These fried plantains are so simple to make, yet they're so delicious! The plantains are quickly fried to golden brown perfection for a crispy exterior, soft inside, and deliciously sweet flavor. They make a quick snack or easy side dish everyone will love.
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The Best Fried Plantains
Fried plantains, also known as platanos maduros, are delicious. You've probably seen plantain chips in the grocery store, and if you like those, you're going to love these fried plantains.
These fried plantain slices have a naturally sweet flavor, and they're fried until the exterior gets a crispy caramelized texture while the inside stays super soft. The texture is just to die for, and when you finish these fried sweet plantains with a sprinkle of sea salt, they become addictive!
Seriously, I could eat these fried sweet plantains all by themselves, but they're even better served on the side of some Popeyes red beans and rice or Jamaican fried dumplings.
Why This Recipe Works
Simple ingredients. You only need 3 ingredients to make this fried plantains recipe, and you probably have 2 of them on hand already!
A winning combination. The sweet flavor of the plantains combined with the crispy texture and touch of sea salt is seriously out-of-this-world good. After one bite, you'll be hooked!
Restaurant-quality. These fried plantains taste just as good, if not better than what you'd get from a Latin American restaurant.
Versatile. These fried plantains work equally well as a side, appetizer, or snack. They're perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
As I just mentioned, the ingredient list for these fried plantains is seriously as simple as it gets. Once you run to the store for some ripe plantains, you'll be ready to go!
Here's everything you'll need:
- 2 very ripe plantains
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil
If you're picking up green plantains from the store, grab extras so you can make more plantain recipes like this mangu recipe next!
How To Make Fried Plantains
1. Prep the plantains: Peel each ripe plantain and cut them into ½-inch thick round slices.
2. Heat the oil: Put a large pot or deep frying pan over high heat and add the oil to it. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C).
3. Fry the plantains: Working in batches, add plantain slices to the hot oil. Fry plantains on both sides for about 8 minutes each until they're golden brown. Remove the fried plantain slices using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil.
4. Serve: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the fried plantains and serve warm. Enjoy!
Tips To Make The Best Recipe
- Swap ripe plantains for green plantains to make fried green plantains instead. They will be less sweet and more mild tasting.
- Ripen plantains by storing them on the counter, just like you would for bananas, for a sweeter flavor.
- Soak plantains in warm water so they're easier to peel.
- If you don't have a deep frying thermometer, you can check the oil temperature with a piece of bread. You'll know the oil is ready for frying when the bread starts to float, and bubbles form around it.
- Serve the fried plantains with cinnamon sugar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top for added flavor.
How To Store Fried Plantains
In the fridge: Store the leftover plantains in an airtight container for about 3-4 days.
In the freezer: Allow the fried plantains to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for about 3 months.
Reheating: Put the fried plantains on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until they reach your desired temperature. Add more reheating time for the frozen plantain slices.
FAQS About This Fried Plantain Recipe
What is the best way to fry plantains?
The best way to fry plantains is in hot oil either in a deep fryer or a large saucepot. You'll want to make sure the oil is hot and fry the plantains in batches so the temperature doesn't decrease.
What is fried plantain called in USA?
Fried plantains in the USA are usually just called fried plantains and sometimes tostones.
What is fried plantain called?
Fried green plantains are called tostones, and fried ripe plantains are called maduros or platanos maduros.
What is the difference between a banana and plantain?
Plantains are larger in size and have much thicker skin. They're starchier and have less sugar than bananas, so they are not as sweet.
More Recipes
Fried Plantains
These fried plantains are so simple to make, yet they're so delicious! The plantains are quickly fried to golden brown perfection for a crispy exterior, soft inside, and deliciously sweet flavor. They make a quick snack or easy side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe plantains
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Peel the plantains and cut them into round slices (about ½ inch each).
- Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (180ºC) (you can check the temperature by throwing a piece of bread, it should float and start to bubble softly).
- Add the plantains in batches - frying them until they are golden on each side (about 8 minutes each).
- Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top and serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 127Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
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