Tired of the same old, boring side dishes? Why not add some Cuban flare to your dinner this week by making one of these Cuban side dishes?
Cuban food is a rich, hearty melting pot of Spanish, African, and other Caribbean cuisines. A majority of recipes are slow-cooked, sautéed, and/or tomato-based with spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. If you’re new to Cuban cuisine, click here to learn more.
I’ve compiled 10 traditional Cuban side dishes that are not only easy to make but they’re also DELICIOUS!
1. Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
Sweet plantains (aka Platanos Maduros) are made from ripe green plantains that are sliced and then fried until tender in the middle and crisp on the edges. Plantains are so versatile in Cuban cuisine and make the best side dish for just about any meal!
Get the Recipe
2. How To Make Tostones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)
Tostones are twice-fried plantains made with green plantains that are peeled, sliced, fried, smashed, and then fried again. Tostones are a classic Latin staple but if you want to give them a Cuban twist, serve tostones with a Cuban garlic mojo dipping sauce! Enjoy tostones on their own, as an appetizer, or as a side dish for picadillo, arroz con pollo, sopa de pollo, and more!
Get the Recipe
3. Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)
These frijoles negros are a silky smooth black bean recipe cooked to perfection. The most flavorful Cuban side dish served with white rice!
Get the Recipe
4. Cuban Yuca con Mojo
A simple boiled yuca recipe made Cuban-style with homemade citrus-garlic mojo sauce. This traditional root vegetable turned Cuban side dish makes an appearance during the holiday and for dinner on any day of the week. Learn how to make this popular Cuban staple from start to finish in just a few easy steps!
Get the Recipe
5. Arroz Blanco (How To Make White Rice)
Arroz Blanco is an easy white rice side dish typically served with Cuban black beans or Cuban picadillo. Ready in 25 minutes with just 4 ingredients! All you need is long-grain rice, water, oil, and salt. Learn how to make it on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Both methods are practically fool-proof!
Get the Recipe
6. Frijoles Colorados (Authentic Cuban Red Beans)
Frijoles Colorados (Cuban red beans) is a smoky, hearty bean dish made with dried red kidney beans, chorizo, ham, sofrito, spices, squash, and potatoes. A true Cuban favorite! Learn how you can bring this dish to life in 3 different ways – on the stovetop after soaking the beans for 6 hours overnight or after quick soaking, in a pressure cooker, or using canned red beans. Serve these authentic Cuban red beans as a main dish or a side dish!
Get the Recipe
7. Moros y Cristianos/Arroz Congri (Cuban Black Beans + Rice)
Moros y Cristianos (or Congri) is a flavorful Cuban black beans and rice side dish made with long-grain rice, black beans, bacon, and fragrant spices. You can make this classic dish with canned black beans or dried black beans depending on how much time you have. This dish is best served with Cuban roast pork and yuca con mojo.
Get the Recipe
8. Caldo Gallego (Galician White Bean Soup)
Caldo Gallego is a hearty Galician white bean soup made with cannellini beans, smoked ham, chorizo, bacon, potatoes, and collard greens in a chicken broth. Learn how you can bring this dish to life in 2 different ways – on the stovetop after soaking the beans for 6 hours overnight or after quick soaking, or using canned white kidney beans. A classic dinner on its own with crusty bread or the perfect appetizer for any day of the week!
Get the Recipe
9. Easy Arroz Amarillo (Spanish Yellow Rice)
Arroz Amarillo is a seasoned Spanish yellow rice dish made with white rice that's colored with annatto powder and cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sofrito sauce. This 30-minute yellow rice recipe is a classic staple in Cuban cuisine and a delicious Cuban side dish for pork, ham, chicken, beef, or fish.
Get the Recipe
10. Sopa de Chicharos (Cuban Split Pea Soup)
Sopa de Chicharos is hearty, thick Cuban split pea soup made from scratch in one pot loaded with smoked ham, squash, and potatoes. Easy-to-make, flavorful, and a nourishing meal for just about any day of the week. Serve with white rice, crusty bread, or enjoy on its own.
Get the Recipe
Which side dish are you making this week? Tell me in the comments below!
Shan Brown says
These are delicious easy to make traditional Cuban recipes anyone can make.
Raysa Rivadeneira says
Love the TOP 10 EASY CUBAN RECIPES! Thank you.
Shannon says
Heelo,
Thank you souch for sharing your recipes!
I love yuca but dont know whats best to put on ot? Is there a sauce like a mojo recipe? Or would you suggest something different?
Jamie Silva says
In my yuca recipe, I share a mojo sauce that you add on top of the boiled yuca!
Manny Olmo says
Hi Jamie,
I tried a few of your dishes. I have to say these are restaurant grade recipes. You rock. A numero uno. Also, you belong in the movies with a beautiful face like yours.
Take Care,
Manny Olmo
Jamie Silva says
Lol thank you, Manny. :)
Naomi Cambria says
Jamie,
Thanks so much for sharing your recipes. I look forward to trying all the yummy dishes.🙂
Naomi Cambria
Jamie Silva says
Thank you Naomi! :)
Amy says
Growing up my best friend was Cuban these recipes bring me back to those wonders flavors
Who would have thought I could make the. Not as good as my adopted Abuela but maybe one day
Jamie Silva says
You can do it!!
Floyde Dehanne says
No Potajes? No Caldo Gallego, potaje de chicharo, or Frijoles Colorado???
Jamie Silva says
They’re on my to-do list. Thanks for your patience! :)
Lidia says
Dishes look great from a Cuban cook to a young cuban chef!!!