Grilled Plantains with Spicy Chipotle Sauce

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

Sweet grilled plantains paired with a smoky and spicy chipotle sauce create a delicious Latin American appetizer or side dish bursting with flavor. This latin american ready in about 20 minutes blends vegetable oil, peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, mayonnaise 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 220 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush 2 large peeled and lengthwise sliced ripe plantains with 2 tbsp vegetable oil on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Grill the plantain slices for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown with grill marks and softened.
  3. Step 3: While plantains grill, blend 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small food processor or blender until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the grilled plantains to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the spicy chipotle sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish with a squeeze of fresh lime if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Plantains with Spicy Chipotle Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Plantains with Spicy Chipotle 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 Grilled Plantains with Spicy Chipotle 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 Grilled Plantains with Spicy Chipotle 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 Grilled Plantains with Spicy Chipotle Sauce?

Latin American latin american 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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