Fried Plantain and Groundnut Sauce with Braised Beef
Sweet fried plantains served with tender braised beef in a creamy, spicy Cameroonian groundnut peanut sauce. This african-inspired beef ready in about 120 minutes blends large ripe plantains, peeled and sliced, divided vegetable oil, beef chuck, cut into cubes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 3 large ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup, divided vegetable oil
- 500 g beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup ground peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
- 2 cups water
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 large sliced ripe plantains and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 500 g beef chuck cubes to the pot and brown on all sides for 7-8 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 cup crushed tomatoes, cooking for 3 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Mix 1/2 cup natural ground peanut butter with 2 cups water until smooth. Pour into the pot with beef along with 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours until beef is tender and sauce is thick and creamy.
- Step 7: Serve the tender peanut-braised beef alongside the fried plantains for a balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fried Plantain and Groundnut Sauce with Braised Beef take to make?
Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Fried Plantain and Groundnut Sauce with Braised Beef?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Plantain and Groundnut Sauce with Braised Beef?
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 Fried Plantain and Groundnut Sauce with Braised Beef 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 Fried Plantain and Groundnut Sauce with Braised Beef?
African beef 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.
