Caribbean Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar
Sweet ripe plantains pan-fried and finished with a warm rum glaze and cinnamon sugar for a decadent Caribbean dessert or side. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 25 minutes pairs unsalted butter, dark rum, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe plantains (yellow with black spots)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 2 large ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Step 2: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter until foaming. Add the plantain slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 3: Remove the plantains from the skillet and set aside. Carefully add 3 tablespoons dark rum and 1/4 cup brown sugar to the same skillet, stirring constantly over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt, then return the plantains to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the plantains evenly with the rum glaze.
- Step 5: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the glaze is shiny and sticky. Serve warm as a dessert or a sweet side dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon Sugar?
Caribbean caribbean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds. The plantains were caramelized just right and the glaze was amazing.
- ★★★★★
The rum and cinnamon sugar combo is perfect. I'll be making these for every dinner party from now on.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit! My husband said it was the best plantains he's ever had.
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