Top 5 Caribbean Dishes You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

Caribbean food is bold, colorful, and full of flavor—but that doesn’t mean it has to take hours to prepare. With just a few pantry ingredients like beans, coconut milk, jerk seasoning, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, and plantains (all available at Joe’s African Caribbean Market), you can whip up delicious, authentic meals in less than half an hour.

If you read our last post, 10 Essential Caribbean Pantry Staples for Everyday Cooking, you already know that a stocked pantry is the secret to quick, flavorful dishes. Today, we’re showing you exactly how to use those ingredients to create five classic Caribbean meals—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

Coconut Rice with Pigeon Peas

This quick Caribbean recipe combines the nutty richness of coconut milk with the earthy taste of pigeon peas. It’s a popular side dish across the Caribbean and pairs perfectly with grilled fish, jerk chicken, or curry goat. Shop Caribbean cooking ingredients online in Canada at Joe’s African-Caribbean Market.

Image from: iStock Photo 

Coconut Infusion:

• Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure the thyme.
• Rinse rice until the water runs clear.
• Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2–3 mins, add garlic and thyme for 30 secs.
• Stir in rice for 1–2 mins to toast.
• Add coconut milk, water, pigeon peas, and salt. Stir once.
• Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and cook 15–20 mins until liquid is absorbed.
• Rest for 5 mins, then fluff with a fork to serve.

Jerk Chicken Wraps

If you love bold, smoky flavors, these jerk chicken wraps are an easy Caribbean meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Using authentic jerk seasoning from Joe’s African-Caribbean Market ensures you get that sweet-spicy, smoky kick that makes Caribbean food so unique.

Image from: Wajos 

Wrap & Roll:

• Slice chicken breasts into thin strips, coat with jerk seasoning, and rub evenly.
• Pan-fry or grill the thinly sliced chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
• Wash and dry fresh lettuce leaves, and slice ripe tomatoes into thin rounds.
• Lay a tortilla flat. Add a layer of lettuce, followed by tomato slices, and then the hot jerk chicken strips.
• Drizzle with your favorite sauce. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly.
• Slice in half for easier eating and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.

 

Sardine & Plantain Stir-Fry

This Caribbean dinner idea brings together sweet fried plantains and savory sardines for a satisfying meal you can make fast. A favorite in many Caribbean households, it’s perfect for days when you want a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Image from: iStock Photo 

Sardine Sizzle:

• Peel ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into thick pieces for even frying.
• Heat oil in a pan and fry the plantains in batches until golden brown. Dry on paper towels and set aside.
• Pour out excess oil, leaving 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.
• Sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until soft, then stir in drained sardines and curry powder, breaking them up slightly.
• Return fried plantains to the pan and toss gently to coat with the sardine and pepper mixture.
  
  

Curry Shrimp with Rice

This easy Caribbean dinner delivers big flavor in less than half an hour. Juicy shrimp simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce make for a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Find Caribbean spices and fresh ingredients at Joe’s African-Caribbean Market, delivered anywhere in Canada.

Image from: Original Flava 

 

Curry Bloom:

• Rinse, peel, and devein shrimp (if needed). Pat dry, then season with salt, pepper, and curry powder. Toss to coat evenly.
• Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes, then add more curry powder and stir briefly to bring out the flavor.
• Pour in coconut milk, stir, and simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend.
• Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently until pink and opaque.
• Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve hot with rice, noodles, or bread.

Scotch Bonnet Pepper Fish Stew

Turn up the heat with this Caribbean fish stew packed with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers. It’s bold, warming, and perfect with rice or bread. Adjust the spice to suit your taste—all ingredients are available at Joe’s African-Caribbean Market online or in-store.

Image from: Kitchen Exile 

Heat Kickoff:

• Chop onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet (remove the seeds for less heat), and tomatoes. Pat the fish fillets dry and season lightly with salt.
• Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes, then stir in garlic and scotch bonnet for 30 seconds.
• Add tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until they break down into a thick sauce, adding a splash of water or stock if needed.
• Place fish fillets in a single layer in the sauce, handling gently to keep them intact.
• Cover and cook on low for 8–10 minutes until tender. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Why Buy from Joe’s African Caribbean Market?

Are you making jerk wraps, curry chickpeas, or coconut rice? Joe’s African Caribbean Market has every ingredient you need—from fresh plantains to coconut milk and authentic jerk seasoning. Plus, shopping online with JACM means:

• Cheaper prices compared to many in-store and online options
• Stress-free delivery anywhere in Canada
• Access to a wide range of Caribbean pantry staples you might not find locally
  

While browsing for ingredients, don’t forget to check out our 10 Essential Caribbean Pantry Staples for Everyday Cooking to inspire more quick and delicious meals.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Caribbean food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a well-stocked pantry and quality ingredients from Joe’s African-Caribbean Market, you can enjoy authentic flavors in 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re making coconut rice with pigeon peas or jerk chicken wraps, the taste of the islands is just a few clicks away.