Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet ripe plantains pan-fried and glazed with a spiced rum sauce featuring cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic Caribbean dessert. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 20 minutes pairs unsalted butter, dark rum, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 large peeled and diagonally sliced plantains (1/2-inch thick) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar evenly over the plantains in the pan. Let sugar melt and bubble for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to coat each piece.
  3. Step 3: Carefully add 1/4 cup dark rum to the skillet and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, occasionally spooning the rum glaze over plantains until sauce thickens slightly and coats the fruit.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and transfer glazed plantains to a serving dish. Serve warm as a sweet side or dessert with ice cream or whipped cream.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rum-Glazed Plantains with Cinnamon and Nutmeg take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Plantains with Cinnamon and Nutmeg?

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 Plantains with Cinnamon and Nutmeg?

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 Plantains with Cinnamon and Nutmeg 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 Plantains with Cinnamon and Nutmeg?

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.

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