Grilled Stuffed Plantains: A Delicious Caribbean Treat
Are you tired of the same old BBQ recipes? Want to shake things up and add a tropical twist to your summer cookouts? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Grilled Stuffed Plantains.
Plantains, the starchy cousin of the banana, are a staple in Caribbean cuisine and provide a unique and flavorful base for this dish. The dish involves slicing the plantains in half and stuffing them with a savory combination of ingredients like mozzarella cheese, smoked tuna, or chorizo. Then, they’re grilled to perfection creating a smoky and tender texture that is irresistible.
Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can take your backyard BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary with these grilled stuffed plantains.
So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with this mouth-watering dish that will transport them straight to the islands.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a savory and cheesy filling that’s snugly packed inside the caramelized sweetness of freshly grilled plantains. A flavor explosion in every bite, satisfying both your sweet and savory cravings. This is what you get with the Grilled Stuffed Plantains recipe.
As an aficionado of grilled foods, I can confidently say that this recipe is the perfect balance between sweetness and smokiness. The ripe plantains’ natural sweetness complements the mild flavor profile of the stuffing, creating a harmonious blend that’s both familiar yet unique to your taste buds.
But what sets this recipe apart from others is its versatility. The stuffing can be made with any cheese you desire, giving you endless possibilities for variations depending on your preference. Not in the mood for cheese? You can swap it out with some smoked tuna or chorizo to pack even more flavor into those plantain cups!
Moreover, the recipe is incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is halve the ripe plantains, coat them lightly with olive oil and black pepper, and grill them until they’re nice and caramelized. Then, fill the “bowl” part of each grilled plantain with your choice of stuffing, bake them for a few more minutes until everything’s heated through and melted, then serve it up hot!
Overall, this recipe is a game-changer that will make you look at plantains in a whole new way. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or any occasion where good food is appreciated. So why not give it a try? I promise – once you’ve had these Grilled Stuffed Plantains, there’s no going back!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to create these grilled stuffed plantains:
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Plantains: 4 ripe plantains, black spots all over but not too soft.
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Olive oil: 3 tablespoons.
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Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, cut into small cubes.
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Black pepper: 1 teaspoon freshly ground.
You will also need a baking sheet, and a grill or oven preheated to 400°F.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat your grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will allow the plantains to cook through without over-crisping the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Plantains
Start by choosing ripe plantains, with a yellow and black peel. Cut off the ends of the plantains, slice through the skin lengthwise, and carefully remove the peel. Once peeled, slice each plantain in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
Step 3: Coat the Plantains
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil and black pepper. Brush this mixture onto both sides of the sliced plantains, making sure that they are coated evenly.
Step 4: Stuff with Mozzarella Cheese
Once coated, place a few pieces of mozzarella cheese into the center of one half of each plantain, using enough cheese to fill it but avoiding any spillage. Cover with the other half of the plantain so that it forms a sandwich.
Step 5: Secure them for Grilling
Using toothpicks or skewers, secure the sides of each stuffed plantain sandwich. This will help keep everything in place while grilling, as well as making it easier to handle once cooked.
Step 6: Grill Stuffed Plantains
Grease your grill grates with some olive oil before transferring your stuffed plantains over to the grill. Cook for around 5 minutes on each side, or until they have turned golden brown and are soft to touch.
Step 7: Let them Reheat
Remove your grilled stuffed plantains from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This will allow them enough time to cool down slightly so that you don’t burn yourself while biting into ooey gooey cheesy goodness!
Substitutions and Variations
While the grilled stuffed plantains recipe is certainly a delight, there are some substitutions and variations that can be made to make it even more versatile.
First, instead of mozzarella cheese, you can try using cheddar or a combination of different kinds of cheeses. This will add a more dynamic flavor to the dish.
For those who prefer some spice, try adding chorizo or smoked tuna to the stuffing mix for a more robust taste. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices besides black pepper for added flair.
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try baking the stuffed plantains instead of grilling them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them on a lightly sprayed baking sheet for 30-40 minutes until they are tender and golden brown in color.
Alternatively, you can create other variations such as tostones, which are crispy fried plantain cups or bowls that you can fill with your favorite ingredients. Tostones rellenos de platano is a popular Caribbean variation where the plantain cups are filled with meat, cheese, or other toppings.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making Jamaican plantain balls. The process involves mashing ripe plantains into balls before stuffing them with seasoned ground beef or chicken and then frying them until they are crispy.
Whatever variation you choose to try out, these stuffed plantains will surely add a new dimension to any mealtime.
Serving and Pairing
Grilled stuffed plantains are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served on their own as a main course or as a side dish to meat or seafood. These plantains have a unique texture and flavor, which makes them perfect for pairing with different sauces and dips.
For a Caribbean-inspired meal, you may consider serving your grilled stuffed plantains with some smoked tuna or chorizo. The salty and smoky flavors of the meat will complement the sweetness of the plantain perfectly. You could also try serving them with a refreshing mango salsa, which adds a tropical touch to the dish.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, consider serving your stuffed plantains alongside some baked or fried plantains. These dishes are staples in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine and work wonderfully as sides for anything from grilled chicken to blackened fish.
For an appetizer or snack, you could try making tostones rellenos de queso – plantain cups filled with melted mozzarella cheese. These are a popular Puerto Rican dish that will surely impress your guests.
Another creative idea is to turn your grilled stuffed plantains into a plantain bowl by cutting off the ends of the plantains and scooping out the flesh inside. You can then fill the bowl with rice, beans, and meat for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to serve and pair your grilled stuffed plantains, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about grilled stuffed plantains is their versatility when it comes to make-ahead and storing. If you’re planning to host a barbecue party, this dish is perfect since it can be prepared ahead of time.
To get started, you can cook the plantains and stuff them with cheese recipe, smoked tuna or even chorizo before grilling them. Once they’re ready, they could be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat them, simply place the stuffed plantains on a baking sheet and heat them for 8-10 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°F. However, keep in mind that reheating might cause the texture to become a bit softer. Alternatively, you could fry the stuffed plantains too. Lightly spray them with olive oil and fry in a pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
If you have any leftover baked or fried plantains, don’t worry, you can easily store them in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Just reheat them in a pan with some olive oil or bake them in the oven for ten minutes until crispy again.
When it comes to serving grilled stuffed plantains, it’s always a good idea to serve them fresh off the grill or out of the fridge if you’ve made them ahead of time. They pair well with a variety of dishes like rice and black beans, grilled meat or fish, seasonal vegetables and even tostones – fried slices of unripe green plantain.
Overall, it’s easy to incorporate this delicious Caribbean dish into your meal prep routine as they cook easily and their flavors develop well over time.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best results possible when making grilled stuffed plantains, here are a few tips for you to follow.
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that your plantains are ripe but still firm. Ripe plantains will be sweet and easy to peel, while still retaining enough structure to hold up well when stuffed and grilled.
When peeling the plantains, it’s best to coat the peel with olive oil before roasting or grilling them. This will help prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet or grill grates.
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some black pepper on top of the stuffed plantains before grilling. This will add a slightly spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the plantains.
If you’re using mozzarella cheese as the stuffing, be sure to shred it into small pieces. This will allow it to melt quickly and evenly, resulting in a gooey and delicious filling.
In terms of cooking time, aim for around 20 minutes in a 400°F oven or on a preheated grill. This should give you perfectly cooked grilled stuffed plantains that are soft and caramelized on the outside with a warm and cheesy center.
Lastly, if you’re serving these as an appetizer, consider pairing them with some smoked tuna or chorizo for a tasty contrast of flavors. Alternatively, you could serve them as part of a larger meal alongside traditional Caribbean sides like tostones or jamaican-style plantain cups.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Grilled Stuffed Plantains recipe is a fantastic addition to any barbecue or cookout. Not only does it offer a unique and flavorful twist on classic plantains, but it is also endlessly customizable to fit your individual preferences. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is accessible to both novice and experienced chefs alike.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try out this recipe for yourself and see why it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite at barbecues and dinner parties alike. From the sweet and savory flavor combination of ripe plantains and mozzarella cheese to the crispy and crunchy texture of grilled plantains, this recipe is sure to impress.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some plantains, olive oil, black pepper, and mozzarella cheese, and get grilling! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a fun and tasty snack to enjoy on your own, the Grilled Stuffed Plantains recipe is the perfect choice.
Grilled Stuffed Plantains Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 plantains, ripe
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Coat the peel of the plantains with olive oil. Grill on low (or roast on 350) for 15-20 minutes.
- Slice open the plaintains like a baked potato. Sprinkle the insides with pepper and stuff each with 4 oz of cheese.
- Put the plantains in a 400 degree oven for about 8 minutes or until cheese is very melty, but not brown.
- Serve with your favorite salsa is desired.
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
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Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.