Cuban food brings together flavors from Spanish, African, and Caribbean cooking. It uses simple ingredients like rice, beans, pork, and spices to create dishes full of taste.
With these recipes, you can enjoy Cuban cooking at home without needing special skills.
These 21 best Cuban recipes will take you on a culinary journey through Cuba’s rich food traditions. From the national dish Ropa Vieja (shredded beef) to sweet treats like Dulce de Leche Cheesecake, there’s something for everyone.
You’ll find authentic recipes for Cuban classics like Mojo Pork, Black Beans, and Cuban-style rice that capture the essence of this island nation’s cooking.
1. Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is Cuba’s national dish and one of its most beloved recipes. This flavorful meal features slow-cooked shredded beef in a rich tomato sauce.
The dish gets its name, which means “old clothes” in Spanish, from the shredded appearance of the beef. You’ll find it’s the ultimate Cuban comfort food.
To make it, you’ll need beef flank or skirt steak simmered until tender, then shredded and combined with a flavorful sofrito. The sauce typically includes peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
Many recipes enhance the flavor with olives, cumin, and sometimes achiote oil for color.
Serve your Ropa Vieja with rice and black beans for an authentic Cuban meal.
2. Lechón Asado
Lechón Asado is a classic Cuban roast pork dish that’s perfect for special occasions. The pork is marinated in a flavorful garlic-citrus mixture called mojo.
To prepare this dish, you’ll rub a pork roast with garlic, salt, cumin, and oregano. Then let it soak in a sour orange marinade with onions for several hours.
The pork is slow-roasted until it becomes incredibly tender and juicy. This cooking method allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
Lechón Asado is a staple at Cuban Christmas Eve celebrations and family gatherings. You can serve it with traditional sides like rice, beans, and plantains for a complete Cuban feast.
3. Cuban Sandwich
A Cuban sandwich is a tasty pressed sandwich filled with layers of flavorful ingredients. The classic Cuban sandwich includes ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard on Cuban bread.
To make this sandwich, cut Cuban bread into portions and spread butter on the outside. Add mustard to the inside, then layer ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles.
Press the sandwich in a panini press or use a heavy pan to flatten it while cooking. This creates a crispy exterior while melting the cheese inside.
In Tampa, you might find salami added to the traditional mix. This simple but delicious sandwich makes a perfect lunch or dinner option.
4. Picadillo
Picadillo is a hearty Cuban dish that combines ground beef with a flavorful mix of ingredients. The dish gets its rich taste from tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and warm spices.
What makes Cuban picadillo special is the addition of olives, which give it a tangy flavor. Some versions also include raisins for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
You can serve picadillo over white rice for a traditional meal. It’s also versatile enough to use as filling for tacos or empanadas.
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
5. Vaca Frita
Vaca Frita, which means “fried cow” in Spanish, is a popular Cuban dish made with shredded beef that’s cooked until crispy. The main ingredient is typically flank steak that is first boiled, then shredded and pan-fried.
The dish gets its flavor from a mix of citrus (usually lime or lemon juice), garlic, and onions. The beef is marinated in these ingredients before being fried to crispy perfection.
You can serve Vaca Frita with traditional Cuban sides like rice, black beans, and tostones (fried plantains). Some variations use chicken instead of beef, known as Vaca Frita de Pollo.
This dish is perfect for using leftover meat, transforming it into a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
6. Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con Pollo is a classic Cuban one-pot dish that combines chicken and rice with vibrant flavors. It’s made by browning chicken pieces, then cooking them with rice, tomato sauce, bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices.
You can find different variations of this comfort food throughout Cuba. Some versions include beer and wine for added depth, while others use bitter orange marinade for the chicken.
For an authentic experience, you might try the soupier version called “Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera.” This dish makes a perfect Sunday dinner and is often served with fried plantains on the side.
7. Moros y Cristianos
Moros y Cristianos is a classic Cuban dish of black beans and white rice cooked together with aromatic spices and vegetables. The name, meaning “Moors and Christians,” refers to the black beans (Moors) and white rice (Christians).
To make this hearty dish, you’ll need black beans, white rice, onions, green bell peppers, and spices. Some recipes include bacon for extra flavor.
It’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor. First, sauté onions and bell peppers, then add rice, beans, and spices to cook together.
This filling dish is a Cuban family staple. Serve it with fried plantains and a squeeze of lime for an authentic experience.
8. Cuban Black Bean Soup
Cuban Black Bean Soup is a hearty dish made with dried black beans as its foundation. You start by soaking the beans before cooking them with bay leaves, water, and oil.
The soup gets its distinctive flavor from a sofrito of green bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Many recipes include spices like oregano and cumin for authentic Cuban taste.
Some versions add ham hock for a smoky depth, while others keep it vegetarian. You can enhance the flavor with a splash of wine vinegar.
This easy-to-make soup is both nutritious and filling. Serve it with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
9. Yuca con Mojo
Yuca con mojo is a beloved Cuban side dish that appears at most celebrations, especially Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). This dish features tender boiled yuca (cassava root) topped with a flavorful garlic-citrus sauce called mojo.
To make this dish, you’ll need to boil peeled yuca chunks until they’re soft. The mojo sauce combines olive oil, garlic, onions, and lemon or sour orange juice.
Some versions include pickled onions in the marinade for extra flavor. Both Dominican and Cuban cuisines have their own takes on this recipe.
This simple yet delicious dish showcases how Cuban cooking transforms humble ingredients into something special. It pairs wonderfully with roasted pork or other Cuban main dishes.
10. Tostones
Tostones are a popular Cuban side dish made from green plantains. They’re twice-fried to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft inside.
To make tostones, you start by cutting green plantains into 1-inch thick pieces. After an initial fry, you smash each piece flat and fry them again until golden and crispy.
The traditional way to serve tostones is with a sprinkle of salt and some minced fresh garlic. You can also enjoy them with garlic mojo sauce as an appetizer or side dish.
Tostones are different from maduros (sweet fried plantains), which use ripe yellow plantains and have a sweeter taste.
11. Plátanos Maduros
Plátanos Maduros are sweet fried plantains that make a delicious Cuban side dish. They’re made from very ripe plantains with black spots on the peel, which indicates their sweetness.
To make them, simply peel the plantains and slice them diagonally or straight across. Then fry them in vegetable oil until they’re golden brown on both sides and soft in the middle.
These sweet treats pair perfectly with savory Cuban dishes like roast pork or chicken. The contrast between the sweet plantains and savory main dishes creates a classic Cuban flavor combination.
When cooked properly, plátanos maduros are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They offer a natural sweetness that doesn’t need additional sugar or seasoning.
12. Cuban Mojo Sauce
Cuban Mojo sauce is a flavorful marinade and sauce made with garlic, sour orange juice, olive oil, and herbs. This tangy, bold mixture is a staple in Cuban cooking.
You can use Mojo sauce to marinate chicken, pork, fish, or steak. The citrus in the sauce helps tenderize meat while adding bright flavor.
Traditional Mojo includes a whole head of garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Sometimes white onion is added for extra flavor.
It’s important to note that Mojo marinade and Mojo sauce are different. The marinade is thinner for soaking meats, while the sauce is thicker for serving alongside dishes.
You can make this versatile Cuban classic in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
13. Cuban Tamales
Cuban tamales differ from Mexican ones in taste and preparation. They mix ground corn (masa) with pork, vegetables, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
To make them, combine these ingredients in a cooking pot. The mixture is then wrapped in corn husks and slowly cooked in simmering water.
You can also try chicken instead of pork for a different flavor. Some people serve Cuban tamales with toppings like pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
For an authentic touch, pair your tamales with mojo sauce, a Cuban citrus garlic sauce that complements the corn flavor perfectly.
14. Cuban Flan
Cuban Flan is a silky-smooth custard dessert perfect for special occasions. This classic treat has two main components: a caramel sauce and the flan custard.
The recipe is simple to make with basic ingredients. You’ll need sugar, sweetened condensed milk, water, and eggs. Some recipes add a squeeze of lemon juice to the caramel.
The process takes some time but isn’t complicated. First, you make a caramel sauce that lines the bottom of your baking dish. Then pour in the custard mixture and bake.
When served, the caramel sauce flows over the creamy custard, creating a delicious contrast of flavors. It’s a beloved dessert in Cuban cuisine that’s worth trying.
15. Churros
Churros are a beloved Cuban dessert that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These fried dough pastries are traditionally coated in sugar or cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish.
Making Cuban churros at home is simpler than you might think. You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, water, salt, and vegetable oil for frying.
The dough is piped into hot oil using a pastry bag with a star tip, creating their signature ridged texture. After frying until golden brown, roll them in sugar while still warm.
For an authentic Cuban experience, serve your churros with thick hot chocolate for dipping. This combination makes for a perfect sweet treat any time of day.
16. Bistec de Palomilla
Bistec de Palomilla is a classic Cuban dish featuring a thin-cut top sirloin steak marinated in citrus and garlic. The steak is typically butterflied, making it cook quickly and evenly.
To prepare it, you’ll rub garlic into both sides of the steak and squeeze fresh lime juice over it. Season with salt before pan-frying to your desired doneness.
The dish is traditionally served topped with sautéed onions, which add sweetness that balances the citrusy marinade. The entire meal comes together quickly in a single pan, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
This high-protein, flavorful steak is a staple in Cuban cuisine and pairs well with rice and beans.
17. Camarones Enchilados
Camarones Enchilados is a classic Cuban dish of shrimp simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This traditional recipe combines shrimp with a mixture of onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
The sauce gets its distinctive taste from tomatoes and Cuban spices. It’s not spicy hot, but rather rich and aromatic.
The dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
You can serve Camarones Enchilados over white rice for a complete meal. Some Cubans also enjoy it with mashed plantains (Fufu de platano) as a traditional side dish.
18. Cuban Rice Pudding
Cuban Rice Pudding, also known as Arroz con Leche, is a rich and creamy traditional dessert loved across Cuba. This sweet treat is more indulgent than other rice pudding varieties.
The recipe typically includes white rice, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon sticks, and lemon zest for a hint of citrus. These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweetness and aroma.
To make this dessert, you’ll start by rinsing rice and cooking it with water, a cinnamon stick, lemon peel, and a pinch of salt. The result is a comforting, sweet pudding that satisfies any dessert craving.
Even if you’re not typically a rice pudding fan, this Cuban version might change your mind with its unique flavor profile.
19. Frita Cubana
The Frita Cubana is Cuba’s answer to the American burger. It features a flavorful patty made from a mix of ground beef and pork, sometimes with chorizo added for extra flavor.
The meat is seasoned with paprika and other spices that give it a distinctive taste. After cooking, the patty is placed on a soft roll and topped with crispy shoestring potatoes.
You can also add onions and a special sauce made with smoky, spicy ketchup. This Cuban street food favorite delivers big flavor in every bite.
Try making mini versions using dinner rolls for a perfect party appetizer that everyone will love.
20. Cuban Empanadas
Cuban empanadas are delicious fried hand pies filled with savory ingredients. The most traditional filling is picadillo, a spiced ground beef mixture that often includes green olives.
You can also find Cuban empanadas stuffed with chicken or ropa vieja (shredded flank steak). The homemade dough creates a perfect crispy exterior when fried.
These portable treats make excellent appetizers or snacks. For an authentic Cuban experience, try making empanadas with picadillo that includes red pepper, onion, olives, and raisins for that signature sweet-savory flavor combination.
Cuban empanadas showcase the island’s ability to transform simple ingredients into memorable food. They’re perfect for gatherings or as part of a larger Cuban meal.
21. Croquetas de Jamón
Croquetas de Jamón are a beloved Cuban staple that will bring authentic flavor to your table. These crispy, bite-sized logs feature ground ham coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection.
The inside texture is smooth and creamy, contrasting beautifully with the crunchy exterior. Each bite delivers rich, savory ham flavor that makes these croquettes irresistible.
You can serve these as appetizers at your next gathering or enjoy them as a snack. They’re versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Making them at home allows you to experience a true taste of Cuban cuisine. The process creates a wonderful sense of warmth and tradition in your kitchen.
Cuban Culinary History
Cuban cuisine has evolved through centuries of diverse cultural influences, creating the rich food tradition enjoyed today. The unique flavors come from a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and even Chinese cooking methods and ingredients.
Influences and Origins
The foundation of Cuban cuisine begins with the Taíno and Ciboney peoples, who relied on root vegetables like yuca, sweet potatoes, and malanga. These native ingredients still play a crucial role in Cuban cooking.
Spanish colonizers brought olive oil, garlic, and cooking techniques that dramatically transformed local food practices. They introduced citrus fruits, rice, and pork—all pillars of modern Cuban dishes.
African influences came through the tragic slave trade, bringing new cooking methods and ingredients like plantains and okra. African culinary traditions merged with Spanish techniques, creating signature dishes like ajiaco (a hearty stew) and fufu (mashed plantains).
Chinese laborers who arrived in the 19th century contributed stir-frying techniques and ingredients that became incorporated into Cuban-Chinese fusion dishes still popular today.
Evolution Over Time
Cuban cuisine continued to develop through the 19th and 20th centuries, with each region developing distinctive local specialties. Eastern Cuba embraced more Caribbean flavors, while Havana’s cuisine showed stronger Spanish influences.
The mid-20th century brought significant changes to Cuban food culture. Economic conditions and trade restrictions limited ingredient availability, leading to creative adaptations of traditional recipes.
Many Cuban families who left the island kept culinary traditions alive abroad, particularly in Miami. This diaspora helped preserve authentic cooking methods while sometimes incorporating new ingredients found in their adopted homes.
Today’s Cuban cuisine represents this complex history—simple preparations that highlight quality ingredients, generous use of garlic and citrus, and cooking techniques that extract maximum flavor from humble components.
Key Ingredients in Cuban Cuisine
Cuban cooking relies on a distinctive set of ingredients that create its unique flavors. These components reflect the island’s history and cultural influences from Spain, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Staple Spices and Herbs
Sofrito forms the flavor foundation of many Cuban dishes. This aromatic base typically combines sautéed onions, garlic, and green peppers. Sometimes tomato sauce is added to create a richer mixture that serves as the starting point for numerous recipes.
Cumin adds earthy warmth to Cuban classics like black beans and meat dishes. Its distinctive aroma is instantly recognizable in authentic Cuban cooking.
Oregano appears frequently in marinades and sauces, providing a Mediterranean touch. You’ll find it in many traditional meat preparations and stews.
Bay leaves contribute subtle depth to slow-cooked dishes. They’re often used in bean preparations and meat braises.
Sour orange (naranja agria) juice acts as a tenderizer and flavor enhancer in marinades for pork and other meats.
Traditional Produce and Proteins
Black beans represent a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine. Cuban black beans are distinctive because they are prepared with sofrito. This creates layers of flavor beyond simple boiled beans.
Pork serves as the premier protein in Cuban cooking. You’ll find it in the famous Cuban sandwich, roasted for special occasions, or slow-cooked until tender.
Plantains appear in many forms. These starchy fruits provide both savory and sweet elements to meals.
Rice pairs with nearly everything, especially black beans in the classic “Moros y Cristianos” dish.
White cheese (queso blanco) offers a creamy counterpoint to sweet elements like guava paste. This creates a beloved combination often served with crackers.
