Nothing beats crispy fried green plantains, also known as tostones! They are one of my absolute favorite snacks and super easy to make.
Green plantains, double-fried until golden and crispy, then topped with flaky salt. Perfect as a snack on their own or served with your favorite stewed protein and rice.
For my healthy police please, please keep your comments lol. You know every thing tastes better deep fried and these plantains are a must. PS: I’m sure there are ways to air fry but this recipe is fried.
What are Tostones (Fried Plantains)?
Known throughout the Caribbean, tostones are fried green plantains. Think potato chips, but instead of potatoes, plantains. They’re smashed and deep fried until golden and crispy.
How to make Fried Plantains?
Step 1: Create 3 long slits vertically along each plantain, then peel back the skin.
Cut the plantains into coins about 1 inch thick. The thicker the slices, the bigger the tostones will be once smashed.
Step 2: Soak the plantain slices in ice-cold water for 10 minutes. After soaking, remove them from the water and pat them dry.
Step 3: While the plantains dry, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the first batch of plantain slices for about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the oil and place on parchment paper. Using a flat dish, smash each plantain slice down, then add them back to the oil and cook for 1-2 minutes on both sides until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Drain the tostones on a paper towel or wire rack. Sprinkle flaky salt over them while they are still hot and enjoy!
Ingredients for fried plantains
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tostones/ fried plantains:
- Green plantains: for tostones, green plantains are used. The less ripe the crispier.
- Oil: I like to use a neutral oil when shallow frying.
- Salt: flaky salt to dust after frying.
- Cold water: I like to soak the plantains in cold water to get them extra crispy.
Serving Suggestions?
Serve them up as a snack or a side dish with your favorite protein. Here are some other ways to enjoy these fried plantains.
- guacamole
- salsa
- garlic sauce
- chicken and rice
- squeeze of lime
More Recipes to Enjoy
If you make these Fried Plantains, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 green plantains
- 2 cups neutral oil for frying
- flaky salt to taste
- ice water optional
Instructions
- Cut off the ends of each plantain.Make a shallow slit along the length of the plantain and peel off the skin. Cut the peeled plantains into 1-inch thick slices.
- Soak the plantains in ice water for 10 minutes then remove and pat dry with a paper towel. Removing as much moisture as possible.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the plantain coins face down and fry for 2-3 minutes on both sides, then remove from the oil. Place on parchment paper and cover with the other half of parchment paper. Using something flat, like a plate or can press down on the plantain until it's flat.
- Place back in the oil and flash fry for another minute or two.
- Remove from the oil once golden and crisp and drain on a wired rack or parchment paper. Add a sprinkle of salt and enjoy!
Did you make it?
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