10+ Jamaican Recipes You’ll Love to Cook at Home

Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients.

Exploring Jamaican recipes can bring a taste of the island into your home. This allows you to enjoy delicious dishes that are both hearty and satisfying.

From spicy jerk dishes to savory stews, there’s something for everyone to discover.

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these recipes are sure to impress.

You’ll find a mix of traditional favorites and modern twists that highlight the unique culinary heritage of Jamaica. These recipes celebrate the rich flavors and cultural influences that make Jamaican food so special.

1) Jerk Chicken Recipe

Jerk chicken is a flavorful dish from Jamaica. It is known for its spicy marinade, which gives it a unique taste.

You can grill or bake it for a delicious meal.

To make jerk chicken, you will need ingredients like chicken legs, scallions, garlic, and spices. The marinade includes Scotch bonnet peppers for heat, giving it that authentic Caribbean flavor.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs (about 3 1/2 pounds)
• 5 medium scallions
• 1/2 medium yellow onion
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers
• Additional spices (thyme, allspice, cinnamon, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, blend scallions, onion, garlic, and peppers.
2. Add your choice of spices and mix well.
3. Coat the chicken with the marinade.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
5. Grill at 375°F (190°C) or bake for 45 minutes, until cooked through.

2) Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish. It features tender chicken seasoned with Jamaican curry powder, giving it a rich flavor. The chicken is simmered in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk, hot peppers, and garlic.

To prepare this dish, start by marinating the chicken with your favorite spices. This adds depth to the flavor.

Cooking it with fresh vegetables like onions and bell peppers enhances the taste even more.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Serve it with rice and beans for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1-2 hot peppers, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken with curry powder, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
4. Add chicken and brown on all sides.
5. Pour in coconut milk and add hot peppers.
6. Simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot over rice or with bread.

3) Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaican beef patties are a delicious snack that many enjoy. These patties feature a flaky crust and are filled with tasty ground beef. The spices make them flavorful and exciting.

You can find variations that include curry or spicy peppers for extra kick. They make a great treat for parties or quick meals on the go.

Making these patties at home can be fun and rewarding. You’ll love serving them fresh from the oven!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour and butter until crumbly.
3. Add cold water to form a dough, then chill for 30 minutes.
4. Cook onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and spices, cooking until browned.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
6. Fill each circle with the beef mixture and seal edges.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy your homemade Jamaican beef patties!

4) Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas

Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas is a delicious and hearty dish. It features red kidney beans cooked with flavorful herbs and spices. Coconut milk adds creaminess to this wonderful meal.

You will enjoy the combination of garlic, thyme, and scallions in the stew. These ingredients create a mouthwatering taste. It’s a great choice for a filling dinner.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups red kidney beans
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Salt to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the kidney beans overnight in water.
2. Drain the beans and put them in a pot with fresh water.
3. Cook the beans until tender, about 1 hour.
4. Add coconut milk, onion, garlic, and thyme.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in scallions and season with salt.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Braised Oxtails with Carrots and Chiles

Braised oxtails with carrots and chiles is a delicious Jamaican dish. This recipe features tender oxtails cooked slowly in a rich sauce. The spices give it a warm flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of carrots.

You will need to gather some basic ingredients. The dish is perfect served over rice or with bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds oxtails
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 2 Scotch bonnet chiles, whole
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste
• Water or beef stock

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the oxtails with the brown sugar, soy sauce, allspice, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, brown the oxtails on all sides.
3. Add onion, carrots, and whole Scotch bonnet chiles.
4. Pour in enough water or beef stock to cover the oxtails.
5. Simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. Serve warm.

6) Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and saltfish is a staple dish in Jamaican cuisine. It combines the creamy taste of ackee with the savory flavor of salted cod. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

To make it, start by soaking the salted cod to reduce its saltiness. Once ready, you will sauté the fish with onions, peppers, and spices.

The result is a colorful, flavorful dish that is often served with rice or fried dumplings.

Ingredients

• 8 oz salted cod fish, boned
• 1 can ackee, drained
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 green scallions, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bell pepper, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the salted cod in cold water for at least 2 hours.
2. Drain and place the cod in a saucepan with fresh water.
3. Boil for about 20 minutes until tender.
4. Remove the fish, flake it, and set aside.
5. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
6. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
7. Stir in the flaked fish and ackee gently.
8. Cook for a few more minutes, then serve warm.

7) Trini Corn Pie

Trini Corn Pie is a delicious casserole that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table. This dish combines sweet corn, milk, and spices for a comforting treat. It’s great for potlucks and pairs well with fish or meat.

You will love the way the flavors mix. The corn adds sweetness, while savory ingredients like peppers and onions provide depth.

It’s a simple dish that’s satisfying and enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients

• 4 oz butter
• ½ cup chopped onions
• ¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup whole or evaporated milk
• ¾ cup finely ground cornmeal
• 1 can sweet corn (15 oz)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the onions and peppers until soft.
3. In a bowl, mix the milk, cornmeal, and sweet corn.
4. Stir in the sautéed vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes. Enjoy!

8) Jamaican Callaloo

Jamaican Callaloo is a delicious and healthy leafy green dish. It is often enjoyed as part of breakfast or as a side at any meal. The dish typically includes ingredients like onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper for a bit of heat.

You can cook callaloo in a dutch pot or sauté pan. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a busy morning.

Serve it with roasted breadfruit or boiled green bananas for a traditional touch.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of callaloo
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add scotch bonnet pepper and thyme.
4. Stir in callaloo and cook until wilted.
5. Season with salt and serve warm.

9) Jamaican-Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Jamaican-Spiced Pumpkin Pie is a delicious twist on the classic dessert. It blends the rich flavor of pumpkin with warm spices and coconut milk, creating a unique taste.

To make this pie, you will need pumpkin puree, coconut milk, brown sugar, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These ingredients come together to create a smooth and flavorful filling.

When baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour the filling into a pie crust and let it bake until set.

The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone eager to taste.

Ingredients

• 15 oz pumpkin puree
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• Salt to taste
• Pie crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, coconut milk, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.

4. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set.

5. Let it cool before serving. Enjoy your pie!

10) Banana Fritters

Banana fritters are a sweet and tasty treat enjoyed in Jamaican cuisine. They are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

To prepare, start with ripe bananas. You can mash them up and mix them with basic ingredients.

You’ll want to add flour, sugar, and spices for flavor.

For frying, heat oil in a pan until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Enjoy them warm!

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl.
2. Add flour, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
3. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil.
5. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.