Pan-Seared Plantain and Shrimp with Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden plantain slices paired with garlic-scented shrimp and fresh cilantro for a vibrant, savory-sweet Puerto Rican-inspired dish. This puerto rican-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Puerto Rican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat plantain slices dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge each slice in the mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add plantain slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, flipping once. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté 2 tbsp minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp.
  4. Step 4: Return skillet to medium heat. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro until cilantro wilts. Add cooked plantains and shrimp, tossing gently to coat. Cook for 1 minute to heat through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Plantain and Shrimp with Cilantro 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-Seared Plantain and Shrimp with Cilantro?

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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Plantain and Shrimp with Cilantro?

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-Seared Plantain and Shrimp with Cilantro 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.

Is Pan-Seared Plantain and Shrimp with Cilantro gluten-free?

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

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