Iguana Stew Recipe
🇬🇾Guyana

Iguana Stew an Uncommon Taste of the Caribbean

The handsome devil pictured above may not look like much of a meal to you or me, but in Guyana, Trinidad, and other parts of the Caribbean he’s a delicacy. No really, I’m serious. So, looking for some unique Caribbean food, try this iguana stew recipe!

One of our Guyanese friends living in South Florida was going to cook one up for us to prove it, but she claims that all the iguanas near her house died during our unusually cold winter. Of course, she said this while fighting back a wry smile and wistfully rubbing her belly, so you be the judge of what really happened to all the SoFla iguanas.

So, the question is how does it taste? We’re still waiting for our first bowl, but if you’ve tried iguana stew or any other iguana meal, leave a comment and let us know.

Iguana Stew Recipe

Iguana Stew

In GuyanaTrinidad, and other parts of the Caribbean iguana stew had been a staple for years. Use this recipe in case you want to cook some up for yourself!

Ingredients

  • 1 live Iguana
  • 1 large Onion
  • 2 Cloves Garlic
  • 3 Tomatoes
  • 2 Green Peppers
  • 4 teaspoon Achiote Oil
  • 1 pinch Pepper
  • Salt -- To Taste

Instructions

  1. Make the achiote oil by frying the achiote slowly until the oil is red. 
  2. Kill the iguana by cutting off its head.
  3. Open the belly lengthwise and remove all the entrails. 
  4. Cook in salted water until the meat is tender (take care not to let it get too soft). 
  5. Peel and cut in portions. 
  6. Season with all the above ingredients and cook with about 1 cup water, until almost dry.
  7. Enjoy!

Last updated by Steve Bennett on .

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