Rum-Glazed Caribbean Sweet Plantains
Sweet plantains pan-fried and glazed with a rich rum and brown sugar sauce for a luscious side or dessert. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 25 minutes pairs unsalted butter, packed dark brown sugar, dark rum for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe plantains (yellow with black spots)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp dark rum
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 2 large ripe plantains and slice diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
- Step 3: Add plantain slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove plantains and set aside on a warm plate.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar, 2 tbsp dark rum, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return plantains to the skillet and toss gently in the rum glaze to coat evenly, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 6: Serve warm as a sweet Caribbean-inspired side dish or dessert.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Glazed Caribbean Sweet Plantains take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Rum-Glazed Caribbean 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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Glazed Caribbean 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 Rum-Glazed Caribbean Sweet Plantains 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 Rum-Glazed Caribbean Sweet Plantains?
Caribbean caribbean 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.
