10+ Jamaican Recipes to Spice Up Your Kitchen

Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors, making it a favorite for many food lovers.

Whether you enjoy spicy dishes, savory meats, or fresh vegetables, Jamaican recipes offer a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage.

From jerk chicken that sizzles with spices to delightful curries that warm the soul, you will find a variety of dishes that capture the essence of Jamaica.

Sharing these recipes can bring a piece of the Caribbean to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the unique and delicious tastes of the island.

1) Jerk Chicken

Jerk chicken is a famous Jamaican dish known for its spicy and smoky flavor. It gets its unique taste from a special marinade that includes herbs, spices, and peppers.

To make jerk chicken, you will need to marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight.

This step helps the flavors soak in, making the chicken tender and delicious.

You can grill or bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The result is juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon dried ground thyme
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the garlic powder, allspice, thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl.
2. Rub the spice mix onto the chicken thighs.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and marinate for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
5. Grill the chicken for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

2) Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and saltfish is a classic Jamaican dish. It features ackee, a fruit that has a rich, creamy texture, alongside flaked salted codfish. This dish is often enjoyed for breakfast but can be served at any time.

To make this meal, you will first need to soak the saltfish to remove some of the salt. Then, you sauté it with fresh vegetables and spices for added flavor.

The combination is both hearty and delicious.

You can serve it with fried dumplings or rice. It’s a great way to experience Jamaican cuisine at its finest!

Ingredients

• 8 oz salted codfish
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 green scallions, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 can of ackee, drained

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the salted codfish for at least two hours in cold water.
2. Rinse the fish and boil it in fresh water for about 15 minutes.
3. Flake the fish and set it aside.
4. In a pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
5. Sauté onions, scallions, and thyme until soft.
6. Add the flaked fish and the drained ackee to the pan.
7. Stir gently and cook for a few minutes until heated through.

3) Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaican beef patties are a tasty and popular snack. They have a flaky, buttery crust and a flavorful filling made with ground beef. This dish is known for its unique spices and savory taste.

You can find different versions, including curried options that add a nice kick. Popular ingredients include onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper for heat. You can enjoy them as a quick meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
3. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
4. In a skillet, cook onion and garlic until soft. Add beef, Scotch bonnet, thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is brown.
5. Roll out dough and cut circles. Fill each with a spoonful of beef mixture.
6. Fold and seal edges. Place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

4) Rice and Peas

Rice and peas is a popular Jamaican dish. It features rice cooked with kidney beans and coconut milk. The combination adds a rich, creamy texture and unique flavor.

Cooking this meal is simple. Start by rinsing the rice and beans. Then, simmer them together with coconut milk and spices. You can also add thyme and garlic for extra taste.

This dish is great as a side or main meal. It pairs well with meats or can be enjoyed on its own. Many people love its comforting and hearty qualities.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, and water.
3. Add thyme, garlic, and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

5) Oxtail Stew

Oxtail stew is a beloved dish in Jamaican cuisine. It is known for its rich flavors and tender meat. Slow-cooking oxtails allows them to become soft and fall-off-the-bone delicious.

To make this stew, you start by marinating the oxtails. Use ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and certain spices to add depth to the flavor.

Cook them low and slow in a pot with broth, onions, and vegetables. The result is a hearty meal served over rice or with dumplings.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs oxtails
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons allspice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 4 cups beef broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the oxtails with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning for 1 hour.
2. In a large pot, brown the oxtails over medium heat.
3. Add onions, carrots, and the Scotch bonnet pepper.
4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until tender.

6) Callaloo

Callaloo is a popular Jamaican dish made from leafy greens. You can enjoy it as a side or add it to other meals. It’s often cooked with onions, garlic, and spices for flavor.

To prepare callaloo, you start by lightly steaming the leaves. Adding scotch bonnet pepper can give it a spicy kick. You might also include tomatoes and thyme to enhance the taste. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of callaloo or spinach
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add the chopped scotch bonnet pepper and diced tomato; cook for a few minutes.
4. Stir in the callaloo and thyme; cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

7) Festival

Festival is a popular Jamaican sweet dumpling. It’s known for its crispy outside and soft inside. You will love making this tasty treat at home.

The main ingredients are cornmeal, flour, sugar, and vanilla. Festivals are often served with jerk chicken or fish. They have a slightly sweet flavor that complements savory dishes well.

To make festival, you will need to fry the dough until it’s golden brown. This creates a delicious, crunchy texture. Enjoy them fresh and hot for the best taste!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Water, as needed
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the vanilla extract and water. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into small oval pieces.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Fry the dumplings until golden brown on both sides.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

8) Curry Goat

Curry goat is a delicious and popular Jamaican dish. It features tender pieces of goat meat cooked slowly with flavorful spices. The curry gives it a rich, aromatic taste.

You can find many variations, but they all focus on a blend of garlic, ginger, thyme, and hot peppers. These ingredients create a delightful mix of heat and comfort.

This dish is often served with rice and peas, perfectly balancing the spices. It’s a hearty meal that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds goat meat
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1-2 hot peppers, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, marinate the goat with curry powder, garlic, ginger, and salt.
2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions and peppers until soft.
3. Add the marinated goat and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in water and add thyme. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Cook until the goat is tender and the sauce thickens. Serve hot.

9) Brown Stew Chicken

Brown Stew Chicken is a popular Jamaican dish known for its rich flavor. The chicken is marinated in spices and then stewed until tender. This dish is often enjoyed with rice or potatoes.

To make it, start with chicken pieces and season them well.

Ingredients like garlic, onion, and bell peppers add depth to the flavor. You can also use carrots for a touch of sweetness.

The cooking process involves browning the chicken first. Then, you will simmer it slow to let the flavors blend. The result is a savory meal that brings a taste of Jamaica to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and thyme for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
4. Add bell peppers and carrots, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Stir in brown sugar, then pour in chicken broth.
6. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
7. Check for tenderness and serve warm.

10) Fried Plantains

Fried plantains are a delicious and popular dish in Jamaican cuisine. They are sweet, savory, and easy to prepare. These crispy slices make a great side dish or snack.

To start, you will need ripe plantains. Peel them and cut them into diagonal slices about one inch thick. The shape helps them cook evenly.

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Avoid a non-stick pan for the best results.

Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.

Once cooked, place the fried plantains on paper towels to drain excess oil. Enjoy them warm!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe plantains
• Cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the plantains and slice diagonally into one-inch thick pieces.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Fry the plantain slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.