Wasakaka Sauce Zesty Dominican Wasakaka Sauce with Garlic and Citrus Ingredients: 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup olive oil 6 cloves garlic, minced or mashed 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro) Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Directions: In a small saucepan, combine water, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes to soften the garlic and meld the flavors. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk in olive oil until emulsified and smooth. Stir in chopped parsley or cilantro and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature as a sauce for grilled meats, fried plantains, or roasted vegetables. Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 12 minutes Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #wasakaka #dominicansauce #latinsauces #garlicsauce #citrusmarinade #homemadesauce #grillingseason #tropicalflavors #salsadominicana #easycondiment #freshherbs #parsleysauce #garliclime #latinflavor #cookingfromscratch #flavorboost #sidedishsauce #islandkitchen #saborcaribeño #homemadeflavor Add bold, tropical flavor to your table with this Wasakaka Sauce! Perfect for grilled chicken, tostones, and even roasted veggies.

Cuban Lechón Asado – Roasted Whole Pig A traditional Cuban celebration dish, Lechón Asado is whole roasted pig marinated in mojo (garlic-citrus sauce), slow-cooked to juicy perfection with crispy skin. Ingredients (Serves 10+): * 1 whole pig (or pork shoulder for smaller portions) * Mojo marinade: * 1 cup sour orange juice (or mix of orange and lime juice) * 10 garlic cloves, minced * 2 tbsp oregano * 1 tsp cumin * Salt, pepper * Olive oil Instructions: 1. Prepare mojo marinade by mixing citrus juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. 2. Rub marinade all over pig, marinate overnight. 3. Roast pig slowly at 160°C (320°F) for 4–6 hours, basting with marinade regularly. 4. Increase heat to 220°C (430°F) for last 20 minutes to crisp skin. 5. Carve and serve with black beans, rice, and plantains. Cuban Tip: Traditionally cooked in a caja china (roasting box) outdoors.

Jamaican Jerk Pork – Spiced Grilled Pork A famous Caribbean dish, Jamaican jerk pork is marinated in a spicy blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection. Ingredients (Serves 4): * 1kg pork shoulder, cut into chunks * 3 Scotch bonnet peppers, deseeded * 4 cloves garlic * 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves * 2 tsp allspice * 1 tsp cinnamon * 1 tsp nutmeg * 1 tbsp brown sugar * 2 tbsp soy sauce * Juice of 1 lime * Salt and pepper Instructions: 1. Blend peppers, garlic, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper into a marinade. 2. Marinate pork overnight or at least 4 hours. 3. Grill over medium heat until cooked and slightly charred. 4. Serve with rice and peas and fried plantains. Jamaican Tip: Charcoal grilling over pimento wood adds authentic smoky flavor.

Cuban Ropa Vieja – Shredded Beef in Tomato Sauce Cuba’s national dish, Ropa Vieja features slow-cooked shredded beef in a savory tomato-pepper sauce, often accompanied by rice and black beans. Ingredients (Serves 4): * 1kg flank steak or chuck roast * 1 onion, sliced * 1 green bell pepper, sliced * 3 cloves garlic, minced * 400g crushed tomatoes * 150ml beef broth * 1 tsp cumin * 1 tsp oregano * Salt, pepper, oil Instructions: 1. Brown beef in oil, then simmer with broth until tender (2–3 hours). 2. Shred beef using forks. 3. Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until soft. Add spices and tomatoes. 4. Stir in shredded beef and cook 20 minutes to meld flavors. 5. Serve with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains. Cuban Tip: Add a splash of red wine or sherry for deeper flavor if desired.

Dominican Chicharrón de Cerdo – Crispy Fried Pork Belly A popular dish in the Dominican Republic and throughout Latin America, Chicharrón de Cerdo features pork belly chunks that are boiled and then deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Ingredients (Serves 4): * 1kg pork belly, cut into bite-sized chunks * 5 cloves garlic, crushed * Juice of 2 limes * 1 tsp oregano * Salt and pepper * Oil for frying Instructions: 1. Marinate pork with garlic, lime juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for 1–2 hours. 2. Place pork in a pot with a little water. Cook uncovered until water evaporates. 3. Let pork brown in its own fat, or deep-fry until crispy and golden. 4. Drain and serve with tostones (fried green plantains) and lime wedges. Dominican Tip: A squeeze of fresh lime right before serving enhances the flavor and cuts the fat.