Pionono de Camarones
Piononos de Camarones are a delightful Puerto Rican appetizer featuring sweet plantain cups filled with a savory shrimp and sofrito mixture, topped with cheese and baked until golden.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Ripe plantains(peeled and sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips)
- 1 cup Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1 lb Shrimp(peeled, deveined, and finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp Sofrito
- 1/4 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Adobo seasoning
- 1 packet Sazón con culantro y achiote
- 2 tbsp Chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Shredded cheese(Monterey Jack or a blend)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
💡 Tip: Greasing the tin will prevent sticking. - 2
Fry the plantain strips in hot oil until golden brown and slightly softened. Drain on paper towels.
- 3
Carefully line each muffin cup with a few fried plantain strips, overlapping them to form a cup shape. Press gently to mold them to the tin.
💡 Tip: Ensure the plantains create a good seal to hold the filling. - 4
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- 5
Add sofrito to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, adobo, sazón, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- 6
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir in the chopped cilantro. Cook for 1 minute more.
- 7
Spoon the shrimp mixture evenly into the plantain cups in the muffin tin.
💡 Tip: Don't overfill the cups. - 8
Top each pionono with shredded cheese.
💡 Tip: Use a cheese that melts well. - 9
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the plantains are lightly golden.
- 10
Let cool slightly before carefully removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm.
💡 Tip: Use a small spatula or knife to help loosen them if needed.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure plantains are ripe for sweetness and pliability.
- ✓Don't overcook the shrimp, as it will become tough.
- ✓Adjust seasonings to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp filling for a spicy kick.
- Use other seafood like crab meat or a mix of seafood.
- For a vegetarian option, use a seasoned vegetable or bean filling.