Savory Pork and Plantain Pasteles

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

A simplified Puerto Rican twist on traditional pasteles, featuring mashed plantains wrapped around slow-cooked pork filling and steamed to perfection. This puerto rican-inspired mexican ready in about 70 minutes pairs green plantains, potatoes, pork shoulder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, 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: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice 2 green plantains and 2 potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Boil in salted water for 20 minutes until very tender. Drain, mash until smooth, and stir in 1 tsp salt and 2 tbsp cornstarch to thicken.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp lard in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup sofrito and cook 5 minutes until oil separates. Stir in 1 lb shredded pork shoulder and cook 5 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt to taste.
  3. Step 3: Divide mashed plantain mixture into 8 portions. Place 2 tbsp pork filling on each portion, then wrap the plantain mixture around the filling, pinching edges to seal. Arrange seam-side down in a steamer basket.
  4. Step 4: Steam for 20 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately for a classic Puerto Rican comfort food experience.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Pork and Plantain Pasteles take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Savory Pork and Plantain Pasteles?

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 green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Pork and Plantain Pasteles?

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 Savory Pork and Plantain Pasteles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Savory Pork and Plantain Pasteles?

Puerto Rican mexican 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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