When I started gathering ideas for 24 Great Cuban Recipes To Cook at Home, I kept coming back to the plates I saw in small paladares and family kitchens: a big mound of rice and black beans, fried sweet plantains on the side, and a generous spoonful of slow-cooked meat. Classic dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce), lechón asado marinated in citrusy mojo, and picadillo ground beef show up again and again because they anchor so many Cuban meals.
This post pulls those familiar names together with the sides and extras that complete the table. In 24 Great Cuban Recipes To Cook at Home, you can expect moros y cristianos—black beans cooked together with white rice—alongside separate pots of Cuban black beans and rice, yuca con mojo cassava with garlic-citrus sauce, and plenty of tostones or maduros made from green or ripe plantains. Many sources describe Cuban food as a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, which shows up clearly in the use of sofrito, citrus marinades, and starchy roots like yuca.
For home cooks, the good news is that most of these 24 Great Cuban Recipes To Cook at Home rely on straightforward methods. A lot of the work happens in one pot or pan: arroz con pollo where chicken, rice, tomato, and peppers cook together, black beans simmered with onion, garlic, and spices, and picadillo built from ground beef, tomato, and a few pantry extras like olives or raisins. Plantains can be shallow-fried in a skillet or baked, and yuca is boiled before it meets the mojo sauce. A heavy pot, a decent frying pan, and a baking sheet are enough to cover most of the recipes in this lineup.
Desserts and coffee-time sweets round out 24 Great Cuban Recipes To Cook at Home. You will see flan de leche, tres leches cake, arroz con leche rice pudding, and pastelitos de guayaba puff pastries filled with guava paste—all items that appear frequently in guides to Cuban desserts and bakery counters. You can use this post as a planning tool: build a full plate with moros y cristianos, ropa vieja, and tostones for a weekend meal, or keep it simple with black beans, rice, and sweet fried plantains on a busy night. As you cook through the 24 Great Cuban Recipes To Cook at Home, you can mark favorites, adjust seasoning to your taste, and slowly build a small set of Cuban dishes that fit comfortably into your regular rotation.
24 Great Cuban Recipes To Cook at Home
1. Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
Cuban Mojo Chicken is a well-known dish in Cuban recipes, featuring a marinade that brings out the natural richness of the meat. The marinade consists of citrus juices, garlic, and a blend of spices, which deeply penetrate the chicken, ensuring a balance between acidity and seasoning. The citrus component, often a combination of sour orange and lime, helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with a vibrant taste. The chicken is typically marinated for several hours, allowing the flavors to absorb fully before cooking. This preparation method ensures that the meat remains juicy and flavorful, a hallmark of Cuban food.
2. Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe
Cuban Mojo Shrimp is a popular seafood dish in Cuban recipes, known for its bright and aromatic marinade. This recipe follows the same fundamental seasoning principles as Cuban Mojo Chicken but is specifically adapted for shrimp. The marinade consists of fresh citrus juices, minced garlic, and a mix of spices that enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness. The shrimp are coated in the marinade and left to absorb the flavors for a short period, ensuring that the seasoning permeates without overpowering the delicate texture of the seafood. This dish is widely available in Cuban markets, where fresh shrimp and ingredients for the marinade can be found.
3. Cuban Sandwich Recipe
The Cuban Sandwich is one of the most famous Cuban food items, known for its distinct layering of ingredients and pressed preparation. This sandwich consists of slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all placed between slices of Cuban bread. The key to an authentic Cuban sandwich lies in the balance of flavors and textures, ensuring that each bite contains a combination of savory, tangy, and crispy elements. Cuban markets frequently offer all the necessary ingredients, making it a widely accessible dish in Cuban food culture.
4. Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe
Cuban Croquetas de Jamón are a staple in Cuban recipes, known for their crispy exterior and creamy ham-filled center. These bite-sized croquettes are made by forming a thick, seasoned béchamel-like mixture that includes finely minced ham. The mixture is chilled to firm up before being shaped into small cylinders. Once formed, the croquettes are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. This preparation creates a crunchy shell that contrasts with the soft, flavorful filling. Cuban food markets often carry ready-made croquetas or the ingredients necessary to prepare them from scratch.
5. Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe
Cuban Carne Con Papas is a traditional beef and potato stew found in many Cuban recipes. This dish consists of slow-cooked beef simmered in a seasoned tomato-based sauce with potatoes and a variety of spices. The beef is cut into small chunks and browned before being combined with the sauce, allowing the flavors to develop fully during the cooking process. The potatoes absorb the rich seasoning, creating a hearty meal that is commonly found in Cuban traditional recipes. Many Cuban food markets carry pre-cut beef and spice blends specifically for this dish, making it a convenient option for home cooking.
6. Cuban Sliders Recipe
Cuban Sliders are a miniature version of the classic Cuban Sandwich, featuring layers of slow-cooked pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles on soft, slightly sweet rolls. These small sandwiches are assembled and baked together, allowing the flavors to meld while the cheese melts and binds the ingredients. The bread develops a slightly crisp crust while remaining soft inside, making them a popular choice in Cuban recipes for gatherings and parties. Cuban markets often stock the key ingredients needed to make these sliders, including pre-cooked pork and Cuban-style rolls.
7. Cuban for Ropa Vieja Recipe
Ropa Vieja is one of the most well-known Cuban recipes, featuring shredded beef slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. The name translates to “old clothes,” referring to the dish’s shredded texture. The beef, typically flank steak, is simmered until tender before being pulled apart and mixed with the flavorful sauce. Cuban food markets often carry pre-cut beef and seasonings that simplify the preparation process, making this dish a staple in Cuban traditional recipes.
8. Cuban Sandwich Recipe
The Cuban Sandwich is a staple of Cuban food, made with layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, all pressed together inside a crispy Cuban roll. This sandwich is known for its perfectly balanced flavors and textures, achieved by using quality ingredients and a proper grilling technique. The bread is key to an authentic version, as it crisps up while remaining soft inside. Cuban food markets often carry the essential ingredients, making it easy to prepare this dish at home.
9. Cuban Seafood Paella Recipe
Cuban Seafood Paella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines a variety of seafood with seasoned rice, vegetables, and spices. This dish is known for its bold flavors and colorful presentation, making it a highlight in Cuban recipes. The base consists of saffron-infused rice cooked with a rich broth, which enhances the overall depth of taste. Common seafood used in this dish includes shrimp, mussels, squid, and fish, all of which can be found in Cuban food markets.
10. Cuban Grilled Sandwich Recipe
The Cuban Grilled Sandwich is a variation of the famous Cuban food staple, featuring layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles pressed between crispy bread. This sandwich is known for its perfectly balanced textures and bold flavors, created through a combination of high-quality ingredients and a grilling technique that ensures a golden, crunchy crust. The bread is a crucial component, traditionally a Cuban-style loaf that crisps up while maintaining a soft interior. Many Cuban food markets carry the essential ingredients, making it easy to recreate this sandwich at home.
11. Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork is a flavorful and tender dish made by marinating pork in a citrus-garlic sauce and cooking it slowly until it becomes fork-tender. This dish is a staple in Cuban recipes, often used as a filling for sandwiches or served alongside rice and beans. The marinade, known as mojo, consists of sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, and other spices that infuse the pork with bold flavors. Cuban food markets often carry bottled mojo marinade, making preparation even easier for home cooks.
12. Cuban Lechon Adado Recipe
Cuban Lechón Asado is a slow-roasted pork dish that is a centerpiece of many Cuban recipes. The pork is marinated in a citrus-garlic mojo sauce and cooked slowly until the skin turns crispy and the meat remains juicy and tender. This dish is a highlight of Cuban traditional recipes, often served during gatherings and celebrations. Cuban food markets carry key ingredients such as pork shoulder, sour orange juice, and seasonings, making it accessible for home preparation.
13. Cuban Tamales Recipe
Cuban Tamales are a well-known dish in Cuban recipes, distinguished by their unique preparation compared to other tamales. Unlike Mexican tamales, which have a firmer texture, Cuban tamales are softer and more moist due to the blending of seasoned meat into the masa before wrapping. These tamales are made using cornmeal or freshly ground corn mixed with a rich, seasoned pork or beef filling. Cuban food markets often stock pre-ground cornmeal and the essential spices needed for an authentic preparation.
14. Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe
Cuban Mojo Shrimp is a flavorful seafood dish featuring shrimp marinated in a citrus-garlic sauce known as mojo. This dish is an essential part of Cuban recipes, highlighting the bold flavors commonly found in Cuban food. The marinade is made with sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin, creating a tangy and aromatic coating for the shrimp. Many Cuban food markets stock pre-made mojo sauce, making it easy to prepare this dish at home.
15. Cuban Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Cuban Red Beans and Rice is a staple dish in Cuban recipes, known for its rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture. This dish is a combination of red beans slow-cooked with spices, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes cured meats such as chorizo or ham. The beans are then served over white rice, creating a filling and flavorful meal. Cuban food markets often sell pre-packaged red beans and spice blends, making it easy to prepare this dish at home.
16. Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe
Cuban Fricassee de Pollo is a slow-cooked chicken stew that is a staple in Cuban recipes. This dish features bone-in chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with olives, potatoes, bell peppers, and traditional Cuban seasonings. The sauce is thickened as the chicken cooks, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. Cuban food markets often carry the necessary ingredients, including imported olives and spices, to enhance the authentic taste.
17. Cuban Picadillo Recipe
Cuban Picadillo is a ground beef dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and raisins, creating a sweet and savory contrast that is common in Cuban recipes. This dish is easy to prepare and uses readily available ingredients found in Cuban food markets. The balance of salty olives, mild spices, and a touch of sweetness from raisins gives it a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other meat-based dishes.
18. Cuban Arroz Con Pollo Recipe
Cuban Arroz Con Pollo is a one-pot chicken and rice dish that is a key part of Cuban recipes. This dish features seasoned chicken cooked with rice, vegetables, and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The rice absorbs the bold flavors of the chicken broth, saffron, and garlic, resulting in a rich and fragrant dish. Many Cuban food markets carry the essential ingredients, including saffron and achiote, which give the dish its signature color and depth of taste.
19. Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe
The Cuban Medianoche Sandwich is a variation of the famous Cuban food classic, the Cuban sandwich. It features the same core ingredients—roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard—but is served on a slightly sweet, egg-based bread similar to brioche. The bread, called “medianoche” (meaning “midnight” in Spanish), is softer and lighter than the traditional Cuban bread used in Cuban recipes. This sandwich is a popular item in Cuban food markets and late-night eateries due to its balanced texture and bold flavors.
20. Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken is a bolder version of the traditional Cuban Mojo Chicken, incorporating additional spices and chili peppers for an intense kick. This dish follows the same marinade process as other Cuban recipes, using a citrus-garlic blend, but adds elements like crushed red pepper, habanero, or cayenne for extra heat. The result is a flavorful and fiery dish that stands out in Cuban food markets and home kitchens.
21. Cuban Ajiaco Recipe
Cuban Ajiaco is a hearty stew made with a combination of meats, root vegetables, and corn, creating a rich and filling dish. As one of the most famous Cuban food recipes, it is known for its thick texture and deep, layered flavors. The dish incorporates ingredients commonly found in Cuban food markets, such as yuca, malanga, boniato, and plantains, all of which contribute to its distinctive taste and consistency.
22. Cuban Mojo Marinade Recipe
Cuban Mojo Marinade is a flavorful and aromatic blend that plays a pivotal role in Cuban recipes. This marinade is famous for its fresh, tangy, and garlicky profile, made using ingredients like sour orange juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and olive oil. It is commonly used to marinate meats, particularly pork, chicken, and beef, making it an essential component in many Cuban food dishes. The balance between the citrusy notes from the sour orange and the earthy flavors from garlic and cumin creates a distinctive taste that elevates Cuban food.
23. Cuban Pot Roast Recipe
Cuban Pot Roast is a comforting and savory dish that is a popular choice in Cuban food markets and home kitchens. It is typically made with beef, slow-cooked until tender, and infused with the bold flavors of garlic, onions, bell peppers, and Cuban spices. Cuban recipes for pot roast often incorporate ingredients like tomato, olives, and capers, adding a distinct tang and depth of flavor to the dish. The slow-cooking method ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it a favorite for hearty family meals.
24. Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe
Cuban Pork Sandwich is a delicious and hearty Cuban food option that showcases the rich flavors of Cuban traditional recipes. The sandwich is typically made with Cuban bread, layered with slices of marinated roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. The pork is often seasoned with Cuban Mojo Marinade, allowing the tangy, garlicky flavor to permeate the meat, making it the star of the sandwich. This combination of flavors is pressed together, resulting in a warm, crispy sandwich that has become a staple in Cuban food markets.