Grilled Plantain Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet grilled plantains paired with smoky chipotle avocado crema stuffed into warm corn tortillas for a vibrant vegetarian taco. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs small corn tortillas, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Toss 2 large peeled and sliced plantains (1/2-inch rounds) with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Grill the plantain slices for 3 minutes per side until they develop dark grill marks and soften.
  3. Step 3: In a blender, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spreading a spoonful of the chipotle avocado crema on each tortilla, topping with 2-3 grilled plantain slices, a few thin slices of 1/4 small red onion, and sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco over each taco before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Plantain Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Plantain Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema?

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 small corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Plantain Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema?

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 Grilled Plantain Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema 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.

Is Grilled Plantain Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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