Anyone else dreaming of living the island life?
![21 Mouthwatering Jamaican Recipes You Should Try ASAP (2) 21 Mouthwatering Jamaican Recipes You Should Try ASAP (2)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2020-09/28/15/asset/348ba8bac7a5/sub-buzz-29680-1601308491-36.png?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Mollie Shafer / Via BuzzFeed
Even though you might not be able to travel to sunny Jamaica right about now, you can still enjoy some of the island's delicious and flavorful cuisine in your own home any time you want. Time to get cooking! 🏝
1. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
![21 Mouthwatering Jamaican Recipes You Should Try ASAP (3) 21 Mouthwatering Jamaican Recipes You Should Try ASAP (3)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2020-09/25/16/asset/fc1f2fac717b/sub-buzz-25854-1601052328-25.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
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All of the intense flavor of this popular dish is in the spicy and vibrant sauce that includes tamarind, ginger root, and Jamaican allspice.
Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken
2. Ackee and Saltfish with Bammy
Karamo Brown and his son Jason whipped up Jamaica's national dish in the Tasty kitchen — along with some bammy, a traditional flatbread made from cassava, on the side.
Recipe: Ackee and Saltfish with Bammy
3. Jerk Shrimp Tacos
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Speaking of jerk, the marinade is versatile so feel free to use it everything from veggies to pork to seafood. Here's a great way to use it with shrimp.
Recipe: Jerk Shrimp Tacos
4. Callaloo
africanbites.com / Via africanbites.com
Leafy vegetables are the star of this quick dish found throughout the Caribbean. The Jamaican version features callaloo, a member of the amaranth plant family, and can be served with saltfish.
Recipe: Callaloo
5. Jamaican Sorrel Punch
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Dried hibiscus gives this tart drink such a beautiful magenta color that you'll want to sip on it year-round, even though it's traditionally served during the Christmas holidays in Jamaica. The best part? It can be made with or without rum!
Recipe: Jamaican Sorrel Punch
6. Beef Patty
Laura Murray / Via bonappetit.com
This delicious savory pastry is flaky and makes a great snack. Don't forget to break out your favorite hot sauce for dipping!
Recipe: Beef Patty
7. Banana Fritters
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A sweet treat is always a good idea, so try your hand at homemade fritters like these — which are popular in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.
Recipe: Banana Fritters
8. Oxtail Stew
saveur.com / Via saveur.com
A plate of tender oxtail stew with a side of rice and peas is guaranteed to fill you up — and the perfect dish as we head into the colder months.
Recipe: Oxtail Stew
9. Escovitch Fish
jehancancook.com / Via jehancancook.com
Snapper is the fish of choice in this recipe, and the whole fish is traditionally fried. Try this ASAP if you're looking for a dish that is crispy, spicy, and tangy.
Recipe: Escovitch Fish
10. Jamaican Rice and Peas
Fun fact: The 'peas' in rice and peas are actually red kidney beans. The rice is typically served with oxtail, chicken, or some other protein.
Recipe: Jamaican Rice and Peas
11. Curried Goat
africanbites.com / Via africanbites.com
This slow-cooked stew is a popular Jamaican dish that doesn't skimp on the flavor or the spice. Serve with a side of rice or bread to sop up all that glorious sauce.
Recipe: Curried Goat
12. Brown Stew Chicken
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Brown Stew Chicken is a hearty meal that get's all of it's great flavor from a thick gravy.
Recipe: Brown Stew Chicken
13. Gizzada
jehancancook.com / Via jehancancook.com
This sweet coconut tart is also found in Portugal, where its called guizada. If you have a sweet tooth, this is perfect for you!
Recipe: Gizzada
14. Jamaican Grater Cake
dish*twithtisha.com / Via dish*twithtisha.com
More coconut!! Despite the name, this vibrantly-colored dish is closer to candy than it is cake but it's still tasty.
Recipe: Jamaican Grater Cake
15. Solomon Gundy
Kari Alana / Via chefandsteward.com
Solomon Gundy is a Jamaican pickled fish pâté that works great as an appetizer for gatherings or as a snack. This paleo-friendly recipe pairs it with plaintain tostones.
Recipe: Solomon Gundy
16. Mannish Water (Goat Soup)
originalflava.com / Via originalflava.com
This traditional soup is usually made with offal, but can be made with other parts of the goat — or any other protein you'd like to swap in.
Recipe: Mannish Water (Goat Soup)
17. Jamaican Festivals
sweetandsorrel.com / Via sweetandsorrel.com
Many countries around the world have a version of delicious fried dough, and Jamaica is no exception. The island's dumpling is fluffy on the inside with a crispy exterior, and can be served with sweet and savory dishes.
Recipe: Jamaican Festivals
18. Pepper Pot Soup
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In this recipe, callaloo is combined with potatoes and chiles to make a silky vegetarian soup.
Recipe: Pepper Pot Soup
19. Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
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This white sweet potato pudding has the warm flavors of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, making it a delicious end to a meal — and a great addition to any holiday menu.
Recipe: Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
20. Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
jamiesondiaries.com / Via jamiesondiaries.com
Jamaican steamed cabbage is a great vegan side dish that can be spiced up with scotch bonnet peppers and served alongside just about anything.
Recipe: Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
21. Jamaican Hot Chocolate
thatgirlcookshealthy.com / Via thatgirlcookshealthy.com
Also known as chocolate tea, this drink is a Jamaican staple served at breakfast time. Bottoms up!
Recipe: Jamaican Hot Chocolate