Cuban-Style Stewed Pork with Plantains

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-19 · Updated 2026-04-19

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 recipe, 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

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Serve stewed pork with caramelized plantains on the side, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.