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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
