15+ Authentic Jamaican Recipes

Across the world, Jamaican cuisine is well-known to be one of the best in the Caribbean. 

Growing up, all I knew were Jamaican dishes. But now I’m opening my palette to cuisine beyond my home.

So, as I continue my cooking journey, I would like to take the time to showcase some of Jamaica’s best dishes and the recipes for them. 

There are a lot of recipes that we, as Jamaicans, love to prepare.

These are just a few of the most talked about dishes, from our famous oxtail stew to our infamous jerk chicken and soups.

As much as I’d love to name all of them, let me start with these more popular dishes you won’t resist.

Recommended: 10+ Best Caribbean Breakfast Ideas

Additionally, these are perfect recipes that are budget-friendly, vegan-friendly, and even kid-friendly.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Popular Jamaican Dinner Recipes –

1. Jamaican Oxtail Stew

Jamaican Oxtail Stew is out-of-this-world delicious oxtails braised with butter beans in a flavorful deep gravy spiced up with allspice, thyme, curry, Scotch bonnet pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and browning sauce. ~ Immaculate Bites

2. Brown Stew Chicken

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. This savory dish is packed with nutrients and simmered in a flavorful gravy-like sauce. ~ TheShyFoodBlogger

3. Stew Peas

This Jamaican Stew Peas recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Made with red kidney beans and flavored with herbs, spices, coconut milk, and stewing meat. This hearty stew is packed with so much flavor. ~ My Forking Life

4. Escovitch Fish

Jamaican Escovitch Fish is a delectable dish that has been enjoyed by Jamaicans for centuries. This dish is made by frying a whole fish and then marinating it in a delicious blend of vinegar, onions, and spices. ~ Jerk Tavern

5. Jamaican Turkey Neck

If you love oxtail meat you’re going to love this turkey neck recipe. Seared and cooked to perfection to give the best flavors ever.

6. Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jerk Chicken is a classic Jamaican dish that is known all across the world. Jamaican Jerk Chicken is an earthy, sweet, and spicy blend of exotic flavors. ~ Jerk Tavern

7. Curry Goat

Jamaican Curry Goat is a beloved Caribbean meal made of stewed goat meat, and chunks of potatoes in a thick, savory curry sauce. This flavoured dish is marinated overnight in Jamaican spices and then slow-cooked until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve for dinner with a side of white rice and plantains. ~ Seasoned Skillet

8. Stew Pork

This Jamaican Stew Pork recipe is a classic comfort food and a favorite of mine. You won’t be able to resist this crowd-pleaser.

9. Jamaican Curry Chicken

Jamaican Curry Chicken is a favorite comfort food for many. This recipe is so easy and pairs great with steamed rice and a side of fresh veggies. Ready in 30 minutes!

Popular Jamaican Soup Recipes –

10. Manish Water Soup

Mannish water soup is served hot as an appetizer in Jamaica, at large gatherings, like setup (wake), weddings, and parties. The broth is wonderful and full of deep, goat flavors with a hint of spice. ~ Jamaicans.com

11. Pumpkin Soup

Enjoy a meat free version of this traditional Jamaican Pumpkin Soup. It’s bursting with true Caribbean flavour, tasty and incredibly satisfying, so good you will be tempted to have more than one bowl of this goodness. ~ ThatGirlCooksHealthy

12. Red Peas Soup

Jamaican Red Peas Soup is a classic Jamaican soup that’s bursting with a mix of Caribbean herbs, spices and flavour! ~ Seasoned Skillet

13. Conch Soup

A delicious soup that would easily transport you to the Caribbean with its flavor. This conch soup is packed with not just conch meat but also corn, potatoes, carrots, and dumplings. The perfect soup option. ~ This Bago Girl

14. Jamaican Fish Tea Soup

Fish tea is a favorite appetizer before meals at many Jamaican events. It is typically served in a small foam cup. It can be served as a meal as a soup. Try our Jamaican Fish Tea Recipe. ~ Jamaicans.com

15. Chicken Soup

Jamaican chicken soup is on the menu today! Nothing beats this hearty chicken soup dish it is full of flavour and very filling that you won’t need any sides. ~ Jamaican Foods and Recipes

Other Jamaican Dishes –

16. Fried Plantains

Sweet Fried plantain is our favorite side dish! Fried plantains pair well with everything and that’s no cap. It’s something your kids will love! ~ Jerk Tavern

17. Potato Salad

Caribbean Potato Salad -This incredible potato salad is creamy, luscious, tasty, and chock full of vegetables. ~ Immaculate Bites

18. Rice and Peas

A popular dish in the Caribbean, this Jamaican Rice and Peas recipe goes well with many meat protein-based meals. Made with coconut milk, garlic, thyme, red kidney beans, butter, escallion, rice, and scotch bonnet pepper, you’ll sure love it.

19. Jamaican Patties

Uncover the exotic flavors of the Caribbean with this irresistible Jamaican Beef Patty recipe, a classic that combines a delicious ground beef filling with a delicious, flaky, golden pastry crust. This popular Jamaican street food can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal. ~ Cooking Frog

20. Rice and Gungo Peas

I’m so happy to share all these recipes with you, as these were some of my favorites growing up.

And now you and you’re family can enjoy them too!

Don’t forget to check out my other posts with some of the best Caribbean breakfast ideas here.

Thanks for being here and I hope you enjoyed the content. You can follow me for more content and recipes on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok.

~ TheShyFoodBlogger