Shrimp and Plantain Skillet with Garlic and Cilantro
Pan-seared shrimp paired with caramelized plantain slices and fresh garlic, finished with a vibrant cilantro finish. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds green plantains
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 2: Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, add 2 sliced green plantains and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and tender.
- Step 3: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if using); toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute until fragrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shrimp and Plantain Skillet with Garlic and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Shrimp and Plantain Skillet with Garlic and Cilantro?
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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp and Plantain Skillet with Garlic and Cilantro?
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 Shrimp and Plantain Skillet with Garlic and Cilantro 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 Shrimp and Plantain Skillet with Garlic and Cilantro?
Puerto Rican seafood 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
