35 Caribbean Recipes That Feel Like a Vacation
Dreaming of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and the gentle caress of a warm Caribbean breeze? Same here! But since a spontaneous island getaway isn’t always in the cards, let’s bring the Caribbean to our kitchens! These 35 recipes are packed with vibrant flavors, exotic spices, and the kind of laid-back deliciousness that instantly transports you to paradise. So, crank up the reggae, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
From savory jerk dishes to sweet tropical desserts, this culinary journey through the islands will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Get ready for a taste of sunshine in every bite!
Jerk Chicken Recipe
Okay, let’s start with the undisputed king of Caribbean cuisine: Jerk Chicken! This fiery, smoky dish is a must-try. Marinated in a blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and a secret blend of spices (every family has their own!), it’s grilled to perfection for a truly unforgettable experience. The secret is the scotch bonnet, so add it if you want to feel the heat.
Caribbean Curry Goat Recipe
Don’t be intimidated! Curry goat is tender, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Slow-cooked with warming spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, it’s a hearty and satisfying stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening (or when you just need a comforting taste of the islands).
Plantain Chips Recipe
Move over, potato chips! These crispy, golden snacks are made from thinly sliced plantains and fried to perfection. Sprinkle with a little sea salt, and you’ve got the perfect appetizer or afternoon treat. They’re naturally sweet, making them addictive!
Rice and Peas Recipe
A staple in almost every Caribbean household, rice and peas is more than just a side dish – it’s a way of life! Cooked in coconut milk with kidney beans, scallions, and thyme, it’s fragrant, flavorful, and the perfect accompaniment to any Caribbean meal.
Callaloo Soup Recipe
This vibrant green soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. Made with callaloo leaves (similar to spinach), okra, coconut milk, and a touch of scotch bonnet pepper (optional!), it’s a healthy and delicious way to start any meal. It’s a vegetarian classic.
Ackee and Saltfish Recipe
Jamaica’s national dish! Ackee, a fruit with a texture similar to scrambled eggs, is sautéed with saltfish, onions, peppers, and spices. It’s a savory and slightly sweet dish that’s traditionally eaten for breakfast, but it’s delicious any time of day.
Conch Fritters Recipe
These crispy, golden fritters are a true Caribbean delicacy. Made with diced conch (a type of sea snail), peppers, onions, and spices, they’re deep-fried until golden brown and served with a tangy dipping sauce. A must have appitizer!
Red Bean Stew Recipe
A hearty and flavorful stew made with red kidney beans, coconut milk, vegetables, and spices. This is the ultimate comfort food.
Peanut Punch Recipe
A creamy and delicious drink made with peanuts, milk, spices, and a touch of sweetener. Perfect for a hot day!
Sorrel Drink Recipe
A refreshing and tangy drink made from the sorrel plant, typically enjoyed during the holidays.
Mango Salsa Recipe
Sweet, tangy, and refreshing, this salsa is the perfect topping for grilled fish, chicken, or even just tortilla chips. It’s simple and delicious.
Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Succulent shrimp coated in shredded coconut and fried to golden perfection. Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Rum Cake Recipe
A decadent and boozy cake soaked in rum syrup. Perfect for celebrations or any time you want a little indulgence.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
A tropical twist on a classic dessert. Sweet pineapple and caramelized sugar create a beautiful and delicious cake.
Guava Paste Recipe
A sweet and chewy confection made from guava pulp and sugar. Perfect with cheese or crackers.
Tamarind Balls Recipe
Sweet and sour treats made from tamarind pulp, spices, and sugar.
Doubles Recipe
A popular street food from Trinidad and Tobago consisting of two bara (fried flatbread) filled with curried chickpeas (channa).
Roti Recipe
A soft and flaky flatbread used to wrap curried meats or vegetables.
Pelau Recipe
A one-pot rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken or beef), coconut milk, and vegetables.
Oil Down Recipe
A Grenadian stew made with salt meat, callaloo, coconut milk, and dumplings.
Cou Cou and Flying Fish Recipe
The national dish of Barbados, consisting of cornmeal and okra cooked into a polenta-like dish, served with steamed or fried flying fish.
Fish Fry Recipe
A simple but delicious dish of fried fish seasoned with Caribbean spices. A beach party staple!
BBQ Ribs Recipe
Tender and flavorful ribs marinated in a sweet and smoky Caribbean-inspired barbecue sauce.
Grilled Snapper Recipe
Fresh snapper grilled to perfection with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of herbs.
Seafood Boil Recipe
A medley of seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster) boiled with corn, potatoes, and spices.
Jerk Pork Recipe
Just like jerk chicken, but with pork! Equally delicious and packed with flavor.
Caribbean Coleslaw Recipe
A creamy and tangy coleslaw with a hint of sweetness, perfect as a side dish.
Festival Recipe
Sweet fried dumplings, perfect alongside jerk chicken or any savory dish.
Bammy Recipe
A flatbread made from cassava, often served with fish.
Escovitch Fish Recipe
Fried fish topped with a tangy pickled vegetable sauce.
Ginger Beer Recipe
A spicy and refreshing homemade ginger beer.
Limeade Recipe
Simple and refreshing homemade limeade, perfect for a hot day.
Passion Fruit Juice Recipe
A tangy and tropical juice made from passion fruit.
Soursop Juice Recipe
A creamy and slightly tart juice made from soursop fruit.
Beef Patties Recipe
Flaky pastry filled with a flavorful ground beef mixture.