15 Tasty Jamaican Recipes – Treat your tastebuds to an amazing flavor explosion from authentic Jamaican recipes. These unique recipes feature highly-seasoned, savory, and spicy dishes, including chicken, oxtail, fish, and veggies. They are not only budget-friendly, but they are also divinely delicious! Perfect for your family cookout or go-to comfort food.
Jamaican cuisine is known for its diverse flavors, textures, and spices. The different cooking techniques reflect the varied cultures influenced by the people who have inhabited the island. And, of course, the African influence runs strong. Yum!
Locally grown produce spice it up, such as ackee and Scotch bonnet peppers. So yeah, if you love spicy food, then you’re in for a special treat with these tasty Jamaican recipes. ❤
FAQs
Varied Jamaican cuisine often includes coconut milk, hot chili peppers, herbs, and lots of spices. My top favorites are ackee and saltfish, rice and peas, jerk chicken, and callaloo.
According to my nerdy research, there is an ongoing battle between ackee and saltfish and jerk-flavored meat for the top spot in Jamaica’s most famous dish. At the same time, the Jamaican beef pie recipe and curry goat are close contenders, too.
A special occasion can definitely mean breaking out the grill for jerk chicken. Oxtail stew served is also a family favorite. And most main dishes come with rice and peas and lots of veggies. What a feast!
Jamaican Brunch Recipes
1. Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
Kickstart your day with a bowl of sweet and creamy cornmeal porridge that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and belly. Incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients such as cornmeal, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Such a hassle-free breakfast you can quickly whip up in 25 minutes. Oh yes!
2. Ackee and Saltfish
Ackee is actually a fruit belonging to the lychee and longan family. With that, you can tell how exciting this dish will be. And I’m telling you, it’s phenomenal! Especially when it’s oozing with fantastic flavors from bacon, onion, garlic, thyme, and paprika. Indeed, one of the best Jamaican recipes to try. 😉
3. Jamaican Rice and Peas
This Jamaican rice and peas recipe is one of my favorite comfort foods, and you’ll know why once you try it yourself. It’s basically rice cooked in coconut milk, herbs, and spices. And you’ll love it more because it’s creamy, spicy, and packed with nutrients, too. The perfect side for curry chicken and jerk barbecue ribs. Yum! 😋
Jamaican Recipes for Dinner
4. Jamaican Oxtail Stew
Would you like tender and juicy oxtail in a pool of rich and flavorful broth? Yes, please! It’s spicy and bursting with exquisite flavors from allspice, thyme, and paprika. This Jamaican oxtail recipe will surely sweep you off your feet with spoonfuls of its warm and soul-satisfying goodness. Truly comforting any time of the year. ❤
5. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Excite your tastebuds with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in this amazing Jamaican jerk chicken recipe. The secret? It’s none other than my homemade jerk seasoning along with pineapple juice and habanero peppers. It’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, you can grill or bake these bad boys, too. Oh yes! 👌
6. Callaloo
Meanwhile, you can pair this healthy recipe, callaloo, with any of your favorite proteins for a perfectly balanced meal. It can already stand on its own, though. You can also enjoy it completely vegan by skipping the bacon. Don’t forget the plantains because they go well together perfectly. 😉
7. Jamaican Red Stew Peas
Here’s another soul-warming and nutrient-packed stew that will surely knock your socks off. Its vibrant, creamy, and spicy broth comes primarily from coconut milk, Scotch bonnet pepper, herbs, and spices, like thyme, paprika, and green onion. Throw in your favorite meat such as oxtail, bacon, smoked turkey, or beef for the best tasting result. 😉
8. Jamaican Run Down
Are you looking for a quick dinner recipe? Then, you might want to try this creamy and spicy fish stew in a tomato-based sauce. It’s something new and yet another healthy way of cooking fish besides frying and grilling. And most of all, it’s ready in 30 minutes. Amazing, huh? Quick, easy, and delicious! Oh yes! ❤
Snack and Dessert Recipes
9. Jamaican Easter Spice Bun
Entice your tastebuds to a whole new level of deliciousness with this Jamaican bread dessert. It features dried fruits, Guinness stout, and warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This soft and tender bun (or cake!) is the perfect dessert for the whole family with or without occasion. And it can double as a snack and brekky, too. 😋
10. Jamaican Meat Pie
I’m not bragging here, but these Jamaican pies receive nothing but sweet compliments whenever I bring them to potlucks. They are always a hit! Well, I can’t blame them because how can you resist their buttery and flaky crust, not to mention the spicy and meaty filling. Aah! So delicious! Crank up the heat to add more wow factor. 😉
11. Jamaican Saltfish Fritters
Make sure to double the batch as these babies fly off the table quickly. Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you! Indeed, one of the tastiest Jamaican recipes you’ll ever have. Dip them with remoulade sauce, beer cheese dip, or tartar sauce to level up your snacking experience. 😉
12. Jamaican Carrot Juice
All you need is some carrots, condensed milk, ginger, nutmeg, and you’re minutes away to enjoy this healthy and refreshing Jamaican recipe, carrot juice. And a splash of rum adds an exciting twist to our healthy drink. Or enjoy it in a vegan version with coconut milk and coconut sugar instead of condensed milk. 👌
Jamaican Sauces and Seasonings
13. Jamaican Curry Powder
Thanks to this humble seasoning, we enjoy chicken curry, Jamaican curry goat, curry chicken salad, and more. And did you know you can make it at home? Yes, not only is it possible, but it’s also better than store-bought. 😉
14. Jerk Seasoning
While this seasoning is often used as a rub or marinade for our favorite proteins, like Jamaican jerk chicken, Caribbean jerk barbecue ribs, and jerk shrimp, it’s not available everywhere. But don’t fret because you can now make it from scratch. Yaaay! And since it’s homemade, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Double yaaay! 🤩
15. Browning Sauce
And, of course, you’ll love this homemade condiment, too. Not only does it enhances the flavor of our stews and cakes, but it also adds vibrant color to our dishes, too. And since it’s homemade, it’s cheaper and better because there are no additives and preservatives are added. 😉
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking for the family on a regular weeknight rotation or for a crowd, these tasty Jamaican recipes will simplify your life and please everyone’s taste buds. My fave is the oxtail stew. Which recipe calls your name? Comment below! Thanks:)
Sherraye curtis says
Easy to make meals.. I try a new recipes wkly.
Imma says
Great to hear that. I am sure all recipes go well. I would be eagerly waiting next week for an other remarkable response from you:)
Tonia Bates says
I loved this recipe so much!
Imma says
Thank you so much, Tonia! Stay tuned there are more amazing recipes coming to bring happiness to the table:)
Thomas Mizelle says
Didn’t see the oxtail stew recipe-why?
Imma says
Thank you for letting me know. I will fix it right now.
Nani Allaire says
You don’t have the browning sauce recipe available from this page
https://www.africanbites.com/tasty-jamaican-recipes/#Browning-Sauce
There’s no link or recipe on this page.. scrolled forever to double check and it’s not there
Imma says
So sorry that happened to you. But you can check now I added the link. Let me know once you try how it goes 🙂