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Crispy Fried Plantains Tostones Recipe Easy Sweet and Savory Delight

crispy fried plantains tostones - featured image

A simple and versatile recipe for crispy fried plantains featuring savory tostones and sweet maduros, perfect as a snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large green plantains (for tostones)
  • 2 large ripe yellow/black-spotted plantains (for maduros)
  • About 2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
  • Sea salt (to season tostones)
  • Garlic powder (optional, for tostones)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends, slicing down the skin lengthwise, and peeling it off. Running a knife under warm water can help loosen the skin.
  2. Slice green plantains into 1-inch thick diagonal chunks for tostones. Slice ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices for maduros.
  3. Heat about 2 cups of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Fry green plantain slices for 3-4 minutes per side until light golden but not crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Smash each fried green plantain piece to about half its original thickness using a tostonera or flat surface like the bottom of a glass.
  6. Return smashed plantains to hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. Fry ripe plantain slices for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and caramelized. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  8. While still warm, sprinkle sea salt and optional garlic powder on the tostones. Serve both tostones and maduros with lime wedges.

Notes

Double frying the tostones ensures perfect crunch without sogginess. Keep oil temperature steady between 350°F-375°F. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature. Season tostones immediately after frying for best flavor. For a lighter version, par-fry and finish in a 425°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried plantains, tostones, maduros, crispy plantains, sweet and savory snack, Caribbean recipe, easy side dish