Fish Free Whole30 Smoky Paprika Sautéed Plantains
Sweet, smoky, and just a little bit addictive, these sautéed plantains are the kind of side dish that disappears before anything else on the table. Ripe plantains — the ones with yellow skins gone spotty black — bring a natural caramel sweetness that plays beautifully against the bold spice blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Avocado oil gets the skillet nice and hot, giving each slice those deep golden edges and a tender, almost jammy center that's hard to resist. The whole thing comes together in one pan with no complicated steps, just a good sear and a flip. A squeeze of fresh lime and a scatter of cilantro at the end brighten everything up and make it feel genuinely restaurant-worthy. Because every ingredient here is whole, unprocessed, and plant-based, there's zero guesswork about hidden additives or seafood-derived sauces sneaking into the mix — what you see on the list is exactly what ends up on your plate. Serve these alongside grilled chicken, tucked into a grain bowl, or honestly just straight off the pan.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 large ripe plantains (yellow with black spots)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne, if using. Add the sliced plantains to a large bowl and toss with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
- 2
Heat the avocado oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!