What are Plantains?

Plantains, often referred to as “cooking bananas,” are tropical fruits that look similar to bananas but are starchier and less sweet when raw. Unlike the bananas you might snack on, plantains are typically eaten cooked and are prepared in various ways, including frying, boiling, and baking. As they ripen, their flavor transforms from a starchy, mild taste to a sweeter, more complex profile. This makes them versatile, as they can be enjoyed at different stages of ripeness.

Choosing ripe plantains at the grocery store differs slightly from picking bananas. You will want to look for a primarily black plantain with some yellow left in it that is still a little firm to the touch. Unripe plantains are still green, and mid-ripe plantains will be mostly yellow, with some black spots starting to form. Naturally gluten-free, this recipe is also dairy-free and entirely plant-based.

How to Make Fried Plantains

These couldn’t be easier to prepare and only require a little oil and some ripe plantains. The only equipment you need is a sharp knife to slice them and a skillet to fry them up:

Ingredients:

• Two ripe plantains (the ones with yellow skin and black spots work best for a sweet taste)
• Coconut oil for frying (or oil of your choice)
• Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and slice the plantains: Plantain skin is thicker than a banana. Use a knife to slice the skin lengthwise and peel it off. Slice the plantains diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
2. Heat the oil: Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium-high. You don’t need a lot of oil, just enough to keep the plantains from sticking as they fry.
3. Fry the plantains: Add the plantain slices in batches, carefully not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn a golden brown and slightly crispy.
4. Drain and serve: Transfer the fried plantains to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. You can sprinkle them with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor if desired.

What Do Fried Plantains Pair Well With?

Fried plantains are a staple ingredient in tropical cuisines. They are naturally sweetened when cooked and pair well with salty flavors or spices. Here are some of my favorite go-to’s:

• Rice and beans: In many Caribbean and Latin American countries, fried plantains are served alongside rice and beans for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Grilled meats: The natural sweetness of fried plantains contrasts wonderfully with the smoky, savory flavors of grilled chicken, pork, or beef.
• Seafood: In coastal regions, fried plantains often accompany dishes like fried fish, shrimp, or ceviche, adding richness to balance the fresh, light flavors of seafood.
• Eggs: For a hearty breakfast or brunch, pair fried plantains with scrambled or fried eggs, a combo that’s common in many African and Caribbean breakfasts.
• Sour cream or cheese: Some variations involve dipping fried plantains in sour cream or pairing them with crumbled cheese for a deliciously indulgent experience.

A Brief History of Plantains

Plantains have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are deeply rooted in tropical locations like parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America. Originally from Southeast Asia, plantains spread to Africa via trade routes, where they became a dietary staple. From there, plantains were introduced to the Caribbean and Latin America.

Today, plantains are central to many traditional dishes across cultures. In West Africa, they are served with stews or fried into “kelewele” (spiced fried plantains). In the Caribbean, dishes like “maduros” (sweet fried plantains) and “tostones” (twice-fried green plantains) are iconic sides that reflect the region’s diverse culinary influences.

How to Store Fried Plantains

If you do end up with some leftovers, here’s how to properly store them:

1. Refrigeration: Place the fried plantains in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll last for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can either fry them again briefly in a pan or microwave them, though frying will restore some of their crispiness.
2. Freezing: You can freeze fried plantains for more extended storage. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and slightly crispy.

Try these other recipes:

Smoky Black Bean Soup

Oyster Mushroom Duck Bao Buns

Black Bean and Quinoa Burgers

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Fried Plantains

Fried plantains are a tropical delicacy, easy to make, and versatile. They can be served as a side, snack, or dessert, pairing well with rice, grilled meats, seafood, and more. With a caramelized sweetness, these golden bites are deeply rooted in African, Caribbean, and Latin American culinary traditions.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack, Topping

Cuisine African, Cuban, Jamaican, Latin American

Keyword fried plantains, plantains

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Allison Crawford at The Hungry Carrot

Ingredients

• 2 ripe plantains
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, or preferred oil
• 1 pinch salt to taste

Instructions

• Peel and slice the plantains: Plantain skin is thicker than a banana. Use a knife to slice the skin lengthwise and peel it off. Slice the plantains diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
• Heat the oil: Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium-high. You don't need a lot of oil, just enough to keep the plantains from sticking as they fry.
• Fry the plantains: Add the plantain slices in batches, carefully not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn a golden brown and slightly crispy.
• Drain and serve: Transfer the fried plantains to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. You can sprinkle them with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor if desired.

The post Fried Plantains appeared first on The Hungry Carrot.