Discover the irresistible charm of *Tajadas*—golden, caramelized slices of perfectly ripe plantains, fried to a delicate crisp. This beloved Latin American side dish is incredibly versatile, offering a delightful balance of natural sweetness and a hint of savory salt. Made with just three simple ingredients—ripe plantains, vegetable oil, and a sprinkle of salt—this quick and easy recipe transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering treat. Whether served alongside hearty main dishes or enjoyed as a snack, Tajadas are sure to impress with their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for beginners, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the vibrant world of Latin cuisine! Keywords: Tajadas recipe, fried plantains, Latin side dish, easy plantain recipe, vegan snack, caramelized plantains.
Begin by selecting ripe plantains. They should be yellow with black spots, indicating optimal sweetness.
Peel the plantains by slicing off both ends, then make a shallow cut along the length of the skin. Carefully peel off the skin.
Slice each plantain diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices. This will give you long, oval-shaped pieces known as 'tajadas'.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep.
To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of plantain. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is hot enough.
Carefully add the plantain slices to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This may need to be done in batches.
Fry the plantains for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Use a slotted spoon to flip the slices.
Once cooked, remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Immediately sprinkle the fried plantains with salt while they are still hot.
Repeat the process with any remaining plantain slices.
Serve the tajadas warm as a side dish or snack. They are perfect on their own or can be paired with a variety of main dishes.
Calories |
2524 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.3 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.7 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1204 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.3 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 89.9 g | ||
| Protein | 7.8 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 18 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 2994 mg | 64% | |
*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.