Bring the irresistible flavors of the tropics to your table with "My Favorite Fried Plantains," a quick and easy recipe perfect for any occasion. Crafted with just three simple ingredients—ripe yellow plantains with black spots, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt—this dish creates perfectly golden, caramelized slices with a crisp exterior and sweet, tender interior. In just 15 minutes, you can transform a humble plantain into an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with savory mains, spicy dishes, or even as a standalone snack. The diagonal slicing technique ensures even cooking, while frying in a thin layer of oil achieves that signature caramelized texture. Serve these plantains fresh and warm for a comforting side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfectly sweet, slightly salty, and endlessly satisfying—your favorite fried plantains are about to become a family favorite too!
Start by selecting ripe plantains. Look for plantains with mostly yellow skin and several black spots, as they are sweet and perfect for frying.
Peel the plantains by cutting off both ends and making a shallow vertical slit down the skin. Use your fingers to gently peel away the skin.
Slice the plantains into diagonal pieces about 1/2 inch thick. This shape allows for even cooking and a perfect caramelized texture.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan in a thin layer (about 1/4 inch deep).
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the plantain slices in the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry the plantain slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Use tongs or a spatula to flip them gently.
Remove the fried plantains from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the plantains while they're still warm if desired. This enhances their natural sweetness.
Serve immediately as a side dish, snack, or part of a larger meal. Enjoy!
Calories |
1696 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 118.8 g | 152% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1113 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.0 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.0 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 9 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 2679 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.