Fried Sweet Plantains
One of the hardest things about making fried sweet plantains (maduros) is having the patience to ripen your plantains until they are mostly blackened. Treat them like bananas and throw them into a paper bag to ripen faster. As their skins turn from green to yellow to mostly black, plantains get less starchy and much sweeter, which is essential when preparing this classic side enjoyed throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa.
Total: 0 30min0
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 3 large very ripe, mostly black plantains (about 1 3/4 pounds)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Kosher salt
Instruction:
- Trim both ends of the plantains, then use a paring knife to make 3 lengthwise cuts through the skins (try to avoid cutting into the flesh). Space the cuts evenly apart across each plantain. Gently peel away the skins, using the cuts as guides. Slice the flesh on a slight bias into 3/4-inch pieces, for about 24 pieces total.
- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, dip the edge of 1 plantain piece into the oil. It should immediately start to bubble vigorously. If not, allow the oil to heat up for another minute. If the oil is ready, carefully add half of the plantains in an even layer. Cook until browned in spots on the first side, about 2 minutes, then use a slotted metal spatula to flip. Cook on the second side until browned in spots, about 2 minutes.
- Flip the plantains again, immediately lower the heat to medium and continue to cook the plantains until they are very tender and deeply browned, 4 to 8 minutes, flipping every 2 minutes to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on the ripeness of your plantains and some pieces may cook faster than others, but you can just remove them as they finish cooking.
- Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Season generously with salt on both sides. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining plantains, adding more oil if needed to maintain 1/4 inch.
How to make Platanos Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains)
FAQ
What is the best way to eat a plantain?
They can be eaten raw but are best when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter. Those edges are my favorite! I love to pair fried sweet plantains with a side of beans and rice.
Why do you soak plantains in water?
That said, green plantains can be a little dry, and it does help fried plantains to keep their moisture in and not dry out. If you’re going to fry green plantains for tostones, soaking them before the second fry session gives them a nice crunchy outside and moist tender inside. Soak them in water with a little salt.
Is plantain healthier than rice?
A cup of plantains has about 7 grams of fiber—25 percent of the 28 gram daily value—compared with less than 1 gram in a cup of white rice. “They have more vitamins and minerals as well,” says Isabella Ferrari, MCN, RD, LD, clinical dietitian at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.
What is the healthiest way to eat plantains?
Healthier cooking methods allow you to make this fruit a part of your regular diet.
- Steam. Steamed plantains cook quickly with minimal effort. …
- Boil. Boiled plantains make an easy side to lunches and dinners. …
- Bake. Baked plantains are an excellent alternative to fried plantains. …
- Grill.
