Ripe Plantain & Yam Stir-Fry Porridge

Looking for a colorful, flavor-packed one-pan dish that will wow the whole family? This Ripe Plantain & Yam Stir-Fry Delight is pure comfort food—with golden ripe plantains, tender yam cubes, juicy shrimp, and vibrant vegetables all tossed together with eggs in a rich, spiced pepper mix. It’s a delicious way to use everyday staples in an exciting new form—kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Kid-approved: Sweet plantains and colorful veggies make this a hit with little ones.
• Versatile: Easily switch out proteins or vegetables based on what you have at home.
• Flavorful: Every bite bursts with sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor.
• West African-inspired: A creative spin on classic Nigerian ingredients.

Ingredients

Measurements can be adjusted to taste. Full list in the printable recipe card below.

• 3 very ripe plantains (not overripe)
• 3–4 rings of yam (peeled and cubed)
• 1 cup cleaned shrimp (or substitute with fish, chicken, or beef)
• 1/2 cup chopped spring onions
• Handful of spinach (or ugu, kale, green, or scent leaf)
• 1/4 cup palm oil (or vegetable oil)
• Salt (to taste)
• Onion salt or seasoning cubes
• 2–3 eggs
• 1 cup roughly blended pepper mix (bell pepper, habanero, onion)
• All-purpose seasoning (to taste)

Ingredient Spotlight

• Ripe Plantains: Naturally sweet, caramelize beautifully when fried, adding contrast to the savory base.
• Yam: A West African staple that bulks up the meal with a soft, hearty texture.
• Shrimp: Adds a succulent bite and rich flavor; optional but highly recommended.
• Eggs: Help bind the mix together and add depth to the dish.

• Palm Oil: Traditional and flavor-packed—perfect for dishes with bold, earthy undertones.

Step by step Instructions

Prep the Plantains & Yam

• Wash plantains, peel, and dice into cubes. Add a pinch of salt if desired and set aside.

• Cut yam into rings, peel, and dice into cubes. Soak in water if not using immediately to prevent discoloration.

Tip: If yam causes skin irritation, rub vegetable or palm oil on your hands before peeling and cutting.

Season & Prep Other Ingredients

• Lightly season shrimp with onion salt or preferred spice and set aside.
• Roughly blend your pepper mix (bell peppers, onion, habanero).

• Chop spring onions, spinach and rinse your greens.

Frying Time

• In a pan, heat palm oil (don’t bleach). Fry plantain cubes on medium-high heat until golden. Remove and set aside.
• Fry shrimp briefly (about 3 minutes). Set aside.
• Fry yam cubes for about 5 minutes until halfway cooked.

Add the Pepper Mix

• Add your pepper blend to the yam in the pan. Season with salt and seasoning cubes. Stir to combine.
• If needed, drizzle in a bit more oil and allow to cook for another 3 minutes covered.

Bring it All Together

• Return plantains and shrimp to the pan. Mix well.
• Crack eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, whisk, and scramble in the pan (create a space on the side first, then mix everything together).
• Sprinkle in chopped spring onions and spinach. Toss gently to wilt and combine.

Finish & Serve

• Once everything is well mixed and the flavors have combined, take off the heat and serve warm.

Ingredient Swaps & Customizations

• No shrimp? Use canned mackerel, leftover chicken, or omit for a vegetarian version.
• More veggies? Add sweet corn, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• No yam? Try using boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes instead.

Health Benefits

• Plantains are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A & C.
• Yam provides complex carbs for sustained energy and is a great source of manganese.
• Shrimp offers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Eggs contribute protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
• Leafy greens add iron, antioxidants, and support digestion.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this dish with:

• A cold glass of zobo or hibiscus drink
• A simple cucumber and tomato salad on the side
• Freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast vibes

Occasions to Serve This

• Weeknight Dinner – Quick, filling, and full of flavor
• Brunch – A wonderful twist on the usual fried yam and eggs
• Lunchbox favorite – Tastes just as good when reheated
• Family gatherings – Scales up easily for more guests

Tips for the Perfect Yam and plantain Stir-Fry

• Use day-old yam if you want to avoid it being too soft.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the plantains—they need space to caramelize, not steam.
• Blend the pepper coarsely—not too smooth—for that rustic feel.
• Add veggies and greens at the end to keep them fresh and vibrant.
• Let your eggs set slightly before mixing for better texture.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended for freezing as texture may change due to plantain and yam.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to revive freshness. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This meal is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy—each bite tells a delicious story. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just treating yourself, this one-pan stir-fry is nourishing, fun to make, and deeply satisfying.

Have you tried this recipe?
Please rate it and leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you or what creative twist you added!

Stay joyful and keep cooking.