Puerto Rican-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Sweet Plantains

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

A hearty pork stew simmered in a vibrant sofrito sauce, complemented by tender chunks of sweet plantains for a comforting Puerto Rican classic. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown evenly for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until all sides are golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced green bell pepper to the pot, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup sofrito sauce, 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until pork is tender.
  5. Step 5: While stew simmers, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and fry 2 peeled and sliced plantains (1/2-inch thick rounds) for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and caramelized. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pork stew in bowls topped with fried plantains and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for a rich, comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Puerto Rican-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Sweet Plantains?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Puerto Rican-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Sweet Plantains?

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 Puerto Rican-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Sweet Plantains for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Puerto Rican-Style Sofrito Pork Stew with Sweet Plantains?

Caribbean pork 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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