Garlic-Infused Plantain Mash with Shrimp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 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.

★ 3.7 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Infused Plantain Mash with Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Garlic-Infused Plantain Mash with Shrimp?

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 green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Infused Plantain Mash with Shrimp?

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 Garlic-Infused Plantain Mash with Shrimp 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 Garlic-Infused Plantain Mash with Shrimp?

Puerto Rican seafood 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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