbean food while sitting by the pool or at a beachside bar.

Calories Per Serving: 171

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 30 Minutes

35. Frita

What makes Frita the best Caribbean food? There are a few things that make this dish so unique. First, Frita is made from fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Second, it is always served with a side of sour cream and salsa. What else should you ask for when looking for a quick, casual meal?

Calories Per Serving: 68

Preparation Time: 12 Hours 55 Minutes

36. Cuban Pizza

Few can compare to the exquisite flavors and textures of Cuban pizza when it comes to great Caribbean food. From the sturdy crust to the succulent toppings, Cuban pizza is truly a pizza lovers‘ paradise.

From the salty and savory to the sweet and syrupy, there is a Cuban pizza for everyone.

Known for its unique and unforgettable combinations of flavors and textures, Cuban pizza is a must-try for any food lover.

Calories Per Serving: 447

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 35 Minutes

37. Mojito

Mojito is a classic Caribbean meal/drink that is loved by many. It is made from rum, sugar, lime, and mint and is often served cold or at room temperature.

Some say that the best mojitos are made in Puerto Rico, but there are plenty of great ones. Have your homemade mojito and enjoy it with happiness.

Calories Per Serving: 190

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

38. Souse

Souse is a dish from the Caribbean that is made from fish that has been cooked in its juices. It is a very flavorful dish often served as a side dish or the main course.

There are many variations of souse, but the most common ones are made with whitefish, carp, or sea bass. The best way to make sauce is to use fresh ingredients and to cook the fish until it is very tender.

Calories Per Serving: 36

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

39. Pikliz

Pikliz is made up of carrots, cabbages, and some other ingredients. It has a sour and sweet flavor, making it perfect for dressing.

For a quick make, try the pikliz; it is easy to make, and the ingredients are pretty affordable. The best thing is that it is healthy and can be served anytime.

Calories Per Serving: 48

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

40. Griot

Griot, a Caribbean delicacy, is a unique and mouth-watering meal. It is a celebration of culture and heritage and is a great way to show your friends and family what you’re all about.

Today, the griot is a popular dish and is enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of Caribbean cuisine or not, you’ll love this delicious dish.

Calories Per Serving: 446

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

41. Cassava Pone

Cassava pone is a Caribbean staple perfect for a quick, easy, affordable meal. The bread is made from cassava flour, water, and salt and is then deep-fried.

It is a popular snack in the region and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings such as sugar, butter, syrup, or even fruit.

Calories Per Serving: 239

Preparation Time: 2 Hours

42. Bake And Shark

Bake is a dish typically containing meat or seafood and is usually cooked in a covered pot or oven. It’s a simple but delicious; a dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. 

If you’re looking for a Caribbean meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied, you can’t go wrong with a good bake and shark. It is economical as well.

Calories Per Serving: 41

Preparation Time: 41 Minutes

43. Peas And Rice

Peas and rice make an excellent Caribbean meal. They are both inexpensive and filling, and they pair well together.

Peas are high in protein and fiber, while rice is a complex carbohydrate that provides energy. They are also both low in fat and calories.

Calories Per Serving: 414

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caribbean Food Safe To Eat?

Yes, Caribbean food is safe to eat. However, some people may prefer to avoid dishes that contain coconut milk or Trinidad and Tobago pepper, as these ingredients may have high levels of hotness.

Are All Caribbean Food Dishes Hot?

No, not all Caribbean food dishes are hot. Some Caribbean food dishes are pretty mild in flavor.

What Is The Best Way To Eat Caribbean Food?

There is no one “best” way to eat Caribbean food. You can choose to enjoy Caribbean delicacies as finger foods or use a fork or spoon.