Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the bold flavors and vibrant culture of Jamaica! Known for its spicy jerk seasonings, rich coconut milk, and succulent meats, Jamaican cuisine is a true delight. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to spice up your mealtime routine, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering recipes that will transport you straight to the island of wood and water.
From classic dishes like Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa and Curry Goat with Potatoes, to innovative twists on traditional favorites like Ackee and Saltfish and Escovitch Fish with Fried Bammy, our collection is sure to satisfy your cravings for something new and exciting. And don’t even get us started on the sweet treats – Jamaican Patties with Spicy Beef Filling and Festival (Sweet Fried Dumplings) are just a few of the tasty temptations waiting to be devoured.
So why wait? Dive in and discover the flavorful feasts that await you in the world of Jamaican cuisine!
Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa
A flavorful fusion of Caribbean and tropical flavors, this recipe combines spicy jerk seasoning with sweet and tangy mango salsa for a deliciously bold dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and olive oil.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the jerk mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a separate bowl.
6. Serve jerk chicken with mango salsa spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Oxtail Stew with Butter Beans
This rich and comforting stew is a perfect blend of tender oxtail, creamy butter beans, and aromatic spices. The slow-cooked broth infuses the meat with deep flavors, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef oxtail
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup dried butter beans, soaked and drained
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the oxtail with salt, pepper, and cumin.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail on all sides, then remove from pot.
4. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add beef broth, tomato paste, and browned oxtail to the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Cook for 2 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Add butter beans to the stew and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 3 hours (2 1/2 hours in the oven, plus 30 minutes with butter beans)
Curry Goat with Potatoes
Experience the rich flavors of goat meat cooked in a warm and aromatic curry sauce, served with tender potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb goat meat (shoulder or shanks), cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add goat meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add onions and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using); stir for 1 minute.
5. Add potatoes, browned goat meat, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.
6. Cover pot and transfer to the oven; bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 hours or until potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours (including browning time)
Ackee and Saltfish
Ackee and Saltfish is a traditional Jamaican breakfast dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. This recipe brings together the sweetness of ackee fruit, the saltiness of salted cod, and the warmth of spices for a hearty morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ackee fruit (canned or fresh)
– 1/2 cup salted cod fish (dried and flaked)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the garlic, salted cod, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the ackee fruit and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Season with black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Escovitch Fish with Fried Bammy
Discover the flavors of Jamaica with this classic combination of crispy fried fish and flavorful escovitch sauce, served with a side of fluffy fried bammy. This recipe is a perfect blend of spices and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Escovitch sauce ingredients:
+ 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
+ 1 onion, chopped
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 cup vegetable oil
+ 1 tablespoon soy sauce
+ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
+ Salt and black pepper to taste
– Bammy ingredients:
+ 2 cups all-purpose flour
+ 1/2 teaspoon salt
+ 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
+ 1 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
1. Fry the fish until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Meanwhile, heat the escovitch sauce ingredients in a pan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
3. Cook the bammy according to package instructions or by boiling for 5-7 minutes, then frying in hot oil until crispy.
4. Serve the fried fish with the escovitch sauce spooned on top and accompanied by fried bammy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jamaican Patties with Spicy Beef Filling
Experience the flavors of Jamaica with this spicy beef filling wrapped in flaky pastry.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
– 1/8 cup cold water
For the Filling:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped (use gloves when handling)
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and shortening. Gradually add cold water until dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter).
4. In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Add chopped onion, Scotch bonnet peppers, curry powder, salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef. Stir well.
6. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing edges together to seal.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rice and Peas with Coconut Milk
This Caribbean-inspired dish combines fluffy rice with sweet peas and the richness of coconut milk, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the peas, coconut milk, and salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and creamy.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Callaloo with Salted Cod
This classic Caribbean dish combines the flavors of callaloo greens and salted cod for a hearty and flavorful meal. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound salted cod, soaked overnight and flaked
– 2 cups callaloo greens (or substitute with spinach or collard greens)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Scotch bonnet peppers (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the flaked cod and stir to combine with the onion.
4. Add the callaloo greens, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers (if using). Stir well to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Festival (Sweet Fried Dumplings)
A classic Chinese dessert, Festival is a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This recipe yields a batch of deliciously fried dumplings coated in a sweet syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling of your choice (e.g. red bean paste, sweetened mung beans)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add in vegetable oil to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
5. Flatten each ball into a thin circle.
6. Place your chosen filling in the center of each circle.
7. Fold and seal the dumpling, making sure to press edges together.
8. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
9. Fry the dumplings until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. In a small bowl, mix sugar and water to create a syrup.
12. Toss fried dumplings in the syrup and serve warm.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Brown Stew Chicken with Carrots
A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening meal. This recipe is a classic combination of tender chicken, sweet carrots, and rich brown sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup brown gravy mix
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, carrots, and brown gravy mix. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until coated in the sauce, about 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Steamed Cabbage with Salted Pork
This hearty side dish combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the savory flavor of salted pork, perfect for accompanying your favorite meals. A simple and comforting recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup of salted pork (such as bacon or pancetta), diced
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large steamer basket, place the cabbage wedges.
2. Top each wedge with a few pieces of salted pork, some butter, and a sprinkle of garlic.
3. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Jamaican Red Peas Soup
Jamaican Red Peas Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. This traditional recipe combines the natural sweetness of red peas with aromatic spices and meats to create a deliciously rich soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red peas
– 1 pound pork or beef, cut into small pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 4 cups water
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground thyme
Instructions:
1. Rinse the red peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pork or beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Drain and rinse the red peas, then add them to the pot along with the water, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Run Down (Mackerel in Coconut Sauce)
A flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish where mackerel is smothered in a rich coconut sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 mackerel fillets (fresh or canned)
– 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the can of coconut milk and stir to combine with the onion mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the mackerel fillets in the skillet and spoon some of the coconut sauce over each piece.
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gizzada (Coconut Tart)
Experience the rich flavors of Trinidadian culture with this traditional Gizzada recipe. This coconut tart is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press dough into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. In a separate bowl, combine shredded coconut, heavy cream, and eggs. Mix well.
6. Pour coconut mixture into the prepared tart crust.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Allow the Gizzada to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge, infused with the aromatic flavors of ginger and spices. This traditional breakfast dish is a staple in many Jamaican households.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Optional: sugar or honey to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cornmeal and water. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add the ground ginger and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the porridge has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the vegetable oil.
5. Serve hot, with sugar or honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pepper Pot Soup with Okra
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the richness of beef broth with the warmth of peppers, onions, and okra.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef or chicken broth
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), chopped
– 1 cup okra pods, sliced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Add the sliced okra and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bammy (Cassava Flatbread)
Bammy is a traditional flatbread from West Africa, made with cassava flour and often served with stews or soups. This recipe yields a crispy and delicious flatbread that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cassava flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup lukewarm water
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cassava flour and salt.
2. Gradually add the lukewarm water to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces.
5. Roll out each piece into a thin circle, about 1/16 inch thick.
6. Brush both sides of each flatbread with vegetable oil.
7. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the Bammy for 30-45 seconds on each side, until crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes per batch
Jamaican Sorrel Drink
Sorrel drink, also known as hibiscus tea, is a popular beverage in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot days or as a soothing evening pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dried sorrel flowers (hibiscus sabdariffa)
– 4 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine dried sorrel flowers and water in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
4. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
5. Add sliced lemon and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, with ice cubes if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Spicy Plantain Chips
Spicy Plantain Chips Recipe
Get ready to savor the delicious combination of sweet plantains and spicy heat! This recipe is a twist on traditional potato chips, with the added bonus of being gluten-free.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe plantains
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into thin rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix together vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and lime juice.
4. Add the plantain slices to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the plantain slices in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using).
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jamaican Rum Cake
Moist and flavorful, this Jamaican Rum Cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With the warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, and the rich flavor of dark rum, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, then stir in rum, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 20 mouthwatering Jamaican food recipes! From classic dishes like Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa and Oxtail Stew with Butter Beans, to comforting favorites like Ackee and Saltfish and Festival (Sweet Fried Dumplings), this collection has something for everyone. Try your hand at Curry Goat with Potatoes or Run Down (Mackerel in Coconut Sauce) for a taste of the Caribbean. With recipes ranging from spicy to sweet, there’s no denying the flavorful feasts that await you!
