Cuban cuisine usually sits high on the list of international favorites for most people. The food blends flavors from the diverse groups who settled there and utilizes tropical fruits, seafood, and root vegetables.
I have collected 20 recipes here that highlight the spice and tang found in this traditional fare.
1. Cuban Beef and Zucchini Kebabs with Mojo Sauce
You grill sirloin with zucchini to make these simple kabobs. A bit of salt and pepper gets the meat ready for the fire.
The homemade sauce requires a little effort but is easy to whip up. It adds a zesty and garlicky finish to the dish.
2. Mojo Shrimp Kabobs
Creating the marinade is the main task for this recipe. You will need olive oil, garlic, cumin, citrus juices, and herbs like oregano.
Allow the shrimp to chill in that mixture for about half an hour. Then you just grill them on skewers for a few minutes per side.
3. Cuban Sliders
I love this recipe because it requires very little cooking. You load Hawaiian rolls with pickles, Swiss cheese, and ham.
Cover them with a homemade mustard and onion mixture before baking for 25 minutes. They taste amazing and come together quickly.
4. Cuban Style Yuca
This healthy dish features boiled yuca seasoned with salt, garlic, lemon juice, and onions.
It resembles a side of boiled potatoes but has a different consistency. This version also brings a little more kick to the table.
5. Cuban Beef Empanadas
Break out this recipe with homemade dough to impress your family at the next gathering. Making the dough is not difficult since you just mix flour, shortening, water, and salt.
Chill the non sticky ball in plastic for half an hour while you prep the savory filling. The center features a hint of sweetness from raisins and sherry.
6. Tostones
You peel and slice plantains before frying them in oil. Sprinkle sea salt on top for a fantastic flavor. It really is that simple.
You can eat them plain or serve them with a dipping sauce.
7. Cuban Sandwich Dip
The oven does the hard work here if you dislike cooking. You mix cream cheese, mayo, mustard, pickles, Swiss cheese, and meat together.
The raw mixture has a consistency like potato salad. Baking it creates a warm and creamy spread for toasted bread.
8. Pasta de Bocaditos (Cuban Deviled Ham Sandwiches)
Grab a food processor and some slider buns for these sandwiches. You blend ham, cream cheese, peppers, mayo, pickles, and green olives until smooth.
Spread that creamy mixture between your cut rolls.
9. Cuban Ham Roll-Ups
These appetizers are great because they require assembly rather than cooking. You spread yellow mustard on smoked ham slices before layering on pickle, lettuce, and cheese.
Roll them up and secure the center with a toothpick. You can store extras in the fridge for up to four days.
10. Cuban Beef Pastries (Pastelitos de Carne)
Puffed pastries offer a perfect mix of savory and sweet flavors. Homemade syrup adds sweetness to the dough while the picadillo center stays beefy and hearty.
I personally add a dash of garlic for extra flavor even though it is not in the recipe.
11. Malanga Fritters
These fritters are milder than other options but still very tasty. The crispy outer shell bursts with garlic and herb flavors. The inside remains tender and soft.
You might need to order the malanga online if you cannot find it locally.
12. Cuban Papas Rellenas
These golden balls of deliciousness look delightful. They resemble sweet cinnamon treats but are actually savory.
The filling contains garlic, ground sirloin, onions, peppers, and Worcestershire sauce. You can omit the meat to make a vegetarian version of this recipe that yields about 25 balls.
13. Cuban Lentil Soup
Consider this soup if you want a dish high in iron and fiber. You start with a broth base and add lentils, ham hock, tomato paste, and sautéed veggies.
It is a nutritious and filling meal. I appreciate that you cook everything in one pot to save cleanup time.
14. Bolitas de Yuca (Cheese Stuffed Fried Yuca Balls)
Yuca is a common ingredient in these fried balls that take about 20 minutes to prepare. They resemble hush puppies stuffed with cheddar cheese.
I suggest making the homemade cilantro dressing instead of using marinara. The lime and vinegar in the sauce complement the nutty yuca flavor perfectly.
15. Guava Cream Cheese Cuban Pastries (Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso)
Try these pastries filled with guava and cream cheese if you want something sweet. They require only five ingredients including puff pastry dough and guava paste.
The recipe suggests dusting them with powdered sugar or using an egg wash with coarse sugar. I prefer using sea salt on top for a sweet and savory combination.
16. Cuban Black Bean Soup
You are missing out if you have not tried this thick and hearty soup. It eats more like a stew full of protein and spices.
I garnish heavily with onions and skip the sour cream. Pico de gallo is another great topping idea.
17. Chicharitas or Mariquitas (Cuban Plantain Chips)
These fried chips resemble tostones but are much crispier and covered in garlic salt. Do not use bananas because the sweet flavor does not work here.
The accompanying mojo sauce is tart and tangy. You can add more orange juice if you want a sweeter taste.
18. Cuban Sandwich on a Stick Appetizer
This appetizer is ideal if you prefer assembling food over cooking. You just gather ingredients and layer them onto skewers.
Start with a dill pickle and add Swiss cheese, ham, and pork tenderloin. Serve these skewers with honey mustard sauce.
19. Deviled Crab Croquettes
The long ingredient list might look scary at first glance. Most items are just common veggies and seasonings.
It takes over an hour to prepare the tender crab meat and deep fry the crispy shells. They taste incredible even without cocktail sauce.
20. Cuban Salad with Feta and Garlic Lime Vinaigrette
This salad combines red onions, tomatoes, avocados, and lettuce with feta cheese.
A homemade garlic lime vinaigrette adds a zesty finish. The result is a crisp and refreshing dish.
