Looking to elevate your meal prep game with an easy, tasty, and time-saving recipe? You’re in for a treat! Our Instant Pot Cuban Pork with Mashed Plantains is a flavor-packed delight that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Cuba. In this culinary adventure, we’ll show you how to create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. With the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have succulent Cuban pork ready in no time. Plus, the creamy Mashed Plantains add a delightful twist to this classic Cuban favorite. Get ready for a fusion of flavors that will make your meal prep a breezey!
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5 Reasons to Spice Up Your Meal Prep with New Cuisines and Ingredients
Exploring new cuisines and ingredients in your meal prep can be a fun and rewarding experience. Why not add a bit of Cuban flair to your meal prep this week and discover the exciting world of Cuban cuisine? The Instant Pot Cuban Pork with Mashed Plantains is a fantastic starting point for your culinary exploration! Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider adding a dash of excitement to your weekly rotation:
- Culinary Adventure: Trying new cuisines introduces you to different cooking techniques, flavors, and ingredients. It’s like taking a culinary journey around the world without leaving your kitchen.
- Flavorful Variety: Incorporating new ingredients infuses variety into your meal prep, preventing food boredom. Each week can bring a fresh, exciting flavor to your plate.
- Health Benefits: Different cuisines often feature unique ingredients that offer various health benefits. By diversifying your meal prep, you can boost your nutrient intake and discover new superfoods.
- Cultural Appreciation: Exploring new cuisines is a great way to learn about different cultures and their culinary traditions. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the rich tapestry of global food heritage.
- Cooking Skills: Experimenting with new ingredients challenges your cooking skills and creativity. You’ll become a more versatile and confident home chef, ready to tackle any recipe.
Grocery Tips:
- Buy in Bulk: To save money and reduce waste, purchase pork shoulder and ripe plantains in bulk, and then portion and freeze them for future meals.
- Canned Tomatoes: You can opt for canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, but you can also use regular canned diced tomatoes and add some diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce for that kick of heat.
- Onions: Buying onions in larger quantities can save you money in the long run. You can store them in a cool, dark place for an extended period.
- Cilantro: Fresh herbs can be expensive. Consider growing cilantro in a pot at home or using dried cilantro as a more budget-friendly alternative.
Nutrition Information:
- Pork Shoulder: It’s a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals, but it’s also higher in fat. You can opt for leaner cuts if you’re looking to reduce saturated fat.
- Plantains: Plantains are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but they are starchy. Moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.
Ingredient Swaps:
- Protein: If you’re not a fan of pork, you can use chicken thighs or leaner cuts of pork like tenderloin.
- Plantains: If plantains are hard to find, sweet potatoes or rutabaga can be a suitable substitute for mashed plantains. Just keep in mind that they’ll be sweeter.
- Butter: Swap out butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic cloves work well too. One clove usually equals about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t to your liking, try parsley, green onions, or fresh basil for a different herbaceous touch.
- Low-Sodium Option: To reduce sodium intake, choose low-sodium canned tomatoes and tomato sauce.
How to Meal Prep Instant Pot Cuban Pork
- Start by adding the pork shoulder to your trusty Instant Pot. Now, here’s where the magic begins! Sprinkle on the garlic powder and cumin, then add those diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and the sliced red onion to the pot.
- Seal the Instant Pot with the lid and set it to high pressure. Let the flavors meld together as you cook for 45 minutes. The anticipation is real!
- While the pork is doing its thing, let’s move on to the Mashed Plantains. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Meanwhile, peel your ripe plantains and gently place them into the boiling water.
- Let those plantains cook for about 10-15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. It’s time to get them out and drain them.
- Now, transfer your tender plantains to a prep bowl. Add the garlic powder, salt, and a couple of tablespoons of butter. Grab a fork and start mashing. We’re creating a creamy, dreamy side dish here!
- As the aroma of your Cuban Pork fills the kitchen, it’s time to release the steam from the Instant Pot carefully. Open the lid and behold the succulent shredded pork that awaits you.
- Serve your flavorful shredded pork with those fantastic mashed plantains. To add a pop of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro. And here’s a pro tip – don’t forget to pour the leftover broth from the Instant Pot over the plantains as a delicious gravy. It’s a game-changer!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe to create several servings. This ensures you have enough meals for the week or even to freeze for future use.
- Customization: Don’t be afraid to personalize your meal prep. You can add side veggies, grains, or even a simple salad to create a well-balanced meal.
- Fresh Garnishes: While reheating, consider adding fresh garnishes like additional cilantro, lime wedges, or avocado for a burst of flavor.
- Storage Containers: Invest in good-quality, airtight containers to store your meal prep creations. Make sure they are portion-sized to avoid overeating.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave for convenience or a stovetop to maintain the texture and flavors of your dish.
- Freezing Option: If you’ve made a large batch, portion out individual servings and freeze them. When needed, simply defrost and reheat for a quick and convenient meal.
Leftover Ingredient Tips:
- Leftover Pork: If you have extra shredded Cuban pork, you’re in for a treat. Use it to make delicious Cuban sandwiches. Layer the pork with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then grill it until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Extra Plantains: Leftover mashed plantains can be repurposed into sweet or savory dishes. Sweeten them with a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon for a dessert. For a savory twist, shape them into small patties and pan-fry until crispy. Serve with sour cream or salsa.
- Cilantro: Leftover cilantro can be used to add freshness to salads, soups, or as a garnish for various dishes. You can also blend it with lime juice and a bit of olive oil to make a zesty cilantro-lime dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot makes this recipe quicker, you can still make it in a regular pot or slow cooker. For stovetop cooking, simmer the pork until tender. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use a different type of meat for the Cuban pork?
Yes, you can. While the recipe calls for pork shoulder, you can use other cuts like pork tenderloin or chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats.
Are there any alternatives to plantains for the mashed side dish?
If you can’t find plantains, sweet potatoes or rutabaga make a good substitute for mashed plantains. They’ll be sweeter, but it’s a tasty alternative.
Instant Pot Cuban Pork with Mashed Plantains
Equipment
Ingredients
Instant Pot Cuban Pork
Mashed Plantains
Instructions