Cuban-Style Stewed Pork with Plantains
Tender pork shoulder simmered in a savory-sweet tomato and vinegar sauce, served alongside caramelized plantains for a traditional Cuban-inspired meal. This cuban-inspired quick meals ready in about 110 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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
- 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, diced green bell pepper
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound, sliced 1/2-inch thick plantains
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove pork and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced green bell pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Return pork to pot, then add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1.5 hours until pork is tender.
- Step 4: While pork simmers, heat a skillet over medium heat and add plantain slices. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 5: Serve stewed pork with caramelized plantains on the side, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cuban-Style Stewed Pork with Plantains take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Cuban-Style Stewed Pork 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 pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cuban-Style Stewed Pork 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 Cuban-Style Stewed Pork 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 Cuban-Style Stewed Pork with Plantains?
Cuban quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
Quick and delicious, perfect for busy weeknights.
- ★★★★★
The plantains were the star! So sweet and tender.
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic Cuban flavors! Made it for my Cuban grandmother and she approved.
