Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mashed Plantains and Rice

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

A hearty one-pot meal featuring tender pork shoulder, savory rice, and golden caramelized plantains for a comforting Puerto Rican-inspired dinner. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 190 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 170 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat pork shoulder dry, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Place pork in a Dutch oven, add 1/2 cup chopped onion, and sear for 5 minutes until golden on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups vegetable broth, cover, and bake for 2.5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 1 cup rice, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1/4 cup coconut milk in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add plantain slices and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from pot, shred with forks, and stir into rice. Season with salt to taste. Serve topped with caramelized plantains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mashed Plantains and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 190 minutes (20 min prep + 170 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mashed Plantains and Rice?

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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mashed Plantains and Rice?

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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mashed Plantains and Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Mashed Plantains and Rice?

Puerto Rican one pot 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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