Welcome to my collection of Cuban food recipes! These are the dishes I love making at home, from hearty stews and crispy fried favorites to comforting rice and beans and classic sandwiches. Whether you're new to Cuban cooking or looking for your next family favorite, you'll find plenty of comforting, soul-satisfying meals here.
Foundations
Most great Cuban dishes start here. These two building blocks, sofrito and mojo, deliver the signature aromatic base and bright, garlicky flavor that define Cuban cuisine. The best part is they are made with simple, accessible ingredients.
Sofrito
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The essential aromatic base used in many dishes. It is a combination of aromatics sautéed in oil that adds a unique and deep flavor.
Mojo Marinade
A vibrant mix of citrus juice, garlic, and oil. It injects wonderful flavor into meats, especially pork and chicken. The holiday classic Cuban roast pork always starts with a good long soak in mojo.
Soups & Stews
Cuban soups and stews are hearty and packed with flavor. Slow-simmered with simple ingredients like root vegetables, affordable cuts of meats, and aromatics, these one-pot meals are perfect for family dinners.
Ajiaco
A rich, hearty Cuban country stew loaded with a mix of meats and tropical root vegetables like yuca, malanga, and boniato. It simmers low and slow for deep, comforting flavor.
Sopa de Chicharos
A thick, comforting split pea soup made with vegetables and smoked pork. Budget-friendly and deeply satisfying, especially with crusty bread for dipping.
Guiso de Maíz
A hearty Cuban corn stew made with pork, corn, potatoes, and spices. Simple, affordable, and full of traditional flavor.
Crema de Malanga
A silky, creamy soup made from malanga root, aromatics, and broth. It has a subtle earthy flavor and is perfect as a starter or light meal.
Sopa de Garbanzos
A rich chickpea soup with smoked pork, vegetables, and spices. It tastes like it has been simmering all day.
Sopa de Res
A nourishing Cuban beef soup made with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful broth. Served with white rice, it's hearty and comforting.
Sopa de Platano
A thick, starchy soup made with green plantains. It's easy to prepare and delivers unique, satisfying flavor.
Sopa de Pollo
A classic Cuban chicken soup packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatics in a savory broth. Warm, nourishing, and perfect for any day.
Main Dishes
From shredded beef to saucy chicken and classic rice dishes, these are the heart of Cuban cooking. Boldly seasoned, satisfying, and full of soul, these recipes bring the real taste of Cuba to your table.
Carne con Papas
A popular Cuban beef and potato stew with a rich, tomato-based sauce. A comforting, everyday favorite in many Cuban homes.
Fricase de Pollo
Cuban-style chicken fricassee made with dark meat stewed in a flavorful tomato sauce with potatoes and olives. Pure comfort food using simple ingredients.
Bistec en Cazuela
Thin steaks cooked in a savory tomato sauce with garlic and plenty of onions until tender. A simple, satisfying classic.
Ropa Vieja
The iconic Cuban shredded beef dish simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and spices. Hearty and delicious.
Vaca Frita
Tender shredded beef pan-fried until golden and crispy. Boldly flavored and perfect with rice and plantains.
Vaca Frita de Pollo
Crispy shredded chicken, the lighter version of the classic vaca frita. Golden, flavorful, and very satisfying.
Picadillo
Classic Cuban ground beef hash with fried potatoes, olives, and spices. Quick, versatile, and great for weeknight dinners served over rice.
Lechón Asado
Cuban roast pork marinated overnight in mojo and cooked low and slow until fall-apart tender. The ultimate holiday and celebration dish.
Cuban Pork Chops
Thin-cut pork chops seasoned with garlic, cumin, and oregano, then pan-fried and finished with lime. Quick, affordable, and full of flavor.
Camarones Enchilados
Shrimp simmered in a bold, savory tomato-based sauce with spices. A flavorful Cuban seafood favorite.
Chicharrones de Pollo
Cuban-style fried chicken. Seasoned chicken pieces coated and fried until golden and crispy.
Bistec de Palomilla
Thin-cut steak seasoned and cooked with plenty of sliced onions. A simple, everyday dinner favorite.
Cuban Cube Steak
Tenderized cube steak seasoned and cooked with sautéed onions. Quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknights.
Bistec Empanizado
Breaded and pan-fried thin steak. Crispy outside, tender inside - a family-pleasing classic.
Bistec de Pollo Empanizado
Breaded and fried chicken steaks. Crispy, juicy, and always a hit.
Arroz con Pollo
Traditional Cuban chicken and yellow rice. Hearty, soul-satisfying one-pot comfort food.
Rice & Beans
No Cuban meal is complete without rice and beans. Whether served separately or together (like moros) these staples are filling and budget friendly.
Moros
Cuban black beans and rice cooked together. This simplified version uses canned beans, smoky bacon, and a quick sofrito for authentic flavor with minimal effort.
Cuban Black Beans
Quick Cuban-style black beans made from canned beans. Seasoned with classic Cuban flavors, they're a fast, flavorful staple.
Cuban Style Red Beans (Frijoles Colorados)
Hearty red beans simmered with smoked pork and seasoning, usually served with white rice. A popular alternative to black beans in Cuban meals.
White Rice
Fluffy, perfectly cooked white rice, the simple foundation that accompanies almost every Cuban meal.
Sandwiches
Cubans know how to make a sandwich. From the world-famous Cubano to steak and roast pork versions, these pressed or loaded creations are perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)
The iconic Cubano layered with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on Cuban bread, then pressed until crispy and melty. One of the best sandwiches you'll ever have.
Medianoche
A sweet bread sandwich filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles. Popular as a late-night snack or after partying - the name means "midnight."
Cuban Sliders
Mini versions of the classic Cubano with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on soft buns. Perfect for parties or game day.
Pan con Lechón
A simple roast pork sandwich on Cuban bread, often topped with onions and mojo sauce. A flavorful way to enjoy leftover lechón.
Pan con Bistec
A Cuban steak sandwich with thin-cut steak, onions, and classic seasonings. A favorite at Miami cafeterias and easy to make at home.
Appetizers, Snacks, Sides & Pick-Me-Ups
Crispy plantains, fritters, pastries, and strong Cuban coffee. These are the fun, addictive bites and sides that complement the perfect meal. They are also great for parties or late-night cravings.
Yuca Frita
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these yuca (cassava) fries offer a rich, creamy texture that makes them a step above regular fries.
Tostones
Twice-fried green plantains that are crispy, savory, and addictive. A classic Cuban side dish often served with garlic sauce.
Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros)
Ripe plantains sliced and fried until caramelized on the edges and soft in the center. Sweet, caramelized, and a staple side in Cuban meals.
Frituras de Malanga
Crispy malanga fritters made with grated malanga root, garlic, and parsley. Golden outside and tender inside.
Empanadas
Cuban beef empanadas filled with savory picadillo. Perfect for snacks, parties, or paired with Cuban coffee.
Pastelitos de Carne
Flaky pastries filled with seasoned ground beef. A popular Cuban snack or party bite.
Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)
Strong, sweet espresso shots. The perfect Cuban pick-me-up any time of day.
I hope you enjoyed this collection of Cuban classics! Whether you try a big pot of arroz con pollo, crispy tostones, or a delicious ropa vieja, I hope these recipes bring comfort and flavor to your table.
Let me know which one you make first - happy cooking!
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