A traditional Guatemalan dish — Tapado is the Caribbean soul of Guatemalan cooking, born in the Garifuna port town of Livingston on the shores of the Caribbean. Fish and shrimp simmer in a golden coconut broth with ripe plantain, tomato, and achiote, perfumed with cilantro and lime. It is a one-pot taste of the coast, always served with rice.
Tapado Guatemalteco
A traditional Guatemalan dish — Tapado is the Caribbean soul of Guatemalan cooking, born in the Garifuna port town of Livingston on the shores of the Caribbean.

Step by stepInstructions
- Cook the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes in a little oil until soft; stir in the achiote and cumin and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk and broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Add the plantain slices and simmer for 15 minutes, until tender.
- Season the fish and shrimp with salt and lime juice, then slide them into the broth; simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fish flakes and the shrimp turn pink.
- Stir in the cilantro, taste, and adjust the salt and lime.
- Serve in deep bowls over rice, with lime wedges and tortillas on the side.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Keep the simmer gentle after adding the fish so it stays in large, tender pieces. Ripe — not green — plantains give the broth its subtle sweetness.

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