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

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.

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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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