Pan-Seared Plantains with Garlic Thyme Rice and Peas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-seared plantains served atop fluffy garlic thyme rice mixed with green peas for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired vegetarian dish. This caribbean-inspired caribbean (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium ripe plantains, olive oil, basmati rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice 3 medium ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the plantain slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized; remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Rinse 150g basmati rice under cold water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 300ml water, 1 tsp salt, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
  3. Step 3: In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 cup frozen green peas and cook for 3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Remove thyme sprigs from the rice, fluff rice with a fork, then gently fold in the garlic peas mixture along with 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Serve the garlic thyme rice and peas topped with the pan-seared plantains for a colorful and flavorful Caribbean meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Plantains with Garlic Thyme Rice and Peas take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Plantains with Garlic Thyme Rice and Peas?

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-Seared Plantains with Garlic Thyme Rice and Peas?

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 Plantains with Garlic Thyme Rice and Peas 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 Pan-Seared Plantains with Garlic Thyme Rice and Peas 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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