
Honduran Shrimp, Sweet Plantain and Toasted Corn Cazuela
An original Honduran-inspired cazuela featuring sautéed shrimp, golden sweet plantain, a gentle tomato-coconut sauce, and toasted corn for crunchy contrast. Finished with fresh culantro and a touch of lime for a warm, coastal, comforting flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (crudo)
- 2 unit ripe plantain (1/2 in)
- 300 g ripe tomato (chopped finely)
- 150 g white onion (chopped)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 240 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 80 g toasted yellow corn kernels (pueden ser maíz tostado crujiente)
- 16 g fresh culantro (chopped)
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 g ground annatto (for color and sabor)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 80 g fresh cheese (desmoronado for servir)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, half of the garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, the cumin, half of the salt, and black pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ripe plantain half-moons for 2 to 3 minutes per side until caramelized but still holding their shape. Transfer to a plate.
- 3
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and cook the white onion for 3 minutes. Add the rest of the garlic, ripe tomato, ground annatto, dried oregano, and the remaining salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until a thick sauce forms.
- 4
Pour the coconut milk into the sauce and cook for 3 minutes over medium-low heat until combined. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2 minutes, just until they begin to turn pink.
- 5
Transfer the shrimp sauce to a casserole dish or baking dish. Arrange the browned ripe plantain on top and scatter the toasted yellow corn kernels over the surface for texture.
- 6
Bake the cazuela at 400°F / 200°C for 10 to 12 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce is gently bubbling.
- 7
Remove from the oven and finish with the remaining lime juice, chopped fresh culantro, and crumbled fresh cheese. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Chef tips
If the plantain is very soft, brown it gently so it does not fall apart. For a thicker sauce, cook the tomato 2 extra minutes before adding the coconut milk.
Substitutions
You can use firm fish cubes instead of shrimp, adjusting the cooking time. Fresh cheese can be replaced with shredded quesillo. If culantro is unavailable, use fresh cilantro, though the flavor will be milder.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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