Caribbean Recipes for Summer Backyard Parties

Indulge in the rich tapestry of Caribbean cuisine, where bold spices, fresh ingredients, and vibrant flavors converge to create a true gastronomic experience. From the fiery warmth of jerk chicken to the succulent sweetness of tropical desserts, this culinary haven has something for every taste bud. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey through the most mouthwatering Caribbean recipes, transporting you to sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters.

So don your apron and get ready to be swept away by tantalizing aromas and irresistible flavors!

Jamaican Oxtails

In the heart of Caribbean cuisine lies Jamaican Oxtails, a hearty and aromatic dish that warms the soul. This comforting stew is built upon tender braised beef oxtail, lovingly paired with sautéed vegetables and creamy butter beans. Whether savored on its own or served over fluffy white rice, this culinary delight is sure to become an instant favorite.

The key to Jamaican Oxtails’ irresistible charm lies in the meticulous preparation of its star ingredient – the oxtails themselves.

A special blend of herbs and spices is carefully crafted to season the meat, followed by a gentle searing that unlocks its full potential. As the dish simmers in a rich, savory broth, the result is a tender, fall-apart texture that’s bursting with complex flavors.

For anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Caribbean, Jamaican Oxtails is an absolute must-try recipe.

Caribbean Chicken

A culinary escape to the sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean awaits with Caribbean Chicken, a mouthwatering dish that combines succulent grilled chicken breasts with a zesty marinade infused with citrus, spices, and a hint of rum. The true showstopper is the spicy honey rum glaze, expertly crafted to strike the ideal harmony between sweet and savory notes.

Served atop fluffy rice, this delectable creation is sure to captivate even the most discerning palates, transporting you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

Caribbean Chicken Tacos

In the world of culinary delights, Caribbean Chicken Tacos stand out as a true gastronomic sensation. The crowning glory is a zesty and effortless Caribbean salsa, expertly blending mango, pineapple, red onions, and cilantro to create an unbeatable flavor profile. This delightful meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a speedy yet satisfying repast.

The homemade Caribbean seasoning imbues the chicken with a fiery essence, perfectly balanced by the tangy and refreshing qualities of the salsa. As a bonus, this delectable dish checks all the boxes as a nutritious and mouthwatering meal option that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Caribbean Fried Bakes + Saltfish

Indulge in the quintessential Caribbean breakfast with Caribbean Fried Bakes + Saltfish, a mouthwatering combination that’s surprisingly effortless to prepare. The star of the show is the soft and fluffy fried bakes, made with a medley of ingredients including all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, yeast, butter, and water. Meanwhile, the saltfish takes center stage, elevated by a flavorful blend of peppers, scallions, onion, garlic, tomato, cilantro, lemon juice, and spices.

Together, these two components create a culinary symphony that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean coast. This tried-and-true recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a vibrant and satisfying Caribbean breakfast experience.

Caribbean Papaya Salad

Savoring the essence of the Caribbean, the Caribbean Papaya Salad offers a symphony of sweet and savory notes. The star of the show is undoubtedly fresh papaya, expertly combined with red onion, spring onion, and an array of herbs that harmonize in perfect balance. This delectable salad not only complements BBQ chicken, succulent shrimp, or grilled meats and seafood but also invites other tropical fruits like melon, pomegranate, or mango to join the fiesta, elevating the flavors to new heights.

In essence, this straightforward yet scrumptious recipe is a culinary passport that brings the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean right to your table.

Strictly Caribbean Green Seasoning

In the world of Caribbean cuisine, Strictly Caribbean Green Seasoning stands out as a vibrant and aromatic blend of herbs and spices that adds depth and freshness to a variety of dishes. Similar in concept to Italy’s renowned pesto, this seasoning is a staple in many Caribbean kitchens, providing a bold flavor profile that elevates soups, stews, marinades, and more.

The unique combination of ingredients like cilantro, parsley, scallions, garlic, and thyme creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both nutritious and delicious. While personal adaptations may vary, the end result is consistently impressive. However, it’s worth noting that some ingredients, such as culantro and Spanish thyme, may be harder to source outside of the Caribbean region.

Nonetheless, Strictly Caribbean Green Seasoning remains a must-have for anyone seeking to incorporate the authentic flavors of the Caribbean into their meat dishes.

Caribbean Rice and Beans

This hearty Caribbean Rice and Beans dish brings together rice, red beans, coconut milk, and a medley of spices to create a richly flavored culinary delight. The aromatic trio of garlic, onions, and thyme pairs perfectly with the subtle heat from scotch bonnet pepper, resulting in a truly satisfying meal. What’s more, this traditional Caribbean recipe can be easily adapted for a vegan lifestyle by swapping out chicken broth for vegetable broth, making it an accessible option for all.

Whether served alongside grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork, or enjoyed on its own as a filling main course, Caribbean Rice and Beans is a nutritious and comforting meal that embodies the spirit of Caribbean cuisine.

Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish

In the heart of Caribbean cuisine lies Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish, a beloved dish that harmoniously blends tender salted codfish with the velvety sweetness of ackee fruit. This delectable recipe effortlessly recreates the authentic flavors of Jamaica by first boiling or soaking the salted codfish to reduce its saltiness, then sautéing it with an aromatic medley of onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper for a subtle kick of heat.

The dish is ultimately elevated by incorporating canned ackee and gently stirring everything together. For a truly satisfying meal, serve Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish alongside roasted breadfruit, crispy fried dumplings, or boiled ground provisions.

Ackee and Saltfish

In the heart of Jamaican culture, Ackee and Saltfish is a beloved breakfast staple that has earned its place as a classic Caribbean dish. The dish’s humble beginnings are rooted in the harmonious union of salted codfish and ackee, Jamaica’s national fruit. When combined, these two ingredients produce a culinary masterpiece that is both tender and satisfying. This timeless recipe has become an integral part of Caribbean cuisine, cherished for its uncomplicated yet mouthwatering flavor profile.

Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Indulge in the vibrant essence of the Caribbean with this delectable recipe for Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa. The harmonious union of sweet and tangy marinade flavors, coupled with the spicy kick from the pineapple salsa, results in a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to a tropical oasis. As the grilled chicken succulently yields to each bite, you’ll discover a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for Caribbean flair.

Caribbean Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with our scrumptious Caribbean Grilled Shrimp Tacos! A symphony of spices, including garlic, ginger, paprika, cloves, cayenne, and brown sugar, infuses the succulent shrimp with a rich, exotic essence. To add an extra layer of zest, we pair the shrimp with a grilled pineapple salsa that’s bursting with tropical freshness.

The tacos themselves are a masterclass in balance and harmony, featuring crispy corn tortillas wrapped around juicy shrimp, crunchy fresh cabbage, and a hint of Caribbean magic. This dish is as quick to prepare as it is delightful to devour, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the islands. With each bite, you’ll be treated to a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Caribbean Green Seasoning Marinade

Elevate your culinary game with Caribbean Green Seasoning Marinade, a vibrant and flavorful condiment that’s staple in Caribbean cuisine. This refreshing marinade, infused with fresh thyme, adds an unparalleled zing to fish and meat dishes. With its effortless preparation and freezer-friendly storage, you can enjoy the authentic taste of the Caribbean whenever you desire.

Caribbean Macaroni Pie

In the world of comfort food, the Caribbean Macaroni Pie stands out as a sweet and savory twist on the classic macaroni and cheese. This beloved dish, born in the West Indies, has earned its place alongside stewed or barbecued chicken as a match made in heaven. What’s more, the recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting experimentation with various cheeses and seasonings to give it your personal touch.

The cold egg and milk mixture, punctuated by chunks of cheese, yields a delightful texture that sets this dish apart from its creamy macaroni and cheese counterparts. As a result, Caribbean Macaroni Pie emerges as a delectable and fulfilling side dish that brings the essence of the Caribbean to your table.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

A culinary gem from the Caribbean, Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. By marinating chicken in a harmonious blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables, this dish achieves an unparalleled level of tenderness, all while developing a rich, velvety stew gravy that complements perfectly with a side of rice or bread.

As a beloved staple of Jamaican cuisine, this mouthwatering one-pot meal is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking to experience the authentic flavors and warmth of the Caribbean.

One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice

Indulge in the bold flavors of the One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice, a mouthwatering dish that seamlessly blends the warm spices of the Caribbean with the simplicity of one-pan cooking. The star of the show is the chicken, marinated to perfection in a homemade jerk seasoning that infuses every bite with a depth of flavor.

Meanwhile, the pineapple-coconut rice adds a delightful contrast of sweet and savory notes, making this recipe an ideal choice for meal prep or leftovers. Whether you’re seeking to spice up your weeknight dinners or simply looking for a new culinary adventure, this Caribbean-inspired dish is sure to delight.

Stewed Saltfish with Spicy Plantains and Coconut Dumplings

In Saint Kitts and Nevis, culinary diversity shines through in Stewed Saltfish with Spicy Plantains and Coconut Dumplings. The dish starts by tenderly stewing saltfish with bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, yielding a rich and savory foundation that sets the tone for what’s to come. The addition of spicy plantains injects a welcome burst of heat, perfectly complemented by the delightful texture offered by the coconut dumplings.

This Caribbean-inspired recipe is a true celebration of flavors, making it an absolute must-try for any adventurous food lover.

Jamaican Callaloo

In the vibrant culinary landscape of the Caribbean, one dish stands out as a flavorful and nutritious staple: Jamaican Callaloo. This beloved side dish is crafted with tenderly steamed amaranth leaves, infused with the pungent aromas of onions, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that perfectly complements other Caribbean classics like saltfish, plantain, and roast breadfruit.

As an heirloom dish tracing its roots back to West Africa, Jamaican Callaloo boasts a unique character that sets it apart from other regional variations. For those seeking a genuine taste of the Caribbean, Jamaican Callaloo is an absolute must-try.

Cornmeal Cou Cou

In the heart of the Caribbean, a culinary treasure awaits – Cornmeal Cou Cou. This beloved dish is a masterful blend of cornmeal, okra, and coconut milk, yielding a rich and creamy texture. A staple in many island nations, it’s often paired with flying fish in Barbados, where its thick consistency provides a satisfying accompaniment. But what sets Cornmeal Cou Cou apart are the subtle variations that emerge across the region.

In some islands, saltfish is added directly to the cornmeal mixture, while Trinidadian iterations incorporate pimiento peppers, infusing the dish with a distinctive flavor profile. The key to achieving the perfect consistency lies in stirring the cornmeal vigorously as it’s introduced, ensuring a lump-free final product. As a result, Cornmeal Cou Cou emerges as a sumptuous and comforting culinary experience that embodies the essence of Caribbean cuisine.

Jerked Smoked Pork

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with Jerked Smoked Pork, a dish that will leave you craving more. By marinating pork in a spicy jerk seasoning and then lightly smoking it on the grill, this recipe yields tender and juicy meat infused with the rich flavor of hickory smoke. The crispy crust adds a satisfying textural element, while its smoky heat elevates the overall experience. If you’re a fan of bold and fiery flavors, this Jerked Smoked Pork is an absolute must-try.

Jamaican Bammy

For centuries, the traditional Caribbean flatbread known as Jamaican Bammy has been a staple in many households. Its origins date back to when cassava root was grated and mixed with coconut milk before being shaped into discs and fried until golden brown. This adaptable bread can be savored on its own or paired with an array of ingredients such as fish, vegetables, or even used as a meatless option.

The Bammy’s rich history is deeply rooted in Jamaican culture, particularly among rural communities where it has been passed down through generations.

Caribbean Coconut Milk Shrimp

Indulge in the tropical flavors of Caribbean Coconut Milk Shrimp, a delightful summer recipe that’s sure to impress your guests. By combining succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic, thyme, and creamy coconut milk, you’ll create a dish that’s both mouth-watering and effortless to prepare. The coconut milk infusion brings a subtle hint of coconut without the texture, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more nuanced coconut flavor.

This grilled shrimp is a crowd-pleaser, perfect as an appetizer or served with vegetables and rice as a satisfying main course. With its finger-licking goodness and quick preparation time, you’ll find yourself craving another bite – and maybe even the whole recipe again!