Caribbean-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Plantains

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

A hearty Puerto Rican-inspired pork stew simmered in a vibrant sofrito sauce, complemented by sweet fried plantains. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes pairs cut into 1-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 450 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: 55 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-6 minutes until nicely seared.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup sofrito and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and the mixture darkens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Stir well, then add 1 medium diced potato and 1 medium sliced carrot.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until pork is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While stew simmers, heat 1/4 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry 2 peeled and diagonally sliced ripe plantains for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized, then drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pork stew hot alongside the fried plantains for a balanced Caribbean meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Sofrito Pork Stew with 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 Sofrito Pork Stew with 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 Sofrito Pork Stew with 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 Sofrito Pork Stew with 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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