Green Banana Pasteles with Pork Filling and Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Mashed green bananas are wrapped around a slow-simmered pork and tomato filling, then steamed to create a tender, flavorful Puerto Rican specialty with a perfect balance of textures. This puerto rican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 95 minutes blends medium (600g) Green bananas, (450g) Pork shoulder, Tomato sauce 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 400 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice 4 medium green bananas into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Boil in salted water for 8 minutes until tender, then drain and mash with a fork until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Brown 1 lb pork shoulder in 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until pork is tender and sauce thickens, then shred with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Mix shredded pork with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Spread 1/4 cup mashed bananas on a banana leaf or parchment paper, place 2 tbsp pork filling in the center, and fold into a triangle. Steam for 20 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Green Banana Pasteles with Pork Filling and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (45 min prep + 50 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Green Banana Pasteles with Pork Filling and Tomato Sauce?

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 Green Banana Pasteles with Pork Filling and Tomato Sauce?

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 Green Banana Pasteles with Pork Filling and Tomato Sauce 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 Green Banana Pasteles with Pork Filling and Tomato Sauce?

Puerto Rican slow cooker 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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