Garlic-Infused Plantain Mash with Shrimp

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-04-12

Creamy mashed green plantains infused with roasted garlic and tender shrimp, finished with fresh cilantro and lime for a vibrant Puerto Rican-inspired side dish. This Puerto Rican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs green plantains, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 lbs green plantains
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 oz shrimp
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange 1.5 lbs peeled and sliced green plantains (1/2-inch thick) on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 4 peeled and halved garlic cloves and cook for 5 minutes until golden and fragrant, then remove and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Transfer roasted plantains to a large bowl. Add cooled garlic, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mash with a potato masher until smooth, adding 1-2 tbsp water if too thick.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 oz peeled and deveined shrimp and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion and cook for 1 more minute until softened.
5. Step 5: Stir shrimp and onion mixture into mashed plantain, then add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice. Mix well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.