Through much of the US, Mother Nature is still making it hard to know whether it's time to put away the snow boots and winter coats just yet, leaving many of us simply longing for warmth and sunshine.
A taste of the Caribbean right at the dinner table is sure to lift everyone's spirits, with flavors that taste like they've come straight from a seaside island kitchen.
These easy recipes are just the ticket. They're authentically flavorful and robust, packed with fruity sweetness and warming spices. From Jamaican Jerk Pork, to Seafood Stew, to fluffy Caribbean Johnny Cakes, these recipes make it easy to put a taste of the islands on your table, even on a busy weeknight!
1. Spicy Caribbean Mahi Mahi

This Spicy Caribbean Mahi Mahi is a healthy fish dinner that’s ready in under an hour. An easy poached fish recipe, the flavors of this dish make any weeknight feel like a trip to the islands!
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley right before serving will add a bright pop of flavor. The recipe author admonishes that the absolute best way to serve this is over sticky rice, rather than a fluffy type, because we want it to soak up all the amazing flavor and heat of that spicy sauce!
Get the recipe here.
2. Karni Stoba
Karni Stoba is a beef stew famous in the islands of the Dutch Antilles. This Caribbean stew consists of tender beef in a savory broth, with root vegetables, and a hint of spice from the addition of Scotch Bonnet peppers.
This easy one-pot meal is sure to become a favorite!
Get the recipe here.
3. Haitian Spaghetti (Espageti)
This spaghetti dish is actually a popular breakfast food in Caribbean cuisine, much the way we might think of a bowl of oatmeal or some toast. Typically accompanied by eggs, hot dog sausages, herring, or sometimes shrimp, it offers a big, bold start to the day.
For those who aren't ready to try this for breakfast, that's ok! This also makes a quick and easy dinner that's on the table in just 20 minutes.
Get the recipe here.
4. Jamaican Lentil Curry
One bite of this vegan Jamaican lentil curry will have your family declaring that they do love lentils after all!
This flavorful meal is so flavor-packed, it's a far cry from a dull side dish that many people thing of when they hear the word "lentils". This is recipe is pure comfort food, that's sure to become a family favorite.
Get the recipe here.
5. Tapado (Guatemalan Seafood Soup with Coconut Milk)
Tapado is a traditional dish from the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.
The fragrant coconut broth, packed with fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, plantain and yucca, makes it a warm and welcoming dish to tuck into after a long day.
Get the recipe here.
6. Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Stew With Butterbeans
This authentic Jamaican oxtail stew with butterbeans is packed with authentic Caribbean flavors and spices.
Cooked low and slow, to bring out the best of each ingredient, this traditional recipe uses authentic ingredients and techniques. The recipe author has a great list of variations, and substitutions that can be made for this dish, while keeping it traditional.
Get the recipe here.
7. Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros)
Maduros are ripe plantains, sliced, and fried, for a result that's crisp on the outside, custardy in the center, and caramelized to perfection!
While we often seen green plantains in the stores, let yours ripen before using them. Ripe yellow plantains are softer, and contain more natural sugars and flavor than in their unripe green state, which is what we're going for here. This authentic recipe makes a perfect side dish, sweet appetizer, or snack!
Get the recipe here.
8. Jamaican Rice and Peas
If you've ever visited the Caribbean islands, you may have noticed that they refer to beans as ‘peas’. Hence, a recipe like this one is known as “Rice and Peas” rather than “Rice and Beans”.
Seasoned with garlic, ginger, and thyme, this authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas recipe is made with coconut milk, allspice berries, and kidney beans. Especially popular in Jamaica, this type of rice and peas is often served with chicken or fresh fish.
Get the recipe here.
9. Caribbean Johnny Cakes
Caribbean Johnny Cakes (Puerto Rican Yani-Clecas) are fried biscuits made with white flour, butter, and whole milk. This Caribbean version of fried dumplings has a crisp crust, with a wonderfully fluffy interior.
The recipe author shares that these are a special treat for those who grew up eating them (like she did!), but promises that everyone will love them at first bite. I don't doubt it for a moment!
Get the recipe here.
10. Cuban Green Plantain Soup
This simple Cuban green plantain soup is full of bold and unexpected flavor. When I pass the display of plantains in the produce aisle, soup is not the first thing that comes to mind, but these ingredients sound convincing.
A traditional soup from Cuba, it's a comforting way to start a truly Caribbean-inspired meal.
Get the recipe here.
11. Yuca en Escabeche (Pickled Yuca)
Yuca en Escabeche is an easy Puerto Rican side dish, with creamy yuca (cassava) tossed in a piquant sauce of vinegar, onions, and spices.
Serve it with steamed white rice, or as a side dish to pork or chicken. While you can rush this to the table after just an hour of pickling time, plan to make this several hours before you want to serve it, so those flavors really get a chance to develop.
Get the recipe here.
12. Accras de Morue (Cod Fritters)
Accras de Morue translates to salted cod fritters, and these delicious little crispy bites are extremely popular in the Caribbean islands.
Unlike the cod fritters traditional to New England or the UK, these tropical cousins don’t contain any eggs or milk. They puff up into those fluffy balls with the aid of a little baking powder, turning into little crunchy clouds that truly are addictive!
Get the recipe here.
13. Beef Barbacoa
In the Caribbean, "barbacoa" is a way of slowly cooking large cuts of meat, like lamb, goat, pork, and beef. The secret to the magic here is a slow, slow cook time that allows the flavors to meld together.
With a mix of heat and smokiness, the chipotle peppers and spices meld together with the beef in this easy slow cooker version, creating flavorful and tender shredded beef. Once it's done, use that delicious meat to take your tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas to a whole new level.
Get the recipe here.
14. Trinidad Corn Soup
It's not often that I'm drawn in by the narrative that accompanies online recipes, but this soup comes with a good story, if you have a moment to read it! Growing up in India, the author's family had a fragrant and cherished garden plant, but its identity was was a mystery...until many years later the she discovered that it was in fact, a Caribbean herb called "culantro", a distinct and different herb from cilantro.
How it came to thrive in India probably has something to do with the British colonial transportation of plantation workers from the Caribbean. What's not a mystery though, is how comforting and delicious you'll find this traditional soup. If you don't have your own mystery culantro plant in the garden, that's ok--the recipe talks you through substitutions, so you can still enjoy this classic soup.
Get the recipe here.
15. Jerk Salmon Salad with Mango Jalapeño Dressing
This jerk salmon salad with mango jalapeño dressing is just delicious! A heart-healthy salmon salad, this dish is loaded with flavor, thanks to the jerk seasoning, and the mango jalapeño dressing.
Add in some black beans, avocado, and mango, on top of that bed of fresh greens, and you've got a healthy, tropical-flavored meal, all in one dish.
Get the recipe here.
16. Guineitos con Mollejas en Escabeche
"Guineitos con Mollejas en Escabeche" are Puerto Rican-style, tender chicken gizzards and green bananas in a piquant pickling sauce. The author of this recipe shares that mollejas en escabeche holds an esteemed status on the Puerto Rican table, and while it's often served during special occasions, this flavor-filled recipe is a beloved favorite year-round.
At long, long last, here's a recipe to do justice to the pastured chicken gizzards sitting in my freezer. (Not for nothing, am I also a homestead writer.) This recipe is definitely going on my weekend menu!
Get the recipe here.
17. Trinidad Mango Chow
Here's another recipe that makes use of the herb, culantro!
This mango chow is a bright and flavorful treat, prepared with fresh ingredients. Pair it with almost any meal for a delicious side that everyone will love!
Get the recipe here.
18. Caribbean Jerk Smoked Pork
If you’re a fan of Jamaican jerk pork, with all those bold flavors, this recipe is for you!
This super easy version doesn't skimp on taste, but does de-mystify getting delicious, flavor-packed jerk pork on the table without stress or fuss.
Get the recipe here.
19. Jamaican Beef Rib Stew
This recipe is like a one-dish celebration of robust spices, tender beef, and Caribbean flavors.
From the first aromatic whiff to the last satisfying bite, this stew is all about warmth and comfort. It's a hearty dinner that's pure joy on a cold evening, but with all those bright flavors, you'll likely find yourself making it all year round!
Get the recipe here.
20. Jamaican Jerk Pork With Pineapple Salsa
This quicker version of Jamaican Jerk Pork skips the fuss, but still boasts those characteristic Jamaican flavors. The warming spices of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, combine with the brightness of pineapple salsa, for a truly tropical flavor.
The whole thing is taken to the next level by a sweet, crackly crust made from a thin layer of sugar being quickly caramelized under the broiler.
Get the recipe here.
21. Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Cake
This Jamaican sweet potato pudding cake is a tropical treat the whole family will love!
Naturally vegan, this is a recipe that's full of bold flavors, and a smooth, decadent texture. This is definitely reminiscent of the baked puddings that were so popular in New England, in the early 1800's. Easier than a pie, this comforting dessert is sure to please!
Get the recipe here.
21 Mouthwatering Burger Recipes That Turn Anyone Into a Grill Master
Is there anything better than a hot, juicy burger right off the grill? After this long, longwinter, it really feels like the answer to this is an easy "no". Burgers on the grill are what we all deserve right now.
Celebrate the return of grilling season, by taking your same-old classic burgers up a notch! Here's a tantalizing selection of recipes that are easy to make, but sure to wow your family and friends.
Get the recipes here.
21 Tempting Worldwide Street Foods to Make at Home
When you dream of traveling, do delicious street foods play a starring role? Thankfully, many iconic street food favorites can be made right in a home kitchen.
From street tacos and foods on a stick, to doughnuts and pastries, here's a collection of recipes from around the world, just perfect for inspiring your next culinary adventure!
Anna Chesley
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
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