Today we're talking all things plantains! This roundup of Puerto Rican Plantain recipes starts with some easy fried plantain chips and ends with a seriously impressive plantain fritter recipe. Keep reading to get the rundown on all of my favorite ways to prepare this popular latin ingredient.
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Tostones (fried green plantains)
If you're ever lucky enough to visit Puerto Rico, this is the plantain recipe you'll likely try first. Tostones are a super popular snack/side/appetizer made from twice fried green plantains. The result is a super crunchy, savory treat that resemble freshly fried french fries in texture and are unmatched in flavor.
Maduros (sweet fried brown plantains)
If Tostones aren't the first bite you try in Puerto Rico, it's likely because you had Maduros instead! Maduros are the sweeter, softer, and more mature version of Tostones. Made with sweet brown plantains and fried in similar fashion, this traditional snack is even easier to make and full of flavor.
Air Fryer Plantain Chips
If you've joined the Air Fryer bandwagon in the past few years, this is the plantain recipe for you! Inspired by all those delicious plantain chips available in the chip aisle at your local grocery store, this crispy air fried spin on Tostones is a fun and grease free recipe.
Alcapurrias
Now that you're well versed in a variety of Puerto Rican plantain recipes, you're ready for a challenge. This recipe for Alcapurrias does require some patience and a few more steps than the other recipes. That said, the result is something so special and unique in flavor it's worth every second of labor. These fritters are made with yucca root and green plantains, then stuffed with picadillo.
Mofongo
Mofongo is a popular Puerto Rican dish made with fried green plantains mashed with chicharrones (crispy pork skin) and garlic. It's traditionally served with a red shrimp sauce (camarones guisados) or chicken broth, and makes a super delicious side dish.
I hope you found some inspiration in this list of plantain recipes! While this isn't a complete list, I think it captures just how versatile the ingredient really is. If you make a recipe please reach out on Instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Cheers,
Salima
PrintPuerto Rican Plantain Recipes: Including Tostones (Fried Green Plantains)
Tostones are a super popular savory Puerto Rican snack made from green plantains that are sliced, smashed and fried to crispy perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican, Latin
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 3-4 green plantains
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tsp adobo seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Start by peeling your plantains and cutting into 1 inch sections. Preheat your oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, gently add in your plantain chunks, making sure not to crown the pan too much. Your pan should have enough oil to almost cover the slices, so add more if needed. Fry the slices for 8-10 minutes, making sure to flip them until golden brown all around.
- Remove the slices and cool on a paper towel lined plate. Once the slices are cool, use a plate to smash the slices until they flatten just slightly. Make sure to not smash them too thin or they will break apart on the second fry.
- In a large bowl combine the water, lime juice, salt and adobo seasoning (optional). Gently add in the fried plantains and soak for 4-5 minutes before draining the water and patting dry with paper towels.
- Bring the oil back to high heat and add the smashed plantains back to the oil, frying for another 5 minutes or until crispy. Top with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime juice and enjoy!
Keywords: Tostones, Fried Green Plantains, Puerto Rican Tostones
Comments
Silvia Johnson
Great cooking going on with these treasured recipes!
★★★★★
Salima Benkhalti
Thank you so much Silvia!
Silvia Johnson
You are welcome Salima.
Maria Garcia
Tostones are the best. And mofongo.
Salima Benkhalti
Agreed 🙂
Steve
Big fan of the tostones!
★★★★★