Caribbean-Style Braised Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender braised pork shoulder infused with a vibrant Caribbean sofrito and paired with caramelized sweet plantains for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder, olive oil, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crusty.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup sofrito (blended mixture of 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper, 4 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup cilantro) and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp adobo seasoning, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise for 1 hour until pork is tender.
  4. Step 4: While pork braises, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced 2 large ripe plantains with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp sugar and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized, flipping carefully.
  5. Step 5: Serve the braised pork hot topped with the caramelized plantains for a classic Caribbean balance of hearty and sweet flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Braised Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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-Style Braised Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Braised Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains?

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-Style Braised Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains 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-Style Braised Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains?

Caribbean pork 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.

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