These easy traditional Panamanian recipes are some of my favorites, after my 3 months of voulenterring there I really developed a taste for their food. There are many dishes that are shared across much of Central America but each is a little different. They can even be different from the area you are in when visiting any given country.
I always strive to gather recipes both from places I visit and eat as well as collecting old recipe books at flea markets. While I travel each of those books is scanned and transferred to the cloud so I always have them with me. Today sharing these with you will let you share some of my work with your family.
Panama is perhaps not the first place that comes to mind when one thinks about travel places that are renowned for their exquisite cuisine. But don’t be duped by this obscure culinary destination. Travelers are now finally realizing that Panama offers a variety of delicious, must-try snacks and beverages, something that locals have long valued. These are the top 20 traditional Panamanian recipes you shouldn’t miss, whether you’re heading to a beautiful beach getaway or touring vibrant Panama City.
A note about Laurel and I. We are 74 and 75 years old now and have been nomads since December of 2010. We have visited 150 of the 195 countries in the world during that 13 years. We collect recipes frome every country we visit and post them on our website. We hope to knock out those last 45 countries and become 2 of the only 400 or so people who have visited every country in the world. What that means to you is more great recipes.
20 Top Panamanian Recipes to Try
Panamanian Carimañola Recipe
The Panamanian Carimanola recipe is a traditional dish that uses yucca dough and a meat filling (usually beef or chicken). It’s a popular street food in Panama. What makes the Panamanian Carimanola recipe special is that it uses local ingredients and sustainable farming methods.
Fresh yucca is one of the main ingredients in the Panamanian Carimanola recipe. Panama’s fertile lands produce lots of root vegetables like yucca that goes into the carimanola dough base. You get the best yucca and other vegetables from local farmers and support Panama’s small-scale agriculture.
Sustainable farming has also changed the availability of fresh ingredients for traditional dishes like carimanolas. Some of Panama’s farms use eco-friendly practices like crop rotation and organic pest control to maintain environmental impact and soil health. These methods preserve the land for future generations while providing fresh, flavorful produce for today’s recipes.
2. Panamanian Ropa Vieja Stew Recipe
The Panamanian Ropa Vieja Stew recipe is made from shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions and spices. This thick stew has filled Panamanian households with comfort food and a taste of Panama’s food for many years. The success of the Panamanian Ropa Vieja Stew recipe relies on the quality of the ingredients – often sourced from Panama’s farmlands.
Local ingredients are key to keeping the real Panamanian Ropa Vieja Stew recipe intact. Tomatoes, peppers and onions make the stew hearty and tender, while locally raised beef lends the dish its meaty taste. Many of Panama’s farmers supply these ingredients directly to local markets, using sustainable farming methods. Buying local supports farmers who use environmentally friendly practices like avoiding synthetic pesticides and rotating crops to keep soil healthy.
3. Panamanian Fruitcake Recipe
The Panamanian Fruitcake is made with dried fruits, nuts and spices. This dense, flavorful cake is often soaked in rum – an special flavor for special occasions. Meal prep and time-saving tips can make preparing the Panamanian Fruitcake recipe a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
For the Panamanian Fruitcake recipe, soak the dried fruits in advance. Some home cooks make this step weeks before baking to let the fruit absorb the rum or brandy. This technique improves the flavor and saves time on the baking day. You can also chop nuts and measure out spices ahead of time so everything is ready when you mix the batter.
4. Panamanian Ceviche de Corvina Recipe
Ceviche de Corvina is a refreshing recipe in Panama which uses light, healthy ingredients. Produced from fresh Corvina fish, lime juice, cilantro and onions, it is nutrient packed. The simplicity of the Ceviche de Corvina recipe allows the natural flavors and health benefits of the ingredients to take center stage and it’s an ideal meal.
Corvina is lean white fish which is a great protein source. It’s full of omega 3 essential fatty acids and also supports cardiovascular health and fights inflammation. The lime juice is a primary element of the Ceviche de Corvina recipe and has vitamin C that aids in immunity and skin health. The dish is served with cilantro and onions – which have antioxidants and also help digest food.
5. Panamanian Yucca Fries with Spicy Mayo Recipe
The Panamanian Yucca fries recipe is a popular side dish in Panama that is abit crispier than potato Fries. Made from yucca (a starchy root vegetable that grows in tropical regions), the fries are served with many meals. The Yucca Fries recipe adds a unique texture to the table and highlights the need to use seasonal and organic ingredients when cooking.
Yucca is a staple in Panama and is most abundant in the tropical growing season. So sourcing fresh yucca when it’s in season gives your Yucca Fries the best flavor and texture. Fresh yucca is softer, cooks evenly, and crisps up when fried. Cooking with seasonal ingredients improvesthe dish, aids local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of shipping out-of-season produce.
6. Panamanian Hot Sauce Recipe
A spicy staple in Panama is the Panamanian Hot Sauce recipe. It is made with fresh chili peppers, vinegar, garlic along with other spices giving just a little kick to any dish. The Panamanian Hot Sauce recipe is simple but there are some common mistakes and essential kitchen equipment to get the consistency and flavor you want.
The use of the wrong peppers is one of the biggest mistakes people make when making the Panamanian Hot Sauce recipe. Always use fresh, good chili peppers – Habaneros or Aji Chombo – which are traditional in Panama. Utilizing dried-out or overripe peppers will make a sauce without the taste and heat that make this a signature dish. Another mistake is not balancing the vinegar and spices properly. Too much vinegar can overwhelm the sauce and too little will make it taste flat. You need to taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
7. Panamanian Mondongo Recipe
Panamanian Mondongo is a stew made from tripe, a special dish in Panamanian cuisine. This traditional recipe is mostly influenced by herbs and spices. How to season at different stages is key to getting the right balance of flavors for the Panamanian Mondongo recipe.
A crucial element is the usage of spices and herbs like cumin, oregano, garlic and cilantro. These make the Panamanian Mondongo recipe more complex and mask the odor of the tripe giving it a more pleasant smell. Using fresh herbs when possible can make a difference in the dish. Cilantro may be added at the conclusion of cooking for a crisper taste; spices like oregano and cumin can be added earlier for greater flavor development.
8. Panamanian Lengua Guisada Recipe
The Panamanian Lengua Guisada recipe: is a slow cooked beef tongue recipe that’s both affordable and tasty. Beef tongue is a rarely used cut of meat and is often less expensive. This makes it an affordable method for home cooks to make tasty foods without breaking the bank. This standard recipe makes the meat melt in your mouth by cooking the tongue in a tomato sauce containing onions and garlic along with spices.
The stretching of ingredients in the Panamanian Lengua Guisada recipe is one of the key benefits. Since beef tongue is an inexpensive when compared with various other cuts of beef, you can make a big meal at a fraction of the price. This makes it ideal for feeding a family. When cooked, serve with plantains, yucca, or rice for a filling meal at a low cost.
9. Panamanian Seafood Stew Recipe
Panamanian seafood stew recipe are a tasty, low-cost dish that combines fresh seafood with coconut milk, vegetables and spices. It’s a staple on Panama’s coastal areas and provides a filling meal at a price that everyone can afford. Using locally available seafood, including fish, shrimp and clams, the Panamanian seafood stew recipe can be flexible with what’s affordable and in season. This keeps the cost down but still delivers a filling meal.
Another benefit of the Panamanian Seafood Stew recipe is that it can be prepared in bigger batches so it is ideal for social gatherings. Since the ingredients can vary according to what is most affordable, it’s a quick way to stretch your budget while getting protein from seafood. To get the most out of your purchase, freeze portions for future meals.
10. Panama Canal Dessert Recipe
The Panamanian Panama Canal Dessert recipe is a rich dessert with layers of flavors and textures that is perfect for parties and special occasions. It has a flour, margarine and walnut crust and layers of cream cheese, chocolate pudding and Cool Whip. What’s great about this Panamanian Panama Canal dessert recipe is that you can make it on a budget and still impress your guests.
To make the Panamanian Panama Canal dessert recipe on a budget, use low-cost ingredients. For marginal savings, use store brands for margarine and powdered sugar – they can often work just as well as name-brand alternatives. Additionally, purchasing walnuts in large quantities will bring down costs so you have plenty for this particular recipe.
11. Panamanian Arroz Con Pollo Recipe
The traditional Panamanian Arroz Con Pollo recipe is full of flavor and hearty ingredients. It features tender chicken thighs, vegetables and cooked rice in a one-pot meal that many families eat often. Fresh herbs can make the Panamanian Arroz Con Pollo recipe stand out. Although the recipe generally requires dried oregano along with other spices, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley may be added at the end for a fresh taste, brightness and flavor.
Seasoning at different stages of cooking is essential to get the best out of the Panamanian Arroz Con Pollo recipe. Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown in olive oil first. This helps flavor the chicken and gives the dish a rich base. After the chicken is done, mix in the diced onions, garlic and bell peppers and are going to combine to make a tasty base for the rice. As you stir in the spices (like ground cumin and smoked paprika): taste and adjust seasoning. This method makes each layer of flavor balanced and delicious.
12. Panamanian Sancocho Recipe
The traditional Panamanian Sancocho recipe is a great chicken soup. This dish features chicken, yuca, corn and plantains. Consider the fat and oils as you prepare the Panamanian Sancocho recipe. Though this particular recipe requires water to help make the broth, you can saute the onions, garlic, along with green pepper in some olive oil or another cooking fat. This enables the veggies to caramelize a little, providing a foundation for the soup.
Incorporating good fats to the cooking process might also help absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the veggies and chicken. Even though there is nothing unhealthy about the Panamanian Sancocho recipe, a healthy diet is always important. This particular dish consists of protein from the chicken, carbs from the yuca and plantains, along with soluble fiber in the corn and vegetables.
All these ingredients make the Panamanian Sancocho recipe fit into a varied diet. With its filling flavors and nutritious components, this dish fills a void and provides energy for an active lifestyle.
13. Panamanian Empanadas Recipe
The traditional Panamanian Empanadas recipe is food as a meal or a snack. They usually contain a mix of ground beef, bell peppers, onions, along with spices inside a flaky crust. When making the Panamanian Empanadas recipe, you need to watch cooking temperatures.
To begin with heat your oven to the proper temperature – around 375′ F (190′ C) prior to baking. The baking temperatures are crucial: a hot oven allows the dough bake evenly to present that golden brown crust. Too low a temperature and the empanadas will be mushy rather than crispy. This highlights just how temperature control is able to make or even break your dish when cooking.
While you make the filling for the Panamanian Empanadas recipe, prepare the ground beef to a safe internal temperature of around 160′ F (71′ C) – which helps to avoid food poisoning. This also improves the tastes because the meat assimilates the spices.
14. Panamanian Pork Stew Recipe
This traditional Panamanian Pork Stew recipe makes a tasty meal for loved ones. To make this stew, seasoning must be perfect. The right balance of spices can make a simple dish extraordinary.
Beginning with the pork shoulder, which is the stew’s star ingredient, season it thoroughly prior to preparing it. Oregano, cumin, and paprika in the Panamanian Pork Stew recipe enhance flavor and depth. These spices must be added at various cooking stages to ensure their flavors diffuse through the dish.
Exploring flavor in your cooking means playing with ingredients and methods. For this stew, stir in fresh herbs and adjust salt while you prepare for a much stronger flavor. Additionally, veggies like potatoes, carrots and peas add nutrition to the dish and brand new flavors and textures. When prepared with attention, Panamanian Pork Stew recipe is a balanced meal. This dish shows just how thoughtful seasoning and experimenting with flavors can elevate your cooking.
15. Panamanian Rum Cake Recipe
The Panamanian Rum Cake recipe is a great dessert that adds the tropical essence of Panama. This moist cake is not only a festive treat but also an example of how perfecting the art of ingredients can elevate simple ingredients into a delightful masterpiece.
To begin, you’ll mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring the dry ingredients are well-combined. The key to a light and fluffy cake lies in the proper creaming of unsalted butter and granulated sugar, which introduces air into the batter. This step is crucial in the Panamanian Rum Cake recipe, as it sets the stage for a cake that is not just delicious but also has the perfect texture.
As you explore flavor in your cooking, consider the addition of dark rum and vanilla extract to the cake batter. These ingredients infuse the cake with a rich depth that pairs beautifully with the caramel sauce drizzled on top. The rum adds a distinct warmth, while the vanilla brings a hint of sweetness.
16. Panamanian Hojaldres Recipe
Traditional Panamanian breakfast treat. Pastries like this, which are both delicious and flaky, are a breakfast and snack mainstay in Panama. Scrambled eggs and a hot cup of coffee are common accompaniments to hojaldres, making for a hearty and delicious breakfast. You may make a delicious and filling snack by stuffing them with things like cheese, ham, or sausage. To truly appreciate the unique flavors of Panamanian food, one must consume hojaldres, which are emblematic of the country’s long and varied culinary tradition.
17. Panamanian Guacho de Mariscos Recipe
Guacho de Mariscos is a Panamanian dish which takes the ocean to dinner table. This seafood rice dish contains mixed seafood, coconut milk along with spices. This Panamanian Guacho de Mariscos recipe consists of meal prep and time-saving suggestions for a faster cook.
To make: gather your ingredients for Guacho de Mariscos ahead of time. Begin with two lbs blended fish (shrimp, mussels, octopus, squid, clams) cleaned and ready for use. This particular prep work saves time during cooking and tends to make cooking simpler.
Cooking techniques add to the flavors in the Panamanian Guacho de Mariscos recipe. Begin by cooking cut onions, garlic and red peppers in achiote oil. This technique gives the dish a rich taste and also highlights the natural sweetness of the veggies. When the veggies are soft, stir in the rice and brown slightly prior to putting in water and coconut milk. The rice absorbs the flavors in the simmering process and is creamy.
18. Panamanian Bistec Picado Recipe
The Bistec Picado recipe is a typical Panamanian dish featuring fresh ingredients. This beef stir fry is filling and healthy too. Tender beef with bell peppers and onions helps make this Panamanian Bistec Picado recipe a gratifying meal.
The primary ingredient is beef, which supplies protein necessary for muscle growth and maintenance. When making the Panamanian Bistec Picado recipe, you begin with 2 pounds of beef cut into small pieces so it can cook fast and be tender. Serving beef along with veggies like bell peppers along with onions gives more nutrition to the recipe. Bell peppers have vitamins A and C to assist with immune wellness and skin function, along with onions offer antioxidants which assist with inflammation.
19. Panamanian Arroz con Guandú y Coco Recipe
The Arroz con Guandu y Coco recipe is a Panamanian recipe featuring coconut and pigeon peas. This recipe provides a taste of Panama and also talks about seasonality and cooking with organic ingredients. For all those desiring a hearty meal but still watching their ingredients, try this Panamanian Arroz con Guandu y Coco recipe.
Seasonal ingredients make any dish much better – such as the Panamanian Arroz con Guandu y Coco. Ingredients like fresh onions and bell peppers are often best in the hotter months. The vibrant colors of red bell pepper bring color to the dish and provide vitamins A and C.
20. Panamanian Chicheme Recipe
The Panamanian Chicheme recipe combines corn with milk. Making Panamanian Chicheme is fun, but common mistakes can impact the end result. The key error isn’t blending the sweet corn thoroughly. Be sure you have a good blender because chunks make an unpleasant texture. Also watch the proportions: too much condensed milk could overwhelm the other flavors.
Proper kitchen equipment is essential when making Panamanian Chicheme. A great blender is required to make up the corn together with the milk and spices. Additionally you need measuring spoons, a mixing bowl along with a serving pitcher. Another mistake to avoid isn’t chilling the beverage properly. Chicheme is best served cold; combine with ice cubes and chill more than one hour before serving.