Slow-Cooked Adobo Pork with Plantains and Cilantro

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

Tender pork simmered in smoky adobo seasoning with sweet plantains and fresh cilantro for a comforting meal. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 410 minutes pairs pork shoulder, adobo seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 390 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder with 3 tbsp adobo seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork cubes until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Step 3: Transfer seared pork to a slow cooker. Add 2 sliced plantains and 1 thinly sliced red onion.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cook on low for 6-7 hours until pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro just before serving.
  7. Step 7: Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Adobo Pork with Plantains and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 410 minutes (20 min prep + 390 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 Slow-Cooked Adobo Pork with Plantains 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Adobo Pork with Plantains 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 Slow-Cooked Adobo Pork with Plantains 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 Slow-Cooked Adobo Pork with Plantains and Cilantro?

Mexican slow cooker 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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