Everyday Cooking

Everyday Cooking

20 Caribbean Recipes That Will Liven Your Dinner Table

Last updated on February 5, 2021 by Akeena Legall

The tail end of snow season can lead your mind to white sands, cocktails and cabanas. Being housebound in winter doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the best the Caribbean has to offer: incredible cuisine bursting with flavour. We made a quick list of the best Caribbean recipes to fend off your island wanderlust.

  • Trinidadian-Style Chicken
     
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    Trinidadian-Style Chicken

    <p>Whole chicken pieces are marinated in Roger Mooking’s anise marinade and cooked with onions, green chili, plantain, tomato and Worcestershire sauce. Here are some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/photos/food-documentaries-podcasts/#!1-urban-farmers-doc" rel="noopener" target="_blank">food documentaries and podcasts to devour right now</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/trinidadian-style-chicken/9751/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Roger Mooking's Trinidadian-Style Chicken<strong></a></p>
  • Fried Plantains
     
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    Fried Plantains

    <p>These starchy bananas make for a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/20-minute-appetizer-recipes/#!vegetarian-pate-recipe-apps" rel="noopener" target="_blank">next-level appetizer</a>. The best fried plantains are a bit overripe — wait until the peel blackens before opening and slicing the fruit on a slight bias before sizzling in light oil. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fried-plantains/23601/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Fried Plantains</strong></a></p>
  • Island Thyme Chicken
     
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    Island Thyme Chicken

    <p>If you have the time, give this flavourful chicken a good 24 hours to marinate for maximum flavour. One bite of this juicy chicken in a creamy, coconut sauce will be worth the wait.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/island-thyme-chicken/13359/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Island Thyme Chicken<strong></a></p>
  • Oxtail Stew
     
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    Oxtail Stew

    <p>The perfect <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/best-slow-cooker-soup-and-stew-recipes/#!irish-slow-cooker-stew" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hearty stew</a> for a day where you’re bundled indoors. Brown your ox meat in a frying pan before adding veggie stock to soften. Top with seasoning and and bring the mixture to a boil until the meat falls from the bone — this usually takes three hours. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/oxtail-stew/23602/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Oxtail Stew</a></strong> </p>
  • Quick Guava Tarts
     
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    Quick Guava Tarts

    <p>Buttery and flaky and packed with a tart jam, you’ll always satisfy your sweet tooth with a bite of this decadent tart. You can use store-bought <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-ways-with-puff-pastry/#!Mushroom-Bisque-under-Puff-Pastry-Dome" rel="noopener" target="_blank">puff pastry</a> if you’re short on time or try your hand at homemade pastry dough — either way, a decadent, sugary desert awaits you at the end of the recipe. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/quick-guava-tarts/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Quick Guava Tarts</a></strong></p>
  • Cubano Sandwich
     
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    Cubano Sandwich

    <p>This isn’t your typical ham and cheese sandwich. Citrus-roast pork makes for delightful fresh and satisfying filling in this pressed, lunchtime favourite. Here are more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/work-from-home-lunch-ideas/#!work-lunch-soba-bowl-garlic-shrimp1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">work-from-home lunch ideas that are better than takeout</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cubano-sandwich/11810/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Cubano Sandwich<strong></a></p>
  • Coquito
     
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    Coquito

    <p>A blend of heavy milks, rum and aromatic spices is the perfect rich drink served chilled to cap off a meal. Hints of vanilla really bring the flavour home.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/coquito/23461/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coquito</a></strong></p>
  • Jerk Chicken Wings
     
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    Jerk Chicken Wings

    <p>The key to jerk seasoning’s delicious heat is the scorching Scotch bonnet peppers (don't worry, you can also dial down the spice by removing some of the seeds). Serve as a main, app or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/boozy-history-caesar-cocktail/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">impressive garnish for a Caesar</a>.<p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/turn-up-the-heat-with-these-jerk-chicken-wings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Jerk Chicken Wings</strong></a></p>
  • Cuban Bowl With Tostones
     
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    Cuban Bowl With Tostones

    <p>Slow-cooked pork, sweet plantains and tomatillo-coconut sauce make a hearty and filling one-bowl meal. From the Caribbean to India, China and beyond — here are the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/pantry-staples-based-on-cuisine/#!1-Turmeric-Getty" rel="noopener" target="_blank">best pantry staples based on cuisine</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cuban-bowl-with-tostones/12647/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Cuban Bowl With Tostones<strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Sloppy Joe Sliders
     
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    Vegan Sloppy Joe Sliders

    <p>This unconventional take on the sloppy Joe is inspired by the popular chickpea-filled <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/trinidadian-doubles/19830/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trinidadian street food, doubles</a>. Topped with some spicy cucumber chutney, bet you can't just eat one!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-sloppy-joe-sliders/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Sloppy Joe Sliders</strong></a></p>
  • Lily’s Chicken Soup
     
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    Lily’s Chicken Soup

    <p>This hearty Jamaican soup eats like a meal with chicken, seafood, veggies and lots of spice. Bring on the Scotch bonnet peppers!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lilys-chicken-soup/6288/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Lily’s Chicken Soup<strong></a></p>
  • Callaloo
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    Callaloo

    <p>This popular Jamaican side dish is easy to whip up in no time. Other than the packed callaloo, all you'll need is onion, tomato, garlic, thyme, oil, butter and a dash of salt.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/steamed-callaloo/17436/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Steamed Callaloo</a></strong></p>
  • Jamaican Meat Pie Footballs
     
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    Jamaican Meat Pie Footballs

    <p>A fun, sportsy twist to the ever-popular meat pie or patty, these tasty football-shaped pastries are filled with spicy peppers, ground beef, curry powder and more. Here are more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/top-game-day-party-recipes/#!ham-apple-and-cheddar-sliders" rel="noopener" target="_blank">game day recipes</a> you'll love.</p> <p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/jamaican-meat-pie-footballs/21429/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Jamaican Meat Pie Footballs</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs and Rice
     
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    Grilled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs and Rice

    <p>Jamaican jerk sauce adds a ton of bold flavour to this vibrant chicken and rice dish. After you let the chicken marinade, you can whip up this tasty dish in less than an hour. The perfect <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/weeknight-dinners-taste-better-as-leftovers/#!instant-pot-chicken-adobo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">weeknight meal</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sunnys-grilled-sweet-and-spicy-chicken-thighs-and-rice/22194/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunny Anderson's Grilled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs and Rice</a></strong></p>
  • Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Rum Punch
     
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    Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Rum Punch

    <p>Nothing livens the day like a citrus blend mixed with a light seltzer and spiked with spiced rum. Add a kick to your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/wine-beer-spirits/photos/summer-cocktail-recipes/#!Pink-Grapefruit-Margaritas" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cocktail</a> with orange zest and star anise before pouring into a sweet-and-sour mix of fresh-squeezed orange and lime juice. Add fruit slices for extra flavour — the submerged fruit pieces will soak up the rum for a little extra bite when you’re through with your drink. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/yo-ho-ho-and-a-bottle-of-rum-punch/23603/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Rum Punch</a></strong></p>
  • Jamaican Curry Shrimp
     
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    Jamaican Curry Shrimp

    <p>An amazing ocean-brine flavour of shrimp is only improved when the meat is cooked tender in a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/slow-cooker-curry-recipes-deliver-comfort/#!slow-cooker-freezer-pack-cauliflower-chickpea-curry" rel="noopener" target="_blank">curry broth</a>. Surprise ingredients to enrich the curry include a sweet ketchup base and fresh-squeezed lime for a bit of brightness that carries through the whole dish. Serve with rice, paratha or roti. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/easy-jamaican-curry-shrimp-recipe/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jamaican Curry Shrimp</a></strong> </p>
  • Caribbean Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     
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    Caribbean Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

    <p>A Caribbean favourite, this dessert is a labour of love that is worth the wait: two and a half hours in the kitchen gets you a frothy, light cake delicately flavoured with coconut milk and a caramelized layer of pineapple rings over top. (Here are our <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/seasonal-cake-recipes-for-every-month/#!NationalCakeDay" rel="noopener" target="_blank">favourite cake recipes for every month of the year</a>!).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caribbean-pineapple-upside-down-cake/23600/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Caribbean Pineapple Upside-Down Cake</strong></a></p>
  • Mini Sweet Potato Pies
     
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    Mini Sweet Potato Pies

    <p>We love this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-root-vegetables-recipes/#!potato-Tartiflette" rel="noopener" target="_blank">root vegetable</a> confection. Roast the sweet potatoes until tender and whip them with a blend of sweet spices, orange juice and eggs before setting the mixture in small pie crusts to bake. The best part? A pecan pineapple compote to top off the treat when it comes from the oven. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-sweet-potato-pies/23599/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kardea Brown's Mini Sweet Potato Pies</a></strong></p>
  • Guava BBQ Short Rib Medianoche
     
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    Guava BBQ Short Rib Medianoche

    <p>Sweet and sticky short ribs come easy with this recipe: an overnight spice marinade gets a kick from a next-day braise featuring cola and meat stock before being smothered in sweet, fruity <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/photos/flavour-packed-bbq-sauces-condiments-marinades/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BBQ sauce</a>. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/guava-bbq-short-rib-medianoche/14528/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Guava BBQ Short Rib Medianoche</a></strong></p>
  • Watercress and Papaya Salad
     
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    Watercress and Papaya Salad

    <p>Give your salad a sweet kick with simple, succulent papaya. The flavours from the ripe fruit and fresh-cut greens emerge when drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette made from blended vinegar and shallots. Here are some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/girl-meets-farm/photos/molly-yeh-easy-salad-recipes/#!molly-yeh-guacamole-salad" rel="noopener" target="_blank">yummy salad recipes from Molly Yeh</a>. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/watercress-and-papaya-salad/9574/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Roger Mooking's Watercress and Papaya Salad</a></strong></p>
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