7 Tasty Fried Plantain Recipes You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

The plantain originated in Western Asia and has since had many variations in the ways that it can be eaten. Fried plantains are a delicious and healthy snack. Making fried plantains is super easy and only requires a few ingredients for each recipe. Make sure you grab a pen and paper, but you’re going to want to write down these tasty fried plantain recipes.

1) Tostones (Fried Green Plantains)

This first plantain recipe is super delicious and somewhat simple to make. It contains 7 simple ingredients (plantains included of course)! It also takes a total of 30 minutes to make and serves up to 8, so you have no reason to not try this out at your next dinner party!

You will need:

• 4 green plantains
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil, or as needed
• 2 cups of water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to top
• Juice of 1 lime
• Mojo Verde or other sauces, to serve (optional)

And the steps are as followed:

• Cut the ends off of each plantain, and use a knife to cut through the skin of the plantain, lengthwise, from top to bottom. Try to only to cut through the skin, as you don’t want to slice into the inner portion, which will form the tostones.
• Use your fingers to pry open and peel off the tough outer skin. Discard the skin of the plantains.
• Cut the plantains into pieces, about 1″ thick.
• Fill a large, heavy-bottomed skillet about a third of the way with oil. Heat over medium for a few minutes to warm up the oil just slightly.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the water, garlic, kosher salt, and lime juice. Set aside.
• Add the plantain slices to the oil. The oil should be just warm enough that it begins to lightly bubble shortly after adding the plantains but should not bubble vigorously. Fry the plantains until softened and golden all over, about 4 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Using the bottom of a glass, plate, or can, gently flatten each fried plantain piece. Smash them just enough that they flatten out, but don’t try to make them too thin, or they will break apart.
• Dip the flattened plantain coin in the garlic-lime water. Let it sit for about 10 seconds, then remove from the water and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Repeat with remaining fried plantains.
• When nearly ready to serve, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the flattened plantains back to the oil in batches and briefly fry to crisp, about 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Sprinkle with salt. Serve with Mojo Verde or other sauces, if desired.

2) Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains)

This next recipe uses minimal ingredients to create an amazingly tasty dish. According to the recipe, the best plantains to use for maduros should be very tender and have very black skin. This means that they are sweeter.

What do you need to make this recipe? Only 3 (that’s right 3) ingredients! Which are:

• 4 large, very ripe plantains
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• Kosher salt or sugar (optional)

And this steps couldn’t be more simple. In fact, there are only two:

1. Trim ends of plantains, peel, and cut diagonally into 1″ pieces.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Carefully place 1 plantain piece in oil. If it bubbles vigorously, the oil is ready. If it doesn’t, wait another minute, and try again. Working in batches, cook plantains, turning once, until beginning to brown, 1–2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, turning occasionally, until soft and deep golden brown, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet tray. Season with salt and/or sugar, if desired. Serve hot.

3) Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains

This next plain recipe puts a sweet spin on a classic dish. This recipe includes elements like brown sugar and maple syrup to turn it into a tasty dish! It takes only 20 minutes to prepare, so you’ll want to thank us for this one.

The recipe ingredients are:

• 3 ripe plantains
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There are only 6 steps to this recipe, and they’re all easy:

1. Peel and cut the plantains into 1/2″ coins or slices. Whisk together the maple syrup and vanilla extract
2. Add the plantains and brown sugar to a large bowl and gently toss to coat.
3. In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat.
4. Once hot, add the plantains and evenly pour on the maple syrup mixture.
5. Cook until browned and crisp on the bottoms, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Once browned, flip the plantains and cook an additional 2-4 minutes, again watching closely to prevent burning. 
7. Transfer to a bowl or plate and serve warm.

4) Extra Crispy Fried Plantains

This next plantain recipe takes it to the next level. Although fried plantains are delicious on their own, who can resist a little extra crisp. And you can get that with the use of breadcrumbs, as the recipe above suggests.

The ingredients from the video are:

• 2 plantains
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 a cup of plain flour
• 1/2 a cup of breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil
• Sea salt

To see the steps represented visually, watch the video above.

5) Dodo (Fried Plantains)

This next recipe proves that even adding or changing one ingredient on a classic recipe can make a huge difference. Dodo is a Nigerian variation of fried plantains and adds spices such as onion and red pepper. Although this recipe takes a little bit longer to prepare (about 40 minutes), we promise it will be worth it.

As with the previous plantain recipes, the ingredients are simple:

• 4 medium ripe, deep-yellow plantains (about 2 pounds)
• 1 small red onion, peeled and halved
•  Canola or other neutral oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
• 1 lime, zest removed in strips and julienned, plus 1 tablespoon juice
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•  Kosher salt

There are just 6 steps to this one:

1. Cut off the tips of each plantain. Use a sharp knife to create a slit in the skin along the length of each plantain, carefully making sure not to cut into the flesh. Remove and discard the skin by peeling it apart. Slice each plantain in half lengthwise, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
2. Thinly slice one onion half, then transfer the slices to a medium bowl. Quarter the remaining onion half lengthwise, and pull the layers apart.
3. In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, pour 1/2 inch oil and heat over medium. When hot, add the larger onion pieces and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard the cooked onion. 
4. Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the plantains, stirring halfway through, until browned and caramelized at the edges, 10 to 12 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
5. While the plantains are frying, toss the sliced onion with the lime juice, red-pepper flakes and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Let marinate, at least 10 minutes.
6. Toss the fried plantains in the bowl with the pickled onion mixture while still warm. Add the lime zest and season to taste with salt. Serve immediately.

6) Sweet and Spicy Fried Plantain

This next plantain recipe is perfect for you lovers of spicy food out there. It’s the perfect spicy variation on a classic dish and can be eaten on its own or served with your favorite dish!

There are a couple extra ingredients for this one because, again, we are adding spices into the mix. You will need:

• 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

The steps are simple, short, and self explanatory! Everyones favorite!

1. Put sliced plantains in a container
2. Add ginger, onion powder, chili pepper and sugar to container
3. Mix to ensure that plantains are evenly coated.
4. Add salt as needed
5. Let sit for 5 mins
6. Heat oil in fry pan
7. Fry till golden brown

7) Sweet Fried Plantains with Sea Salt & Cinnamon

We really think we saved the best for last with this one. This next recipe is similar to the sticky sweet fried plantains in the sense that it gives a sweet variation on the dish. However, this recipe takes a different approach, using sea salt and cinnamon as the main choice of flavoring. The perfect combo!

The ingredients are pretty much given away by the title! They are:

• 2 very ripe plantains (mostly brown to totally brown works!)
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch of sea salt, to taste

This recipe is on the shorter side (which we all know we love). In fact, it only takes 5 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes to cook!

1. Peel and slice plantains into about ½-inch pieces.
2. Heat a skillet on medium heat with the coconut oil, enough for a thin layer on the bottom of the pan. Let it heat up for about two minutes.
3. When the oil is hot, add the plantains in a single layer. You can do this without burning yourself by sliding them down the side of the pan, them moving them over with a fork or spatula.
4. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Watch them closely so they don’t burn! Carefully flip with a small metal spatula or fork, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sea salt.
5. Turn the heat to medium-low, and let them go for about another minute on each side if they’re not cooked all the way through.
6. Taste to adjust the sea salt and enjoy!

See also: 7 Delicious Chili Vegan Recipes that Will Warm You From the Inside