10+ Best Dominican Recipes You Need To Try Once

Dominican cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors, colors, and traditions.

Influenced by Spanish, African, and Taino cultures, it’s a feast that warms your soul and brings people together.

Whether you’re craving savory, sweet, or a bit of both, the Dominican Republic’s culinary offerings never disappoint.

Ready to take your taste buds on a tropical vacation? This list of the best Dominican recipes will bring the island’s magic to your kitchen.

From hearty stews to delightful desserts, each dish is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Let’s dive in!

1. La Bandera Dominicana (The Dominican Flag)

La Bandera Dominicana isn’t just a dish—it’s a cultural symbol.

This everyday Dominican meal features rice, beans, and meat, served alongside a fresh salad and fried plantains.

It’s simple yet packed with flavor, and every Dominican household has its twist on this beloved classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup red or black beans (cooked)
• 1 lb chicken or beef (cut into chunks)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ripe plantain (sliced and fried)
• Mixed greens for the salad

How to Make It:

1. Cook the rice in water until fluffy.
2. In a pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in oil. Add the meat and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and let it simmer until tender.
3. Heat the cooked beans separately, seasoning as desired.
4. Plate the rice, beans, and meat side by side. Add a handful of salad and fried plantains to complete the meal.

Why did this make it to our list?

La Bandera Dominicana is the heart and soul of Dominican cuisine.

It’s the perfect introduction to the country’s food culture, and its comforting flavors will have you coming back for more.

2. Mangú (Mashed Plantains)

Mangú is the Dominican Republic’s answer to mashed potatoes, but with a tropical twist.

This savory dish is made from boiled green plantains, mashed until smooth, and often served with fried cheese, eggs, or salami.

It’s a staple breakfast that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients:

• 4 green plantains (peeled and sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 red onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1/4 cup oil for frying
• Optional: fried cheese or eggs

How to Make It:

1. Boil the plantains in salted water until soft. Drain and mash them with butter and warm water until smooth.
2. Sauté the onion slices in vinegar and oil until soft.
3. Serve the mangú topped with the onions, and add fried cheese or eggs for a complete meal.

Why did this make it to our list?

Mangú is pure comfort food. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a must-try for anyone looking to taste authentic Dominican flavors.

3. Sancocho (Dominican Stew)

A bowl of sancocho is like a hug in soup form. This hearty stew features a mix of meats, root vegetables, and plantains, all simmered in a flavorful broth.

It’s the go-to dish for celebrations or when you just need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken or beef
• 2 plantains (sliced)
• 2 yuca (cassava) roots (peeled and chopped)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 1 corn on the cob (cut into chunks)
• 1 small pumpkin (peeled and cubed)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
• 6 cups chicken or beef broth

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and oregano. Add the meat and cook until browned.
2. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the vegetables and simmer until tender.
3. Season with cilantro and serve hot.

Why did this make it to our list?

Sancocho is a Dominican classic that’s as filling as it is flavorful. It’s a taste of home and tradition in every bite.

4. Pollo Guisado (Braised Chicken)

Pollo Guisado is a flavorful braised chicken dish that’s a weekly staple in Dominican households.

The chicken is cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with plenty of spices, creating a dish that’s as aromatic as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken pieces
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth. Cover and simmer until the chicken is tender.

Why did this make it to our list?

Pollo Guisado is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with rice or plantains, making it a fan favorite.

5. Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Tostones are crispy, twice-fried green plantains that are the ultimate Dominican snack.

They’re savory, crunchy, and perfect for dipping in garlic sauce or ketchup.

Ingredients:

• 3 green plantains
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste
• Optional: garlic sauce for dipping

How to Make It:

1. Peel and slice the plantains into thick rounds.
2. Fry the slices in hot oil until golden. Remove and flatten each piece with the bottom of a glass.
3. Fry the flattened plantains again until crispy. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

Why did this make it to our list?

Tostones are addictive and easy to make. They’re the perfect snack or side dish for any Dominican meal.

6. Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)

Arroz con Leche is a creamy, sweet rice pudding that’s a favorite Dominican dessert.

Infused with cinnamon and vanilla, it’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a pot, combine rice, water, and the cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat until the water is absorbed.
2. Add milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently until thick and creamy.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick and garnish with ground cinnamon before serving.

Why did this make it to our list?

Arroz con Leche is the ultimate comfort dessert. Its creamy texture and warm spices make it irresistible.

7. Pastelón (Plantain Lasagna)

Pastelón is a sweet and savory casserole made with layers of mashed ripe plantains, ground beef, and cheese.

It’s the Dominican version of lasagna, with a tropical twist.

Ingredients:

• 5 ripe plantains (peeled)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Boil the plantains until soft and mash them.
2. In a pan, cook the ground beef with onion, garlic, bell pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and simmer.
3. In a baking dish, layer mashed plantains, beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat and finish with cheese on top.
4. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Why did this make it to our list?

Pastelón is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

8. Habichuelas con Dulce (Sweet Cream of Beans)

This unique dessert is a Dominican Easter tradition, but it’s enjoyed year-round.

Made with red beans, coconut milk, and sweet spices, it’s a creamy, rich treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups red beans (cooked)
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup sweet crackers

How to Make It:

1. Blend the cooked beans with coconut milk until smooth.
2. In a pot, add the blended mixture, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and ground cloves. Cook on low heat, stirring until thick.
3. Serve warm or chilled with sweet crackers.

Why did this make it to our list?

Habichuelas con Dulce is a one-of-a-kind dessert that surprises with its rich, creamy texture and delightful spices.

9. Chicharrones de Pollo (Fried Chicken Bites)

Chicharrones de Pollo are crispy, seasoned fried chicken bites that are a favorite street food in the Dominican Republic.

Perfectly spiced and fried to golden perfection, they’re downright addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup flour
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Season the chicken with oregano, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour.
3. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Why did this make it to our list?

Chicharrones de Pollo are crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

10. Morir Soñando (Orange and Milk Drink)

Morir Soñando is one of the most iconic beverages in the Dominican Republic.

Translating to “die dreaming,” it’s the perfect blend of orange juice, milk, and sugar, resulting in a creamy, citrusy drink that tastes like pure sunshine in a glass.

It’s served ice-cold and is especially popular during the hot Caribbean summer.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Ice cubes

How to Make It:

1. In a pitcher, mix the sugar with the milk until fully dissolved. Add the vanilla extract.
2. Slowly pour in the orange juice while stirring continuously. This prevents curdling and keeps the drink smooth.
3. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the drink over the ice. Serve immediately.

Why did this make it to our list?

Morir Soñando is a refreshing escape from ordinary drinks. Its unique combination of citrus and creamy milk is like a dessert in liquid form.

One sip, and you’ll see why it’s a Dominican favorite.

11. Dominican Arepas (Cornmeal Cake)

Dominican Arepas are a dense, sweet cornmeal cake that’s a beloved dessert or snack in the Dominican Republic.

Unlike the savory arepas found in other Latin American countries, this version is soft, rich, and filled with hints of coconut and spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. In a pot, combine the coconut milk, whole milk, cinnamon stick, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Gradually add the cornmeal while stirring to avoid lumps. Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens. Remove the cinnamon stick.
4. Stir in the melted butter, nutmeg, and raisins (if using). Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Why did this make it to our list?

Dominican Arepas are a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Its rich, comforting texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

Conclusion

Dominican cuisine is a celebration of bold flavors, rich traditions, and heartwarming dishes that bring people together.

From the comforting taste of Mangú to the sweet surprise of Morir Soñando, these recipes capture the essence of the island.

Whether you’re craving a savory meal or a refreshing drink, there’s something on this list that’ll make your kitchen feel like a tropical getaway.

So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re about to fall in love with the vibrant world of Dominican food!