Bring the fare of everyone's favorite tropical hotspot into your own kitchen with these easy Caribbean recipes, including lunches, dinners and desserts.
30 Caribbean-Inspired Recipes for a Tropical Escape
Updated on Jul. 17, 2023
Cuban Sliders
These wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King’s Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
1/29
2/29
Caribbean Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use cubes of pork or even shrimp instead of the chicken. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 242 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
For a traditional Sunday supper, finish the meal with one of these Jamaican desserts.
3/29
Caribbean Wontons
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I first served these fresh and fruity treats as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy them as a dessert for occasions throughout the year.—Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wonton with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 95 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
4/29
Caribbean Potato Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
An interesting blend of veggies that includes okra, kale and black-eyed peas goes into this bright and hearty soup. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 213 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
5/29
Mama’s Puerto Rican Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom has a vast repertoire of recipes, and this extra-crispy, spiced-up chicken is the best one of the bunch. We love it served with a side of traditional red beans and rice. —Edwin Robles, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
6/29
Caribbean Coconut Rum Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
My take on a traditional Jamaican recipe, this moist cake packs a rum punch. You may wish to card your guests before serving. The longer the rum soaks in, the better—overnight is best. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 461 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
7/29
Roast Beef Caribbean Style
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe took first place in the 2011 South Dakota Beef Cook-Off. Cooking the roast uncovered for the first 30 minutes gives it a crusty exterior similar to barbecued brisket, and the flavorful sauce adds just a hint of heat. —Susan Patrick Watertown, SD
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 4 teaspoons sauce: 449 calories, 32g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1078mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
8/29
Easy Cuban Picadillo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 363 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
9/29
Cuban Panini
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Out of all the panini recipes I make, this is my favorite. The Cuban sandwich is a twist on the old ham and cheese, usually with ham, Swiss, pickles, condiments and sometimes, as in this hearty version, smoked turkey. —Janet Sanders, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 545 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1526mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
10/29
Jamaican Beef Stew
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
5 servings (1-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious stew makes a hearty supper with a lighter touch. The leaner cut of meat, herbs and seasonings and fresh vegetables make it so flavorful, you'll want another bowl! —James Hayes, Ridgecrest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
11/29
Caribbean Bread Pudding
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A completely unexpected dessert from the slow cooker, my bread pudding is loaded with wonderful tropical flavors. I like to garnish it with a slice of fresh pineapple, whipped cream and a cherry—just like a pina colada! —Elizabeth Doss, California City, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 254 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
12/29
Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet, spicy chops can be thrown together in minutes but definitely don’t taste like it. Serve it with a side of jasmine rice and you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. —Allison Ulrich, Frisco, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 470 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1190mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
13/29
Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3 tablespoons sauce and 2 tablespoons coconut: 497 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
14/29
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 230 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
15/29
Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 498 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 9g fiber), 29g protein.
16/29
Jamaican Chocolate Cookies with Caramel Creme
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these for an office party cookie contest—not a crumb was left on the platter! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 134 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/29
Jamaican Ham and Bean Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
"Island vacation in a bowl” might be the best way to describe this hearty soup. A splash of lime juice and a hint of jerk seasoning add tropical taste. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without garnishes): 312 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 2211mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 20g protein.
18/29
Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready to rock the grill with this wonderfully fragrant, spicy chicken. The bold marinade includes hints of cinnamon, cayenne and thyme. —Judy Kamalieh, Nebraska City, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 335 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 563mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
19/29
Cuban-Style Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These are like Cuban sandwiches without the bread, so they’re a bit more elegant. Let your family customize the chops with pickles, mustard and other condiments. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without optional ingredients): 247 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
20/29
Caribbean Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stir-fry with 1 cup rice: 419 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
21/29
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup vegetable mixture : 278 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/29
Agua de Jamaica
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This agua de Jamaica is an iced tea made from hibiscus, which is tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 67 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
23/29
Pulled Pork Sliders
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our favorite pulled pork recipes combines the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these sliders a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 265 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
24/29
Caribbean Curried Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 6 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/29
Cuban Pork Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot and juicy pork in tortillas may remind you of a Cuban sandwich with ham and cheese. We always include the pickles, of course. —Aimee Bachmann, Bellevue, WA
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 501 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1230mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 39g protein.
26/29
Caribbean Chips with Apricot Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With their subtle sweetness, these well-seasoned chips are equally delicious as an appetizer or alongside a savory meal. They'll be a welcome change of pace for your family's taste buds. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 chips with 1/4 cup salsa: 255 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 599mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
27/29
Pork Roast Cubano
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes me just minutes to prepare this recipe, and the slow cooker does the rest of the work! It's a one-dish meal that's real comfort food for my family. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked pork with 3/4 cup vegetables: 430 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein.
28/29
Caribbean Chicken Stew
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I lived with a family from the West Indies for a while and enjoyed watching them cook. I lightened up this Caribbean chicken stew by leaving out the oil and sugar, removing the skin from the chicken and using chicken sausage. It's just as good. —Joanne Iovino, Kings Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 309 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
29/29
Caribbean Grilled Ribeyes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this mind-blowing steak with my father-in-law in mind. He loved it, and so did everyone else. You can serve it as part of all types of meals, but it's especially good alongside seafood. —De'Lawrence Reed, Durham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 762 calories, 54g fat (22g saturated fat), 202mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 61g protein.
