Spicy Dominican-Style Pork Stew with Plantains
A hearty pork stew infused with bold Dominican spices and tender sweet plantains for a comforting meal full of rich flavors. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cubed, medium plantains, ripe but firm, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 medium plantains, ripe but firm
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and cut 2 medium ripe but firm plantains into 1-inch chunks and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder and sear for 6-7 minutes until browned on all sides and edges crisp.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until it darkens slightly.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Step 6: Add the plantain chunks to the stew, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes until pork is tender and plantains are soft but still hold shape.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the stew before serving to add brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Dominican-Style Pork Stew with Plantains take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Spicy Dominican-Style Pork Stew with Plantains?
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, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Dominican-Style Pork Stew with Plantains?
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 Spicy Dominican-Style Pork Stew with Plantains 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 Spicy Dominican-Style Pork Stew with Plantains?
Latin American pork 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.
