I have been cooking my way through these 25 Ecuadorian treasures for weeks and my kitchen has never smelled better. These dishes are so impressively flavorful and fun to make that you will want to serve every single one of them to your favorite people.
Top 25 Foods of Ecuador
If you have never explored the incredible ingredients of Ecuador before now, you are in for an absolute treat.
I put together these 25 amazing recipes packed with hearty staples like plantains, quinoa, and beef right alongside the most vibrant herbs and spices. Get ready to find your next obsession below.
1. Dulce de Higos (Fig Preserves in Syrup)
This is the exact dessert you need to impress everyone at your next dinner party. It transforms whole unpeeled figs into something insanely sticky, fruity, and sweet.
You simply soak them with a little baking soda before boiling them down in a rich brown sugar syrup. Serving these warm caramelized beauties over a thick slice of mozzarella cheese is absolutely life changing.
2. Pan de Yuca (Cheese Bread)
You might hear this called a cheese bread, but it honestly eats much more like a savory muffin. The magic comes entirely from combining unique yuca flour with heaps of cheese.
They bake up incredibly fluffy and soft on the inside with a delightful little crunch on the exterior. Spread some butter right on top and prepare to fall in love.
3. Bolón de Verde (Ecuadorian Green Plantain Fritters)
These green plantain fritters have officially claimed the top spot for my weekend snacking routine. The dough relies on cooked and mashed green plantains mixed with butter, salt, and queso fresco.
It starts out quite heavy and dense before taking a quick plunge in hot oil. Once those edges turn crispy and golden, the inside transforms into a surprisingly light and fluffy filling.
4. Ecuadorian Seco de Chivo (Braised Goat Stew)
I consider this braised goat stew to be one of the most magnificent meals you can possibly cook. It slowly simmers bone in goat meat with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and heaps of garlic.
A special blend of warm spices and citrusy naranjillas gives the broth an unbelievably complex flavor. Tracking down all the ingredients takes a little effort, but the incredibly tender meat is worth every second.
5. Humitas (Steamed Fresh Corn Cakes)
So many people sleep on this South American delicacy, but I am here to change that today.
These steamed fresh corn cakes combine sweet corn, savory cheese, and earthy coriander into one magical package.
They truly melt in your mouth right from the very first bite. Think of them as a delightful cousin to the cheese and corn tamale.
6. Llapingacho Recipe (Ecuadorian Potato Pancakes)
Please forget about bland side dishes because these potato pancakes are the only thing you will ever need.
They mash up potatoes, onions, garlic, and spices with a generous handful of mature cheddar cheese. The inside stays unbelievably fluffy while the outside crisps up into a gorgeous crust.
If you have a few extra minutes, you must try them with the matching peanut sauce.
7. Morocho (Ecuadorian Spiced Corn Pudding Drink)
Get ready to try a sweet spiced corn pudding that you actually drink from a glass. It brings a wonderfully fun texture to the table that reminds me so much of bubble tea.
You get these incredibly creamy and sweet flavors backed by heavy notes of warm cinnamon. The little bites of corn make it an unforgettable beverage that I crave constantly.
8. Fanesca (Ecuadorian Easter Soup)
This bright and sunny soup is traditionally served to celebrate the Easter holiday.
The bowl contains an incredibly unique medley of squash, cod, corn, hard boiled eggs, green peas, and cannellini beans.
A generous dose of cumin, parsley, and garlic turns the broth into pure savory magic. It is remarkably filling and so gorgeously vibrant.
9. Corviches
I am completely obsessed with these crunchy little patties built from perfectly mashed plantains. The centers are stuffed with succulent shrimp or delicate tuna mixed with peanuts, onion, and garlic.
Biting through that crispy fried exterior into the tender seafood middle creates a spectacular textural contrast. They are literal flavor bombs that disappear almost immediately in my house.
10. Muchines de Yuca (Cassava Ball)
Prepare yourself for one of the most incredible flavor experiences of your entire life.
These cassava balls merge starchy yucca and rich cheese to achieve a creamy middle and a crunchy shell.
They work beautifully as a quick snack on their own or served alongside some lightly seasoned beef. A tiny pinch of hot pepper flakes on top takes them right into the stratosphere.
11. Empanadas de Viento (Fried Cheese Empanadas)
One bite of these deep fried cheese pockets will have you completely hooked. The dough itself manages to be delightfully tender and wonderfully crispy all at once.
You get a savory rush from the gooey cheese and onions hiding inside. I know sugar in the dough and sprinkled on top sounds wild, but you just have to trust me on this one.
12. Ecuadorian Fritada de Chancho (Pork Fritada)
I dream about this succulent pork seasoned with heaps of garlic and earthy cumin.
You cook the meat down in a mixture of water and orange juice alongside fresh onions and garlic until it becomes incredibly tender. The braising process infuses every ounce with flavor before the wok gives it a perfect crust.
Serve this beauty with rice, hominy, and fried ripe plantains to soak up all that garlicky goodness.
13. Ecuadorian Churrasco
You really cannot go wrong with a mouthwatering combination of perfectly seared steak and bold spices.
It feels like a beautiful mashup of an American steak and eggs platter and a full English breakfast.
I personally love making this on a lazy weekend when I have plenty of time to enjoy every heavy bite. Just make sure to include some spicy jalapeños to cut through all that richness.
14. Aguado de Gallina (Ecuadorian Chicken Rice Soup)
This creamy bowl of comfort delivers a spicy and savory flavor profile that will absolutely floor you. That very first bite floods your palate with fragrant seasonings before the heat gently sneaks up.
It is completely packed with succulent chicken pieces and beautifully tender potatoes. Pour it all over a bed of white rice to really capture the authentic experience.
15. Pescado Encocado (Fish in Coconut Sauce)
Simmering fish in a rich coconut sauce will forever be one of my favorite cooking techniques. The creamy liquid imparts a gentle sweetness that elevates the mild fish without overpowering it.
You get a beautiful red hue running through the sauce courtesy of authentic achiote powder. If you cannot find that specific spice, a dash of sweet paprika works perfectly in a pinch.
16. Menestra de Porotos (Ecuadorian Bean Stew)
I could eat bowls of this soul satisfying bean stew every single day.
It builds a beautiful foundation using fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili powder before adding the hearty beans. Warm notes of cumin and cilantro swoop in to balance all those rich savory spices.
The thick and creamy textures make it an incredibly comforting masterpiece.
17. Mote Pillo (Hominy with Eggs)
I love turning to this simple and comforting meal on my busiest weeknights. It blends hearty hominy with fresh eggs to create a massive punch of wholesome nutrition and protein.
The entire dish comes together so quickly without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. I usually serve it alongside some crunchy chips and salsa or roasted vegetables.
18. Espumilla (Ecuadorian Meringue Cream Dessert)
You have to try this glorious combination of light meringue and soft fruit pulp. The fluffy texture melts on your tongue while the sweet flavors blend seamlessly together.
I love tasting the bright notes of fresh guava and passion fruit shining through the mild cream. It honestly feels like eating a refreshing cloud of pure summertime joy.
19. Ecuador Encebollado de Pescado (Fish Soup)
You really do not want to miss out on this entirely unique seafood soup. Every bowl is packed with flaky chunks of tuna or mahi mahi surrounded by a juicy tomato salsa and tangy pickled onions.
The flavors are exceptionally bright and incredibly refreshing. Just remember to top your bowl with fresh avocado and a big squeeze of lime juice right before digging in.
20. Carne en Palito/Chuzos/Pinchos (Thin Beef Skewers)
These marinated beef skewers will absolutely make your taste buds jump for joy.
You soak thin strips of beef in a punchy mixture of orange juice, garlic, cumin, and achiote powder. Tossing them onto a hot open flame sears the meat quickly to keep it meltingly tender.
I highly recommend serving them next to some lightly charred peppers for a hit of sweet smokiness.
21. Tigrillo
This hearty breakfast masterpiece starts by lightly cooking sweet plantains in a pool of butter. You toss in a handful of chopped scallions to bring the perfect amount of color and savory crunch.
Next comes a beautiful layer of fresh eggs and gooey melted cheese right over the top. You can even customize it with some crispy fried bacon if you want to go all out.
22. Fried Sweet Plantains
These fried sweet treats might just be my favorite healthy snack of all time.
Plantains are naturally much firmer than regular bananas, meaning they hold their lovely shape perfectly in the hot oil. They emerge gloriously crispy on the outside while staying warm and tender on the inside.
A quick dusting of cinnamon sugar turns them into an absolute delight.
23. Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche (Ceviche de Camarón)
I absolutely adore this vibrant mixture of shrimp, onion, tomato, orange juice, and fresh cilantro.
The sharp acidity of the citrus gets perfectly mellowed out by the tomatoes and herbs. Meanwhile, you get this wonderful sweet crunch from the raw onions in every spoonful.
Scoop it all up with crispy plantain or taro chips for the ultimate textural experience.
24. Vegan Locro De Papa (Ecuadorian Potato and Cheese Soup)
This is a completely vegan take on a classic creamy potato and cheese soup. It relies on a simple list of ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular.
Hearty potatoes and creamy vegan cheese get a massive flavor boost from savory onions, garlic, oregano, and cumin. You finish it off with slices of avocado and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for the perfect bowl.
25. Tres Leches Cake
This glorious dessert is easily one of the most popular cakes across all of South America. It utilizes regular milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk to achieve an unbelievably moist crumb.
Every single bite is profoundly rich, creamy, and wonderfully sweet. Because it holds so much liquid, it stays perfectly fresh in the fridge for several days.