Pan-Fried Plantains with Garlic Shrimp
Sweet plantains caramelized until golden and paired with succulent shrimp in a garlic-infused oil for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium Ripe plantains, Shrimp, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 medium Ripe plantains
- 8 oz Shrimp
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Lime
- 1 tbsp Cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel plantains and slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add plantain slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown. Add shrimp, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Return plantains to the skillet with shrimp and toss to coat. Squeeze lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Plantains with Garlic Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Plantains with Garlic 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 medium ripe plantains from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Plantains with Garlic 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 Pan-Fried Plantains with Garlic Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Fried Plantains with Garlic 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this pan-fried are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
