Shrimp with Achiote and Green Plantain

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp seared in a vibrant achiote-spiced oil, served with caramelized green plantain slices for a sweet-savory contrast that captures Puerto Rican flavors. This puerto rican-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, achiote paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz shrimp dry with paper towels; toss with 2 tbsp achiote paste, 1/4 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 large peeled and 1/4-inch sliced green plantains; cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Transfer shrimp to a plate; arrange plantain slices around the shrimp, drizzle with any pan juices, and serve immediately with lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shrimp with Achiote and Green Plantain take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 with Achiote and Green 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 with Achiote and Green 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 with Achiote and Green 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.

Is Shrimp with Achiote and Green Plantain gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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