Twenty best traditional Cuban recipes

Growing up with a Cuban chef for a dad definitely has its perks and one of them was eating delicious traditional Cuban recipes daily. Cuban food has influences of Spanish, African and Caribbean culture in order to create a flavorful and vibrant cuisine.

These Cuban recipes are the perfect way to spruce up your weeknight dinners or explore a new cuisine. Cuban food has always been a huge part of my life, shaped by growing up in a home where my dad was a professional chef in Cuba. From a young age, I was surrounded by the aromas of garlic, citrus, and slow-cooked meals that brought everyone to the table.

This collection of the top 20 Cuban recipes is inspired by those memories and the traditional dishes I grew up eating—recipes that are full of flavor, culture, and comfort. Whether you’re new to Cuban cooking or looking to reconnect with familiar favorites, these dishes are a true taste of home.

1. Cuban White Rice

Cuban white rice is the go-to side dish for most Cuban meals. It is one of the easiest dishes to make and the most versatile. It is one of the easiest dishes to make and the most versatile. The recipe only requires a medium sized sauce pan with a lid, that's it. This recipe only calls for 4 ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes.

2. Cuban Black Beans

Black beans are a staple in most Cuban homes and my family's house is no different. It is not a holiday celebration without black beans being served and they're available at all Cuban restaurants through out the country. That's how integral black beans are to Cuban cuisine. This recipe requires the use of an Instant Pot, making this recipe in a fraction of the time.

3. Cuban Picadillo

This is my mom's Cuban picadillo recipe. When I'm craving comfort food, this cuban recipe is one of the first dishes that comes to mind. It's a staple in Cuban cuisine that is easy to make and full of flavor. It consists of ground beef with vegetables in a tomato based sauce.

4. Cuban Yuca con Mojo

This simple boiled cassava recipe is topped with homemade Cuban onion and garlic mojo. Yuca is a root vegetable and this dish is a staple, especially during the holiday season. However, it is great for dinner any day of the week.

5. Cuban Ropa Vieja

Tender shredded beef stewed in a tomato based sauce with peppers, onion, garlic and rich spices. Make this Cuban cuisine staple in a fraction of the time using your Instant Pot! This dish is considered my many as the 'National dish" of Cuba. It can be found in 99% of all Cuban restaurants throughout the country. I grew up eating this dish and now as an adult, I've decided to make it using an Instant pot to help speed up the cooking process.

6. Arroz Con Pollo A La Chorrera

Arroz con pollo a la chorrera is more than just a meal; it's an experience that embodies the spirit of Cuban cuisine. It's a dish that brings people together, whether it's for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply a weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side of platanos maduros (sweet fried plantains) or a refreshing salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

7. Cuban Carne Con Papa

Embark on a culinary journey to Cuba with a taste of Carne con papa, a soul-warming stew rich in history and flavor. This comforting dish translates to "beef with potatoes" and is a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection in a vibrant tomato sofrito, mingling with hearty potatoes, peppers, and a touch of savory magic. Every spoonful bursts with the essence of Cuban spices like cumin and oregano, creating a symphony of savory goodness.

Cuban Carne con papa is more than just a meal; it's a tradition passed down through generations, perfect for feeding a family or gathering with friends. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying experience.

8. Cuban Frita

The Cuban frita is a type of cheeseburger that is perfect for summer cookouts. This Cuban burger is made with a combination of ground pork and ground beef then topped with a special frita sauce and homemade potato sticks.

9. Frituras De Bacalao (Cod Fritters)

Frituras de bacalao are also known as salted cod fritters and they make the perfect Cuban appetizer. These cod fritters are best served hot and with an ice cold beverage. This fried appetizer is great for a crowd and is dairy free.

10. Potaje De Chicharo (Cuban Split Pea Soup)

Potaje de Chicharos is a thick Cuban split pea soup made from scratch in the Instant Pot. It's loaded with smoked ham, smoked porkbelly, cuban pumpkin and potatoes. It's a set it and forget it recipe that is very easy to make, flavorful, and a nourishing meal for just about any day of the week.

11. Cuban Congri (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)

This Cuban black beans & rice is a classic Cuban side dish that's loaded with flavor! Made with long-grain rice, black beans, vegetables and bacon. It's a flavorful side dish that's an integral part of Cuban cuisine.

12. Rabo Encendido (Cuban Oxtail Stew)

Rabo encendido is one of my favorite Cuban comfort foods. This oxtail stew is a delicious dish that is equally rich in history as it is in flavor. Instead of waiting hours and hours for this amazing dish, I decided to make it in the Instant Pot. Making it in the Instant Pot delivers the same tender fall off the bone consistency in a fraction of the time.

13. Lentejas Cubanas (Cuban Lentil Soup)

This Cuban lentil soup is a staple in Cuban cuisine. This delicious soup is my favorite comfort meals. These lentejas Cubanas have such amazing depth of flavor; this dish is hearty, filling and nutritious.

14. Cuban Pernil

This slow-roasted pork shoulder is a crown jewel of Cuban cuisine, renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and explosion of savory flavors. Pernil is marinated in a citrusy mojo, infusing the meat with vibrant notes of orange, garlic, and oregano. As it slow-cooks, the pork transforms into a masterpiece of succulence, boasting a crispy outer layer and a heart that shreds effortlessly.

15. Cuban Pollo A La Plancha

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is a versatile dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to a potluck. Serve it alongside traditional Cuban sides like black beans and rice, or enjoy it with a refreshing salad for a lighter option. This dish is sure to become a favorite for its ease of preparation and explosion of taste.

16. Cuban Arroz Con Leche

This beloved rice pudding transcends dessert; it's a cultural touchstone passed down through generations. Imagine fluffy white rice simmered in creamy milk, infused with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and a touch of citrus zest. Cuban Arroz con Leche offers a delightful sweetness, thanks to sugar or condensed milk, creating a flavor profile that's both familiar and exotic. This pudding is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, warming the soul on a chilly day, or sharing with loved ones.

17. Natilla Cubana

Dive into the creamy paradise of Cuban Natilla! This soul-satisfying dessert is a symphony of simple ingredients – milk, eggs, sugar, and a touch of magic – that come together to create a silky-smooth custard unlike any other. Infused with warm cinnamon or spiked with rich vanilla, Perfect for celebrations, a delightful afternoon treat, or a comforting end to a meal, Cuban Natilla is sure to become a new favorite.

18. Dulce De Leche Cortada

Dulce de leche cortada means curdled milk dessert. Yes, you heard that right! Curdled milk (spoiled milk) can be cooked down with sugar and lime to create a sweet treat known as dulce de leche cortada. It is a delicious dessert that is a classic Cuban recipe.

19. Flan Cubano

Indulge in the decadent world of Cuban flan, a creamy and delectable custard dessert. Unlike its French counterpart, Cuban flan boasts a richer, denser texture and a touch of caramel magic. This spoonable masterpiece is a staple in Cuban cuisine, enjoyed for celebrations, holidays, or simply as a satisfying after-dinner treat. Cuban flan's secret lies in its use of whole eggs and condensed milk, resulting in an unparalleled richness and a flavor explosion with every bite.

20. Cuban Coffee

Cuban coffee is a unique and flavorful brew known for its intense taste and rich aroma. Hailing from the island nation of Cuba, this coffee is more than just a morning beverage; it's a cultural experience. Cuban coffee boasts a strong, sweet flavor profile, thanks to the dark roast of the beans and the addition of sugar during brewing. The traditional brewing method, using a small metal cup called a "cafecito," creates a concentrated and potent coffee that's sure to wake you up.

BONUS RECIPES!

21. Guava Pastelitos

Flaky, sweet, and irresistibly golden, guava pastelitos are a true Cuban bakery classic and a must-have on any list of top Cuban recipes. Made with buttery puff pastry and filled with rich guava paste, these pastries strike the perfect balance between crisp layers and a soft, fruity center. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or alongside a cafecito, they’re a simple yet iconic treat that captures the heart of Cuban flavors.

22. Crema De Malanga

Smooth, comforting, and deeply nourishing, crema de malanga is a beloved Cuban classic that deserves a spot on any top Cuban recipes list. Made with malanga root and simple, wholesome ingredients, this creamy soup is known for its mild flavor and velvety texture. It’s often enjoyed as a soothing dish for all ages, making it both a comforting staple and a true taste of Cuban home cooking.

23. Masa Real

Buttery, soft, and filled with sweet guava, masa real is a classic Cuban cake that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. Often found in bakeries and home kitchens alike, this nostalgic treat is loved for its tender crumb and rich flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that pairs perfectly with a cafecito and easily earns its place on any list of top Cuban recipes.

24. Coco en Almibar

Sweet, syrupy, and full of tropical flavor, coco en almíbar is a traditional Cuban treat that brings out the natural richness of coconut. Simmered in a fragrant sugar syrup, this simple yet delicious recipe is often enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for pastries. It’s a classic taste of Cuban sweetness that definitely belongs on any list of top Cuban recipes.

25. Masitas De Puerco

Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold citrus and garlic flavor, masitas de puerco are a true Cuban favorite that always stands out. These golden fried pork chunks are marinated to perfection and finished until irresistibly crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. Served with lime and often paired with rice and beans, it’s a must-try dish that easily earns its place among the top Cuban recipes.

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