Shrimp Sofrito with Caramelized Plantain

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

Juicy shrimp infused with vibrant sofrito aromatics, paired with sweet plantain slices that caramelize to perfection for a balanced, vibrant meal. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 chopped tomato. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until vegetables soften and release their fragrance.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until aromatics are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add plantain slices and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp sofrito over caramelized plantain slices, spooning extra sauce over top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Shrimp Sofrito with Caramelized Plantain take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sofrito with Caramelized Plantain?

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 Sofrito with Caramelized Plantain?

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 Sofrito with Caramelized Plantain 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 Sofrito with Caramelized Plantain?

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.

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