Tapado Garífuna de Livingston (Caribbean Guatemalan Coconut Seafood & Plantain Soup) – Authentic Guatemala Recipe

Ingredients for Tapado Garífuna de Livingston (Caribbean Guatemalan Coconut Seafood & Plantain Soup) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) white fish fillets and shrimp, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups green and ripe plantains, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup yuca
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with thick coconut milk
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Guatemala seasoning (fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, allspice)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and thick coconut milk for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, allspice and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Guatemala's kitchen.
3. Add white fish fillets and shrimp and green and ripe plantains, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in yuca, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.