Cuban cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors influenced by Spanish, African, and Caribbean cooking traditions. From succulent meats to savory stews and refreshing drinks, traditional Cuban dishes offer a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage. In this article, we’ll explore 5 delicious Cuban recipes that you can easily recreate at home.
Authentic Cuban Recipes to Try at Home
Indulge in the vibrant and flavorful world of Cuban cuisine with these 5 traditional recipes that capture the essence of the island’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary adventurer, these recipes will transport you to the streets of Havana and beyond, where every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and hospitality.
Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja, which translates to “old clothes,” is a classic Cuban dish made with shredded beef simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce. It’s traditionally served with rice and black beans for a hearty and satisfying meal.
To make Ropa Vieja, you’ll need
– 2 pounds flank steak
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olives and capers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the flank steak on both sides in a large skillet. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, saute the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Return the flank steak to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 2 to 3 hours or until beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Using two forks, shred the beef and return to the skillet. Simmer an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the Ropa Vieja hot, garnished with olives and capers if desired.
Lechón Asado
Lechón Asado, or roast pig, is a centerpiece of Cuban cuisine, often enjoyed during festive occasions. The pork is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic and spices, then roasted until tender and crispy. Serve with yuca con mojo for a true taste of Cuba.
To make Lechón Asado, you’ll need
– 4-5 pounds pork shoulder or butt
– 1 cup tart orange juice (or a mixture of orange and lime juice)
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon oregano
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sour orange juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Place the pork shoulder or butt in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the pork from the marinade and place in a roasting pan.
4. Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) and the meat is tender and falling apart.
5. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
6. Serve the Lechón Asado hot, with yuca con mojo and your favorite side dishes.
Tostones
Tostones are twice-fried green plantains, a popular side dish or snack in Cuban cuisine. The plantains are sliced, fried until golden, flattened, and then fried again until crisp. Serve with mojo sauce for dipping.
To make tostones, you’ll need
– Green plantains
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt
Directions:
1. Peel the green plantains and cut them into thick slices.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry the plantain slices in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the plantain slices from the oil and drain on paper towels.
5. Flatten the fried plantain slices with a tostonera or the bottom of a flat, heavy object.
6. Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again until crisp and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
7. Remove the plantains from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt while still hot.
8. Serve the tostones hot with a side of mojo sauce for dipping.
Cuban Sandwich
A popular classic, the Cuban sandwich features layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed between slices of Cuban bread. It’s a delicious combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
To make a Cuban sandwich, you’ll need
– Cuban or French bread, sliced
– Roast pork (Lechón Asado)
– Sliced ham
– Sliced Swiss cheese
– Dill pickles, sliced
– Yellow Mustard
Instructions:
1. Cut Cuban or French bread in half lengthwise.
2. Spread both halves of the bread with mustard.
3. Layer the roast pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese and pickles on one half of the bread.
4. Close the sandwich with the other half of the bread.
5. Heat a panini press or skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the press or skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove the sandwich from the press or pan, slice into halves or quarters, and serve hot.
Yuca con Mojo
Yuca con mojo is a simple yet flavorful Cuban side dish made with boiled yuca (cassava) served with a spicy garlic and citrus sauce. The yuca is tender and creamy, while the mojo sauce adds brightness and depth of flavor.
To make Yuca con Mojo, you’ll need
– 1 pound yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Place the pieces of yuca in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the yuca is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
2. While the yuca is cooking, make the mojo sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the fresh lime juice. Season to taste with salt.
3. Drain the cooked yuca and transfer to a serving platter. Pour the mojo sauce over the yuca and toss to coat.
4. Before serving, garnish the yuca con mojo with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at Marabú
Indulge in authentic Cuban cuisine at Marabú, located in the vibrant Brickell City Center at 701 S Miami Ave, 4th floor. Experience the rich flavors of Cuba’s countryside dishes, cooked to perfection over charcoal, with a burst of smoky richness in every bite. From large cuts of meat to flavorful rice, fresh vegetables and succulent seafood, Marabú’s menu showcases the best of traditional Cuban cuisine.
From hearty stews to refreshing cocktails, traditional Cuban cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking at home or dining out, be sure to explore the diverse and delicious world of Cuban cuisine.
