Fried plantains can actually be made two ways Fried Sweet Plantains known as Maduros and Fried Green Plantains called Tostones. Here I am making sweet plantains.
Fried Plantains
Eating plantains is very common in Latin American countries. Cooked plantains are served along with many dishes. Fried Sweet Plantains (platano maduro frito) are particularly popular in Latin cuisine.
Plantains
Cooking bananas are generally referred to as plantains. They are a reliable all-season staple food in many parts of the world. They are a staple in much of Africa, the Caribbean islands, Central America, and parts of South America, so is common in cuisines of those regions.
When are plantains ripe enough to fry?
You may be wondering... what does a ripe plantain look like? Being able to tell if a plantain is ripe is essential to making great fried plantains. No worries, it is quite easy. If yours are not ripe enough set them aside in a paper bag to ripen.
Ripe Plantains
Yellow plantains with brown spots are generally the best for frying. Just like a banana, the plantain gets sweeter as it goes from green to yellow and eventually completely black. When they are like the plantain above they are considered ripe and at the ideal texture and sweetness for frying. Fried ripe plantains are called Maduros.
Green Plantains
Green plantains are starchy like a potato, rather than sweet. They are not quite as popular as the ripe plantains for frying and go by an entirely different name when they are, Tostones. Tostones are usually salted when served. Think potato rather than banana when pairing this side dish with a main course or dip.
Black Plantains
When a plantain turns black it hasn't spoiled, it is still edible. This is the plantain at it's sweetest stage. A black plantain has a soft, mushy, sticky texture and strong fragrance. It starts to small similar to a banana with hints of vanilla. If still semi firm they may be able to be pan fried with brown sugar. The darkest of the plantains may be eaten raw (about the only time they can be). These plantains with fully black skin are typically baked rather than fried. They also make great additions to baked goods, just as you would with bananas.
How to Fry Plantains
Cooking plantains in this manner is straight forward, but I've added a few pictures and tips to ensure you get good results your first time making them. Printable recipe card below.
Peel and cut the plantains into ¾ to 1 inch thick slices (as shown above).
Place a large skillet over medium high heat and fill about an inch and a half deep with cooking oil. Heat oil to about 350 degrees. To test without thermometer, drop one slice of plantain in first. It should bubble vigorously, but the oil should not smoke, reduce heat if it does. If temperature seems right, add plantains.
Fry until golden brown. Remove the fried plantains to a wire cooling rack over paper towels. Many suggest placing the pieces directly on the paper towels, but they have a tendency to stick and allowing them to drain on rack has better air flow.
After the fried plantains have drained and cooled slightly on the rack, move to a plate where they are sprinkled with salt or sugar to serve.
Can they be fried in less oil?
Yes, many pan fry plantains in more like a ¼ to a ½ inch of oil and cook turning the plantain slices after a few minutes per side.
My Pan-fried Sweet Potatoes Recipe is somewhat similar to this, if you are not ready to approach plantains. I've also pan fried Butternut squash with great results.
Fried Sweet Plantains
Ingredients
- 4 large very ripe plantains the more brown, the better!
- Vegetable oil for frying – enough to fill a large pot to 1 ½ inch depth
- sugar or salt optional topping
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to trim the ends off of the plantains then cut a slit down the side of the plantain and peel off the skin. Slice the peeled plantains diagonally into 1 inch thick pieces.
- Add vegetable oil to a large pot to 1 ½ inches in depth, then heat oil on the stove over medium-high to about 350 degrees F. Test the oil by adding one plantain slice and if the oil bubbles vigorously, it is ready.
- Fry the plantains in small batches until golden brown, then remove from the oil with a metal slotted spoon or tongs and sprinkle with a little sugar if desired. Allow the plantains to cool on a baking rack (do not use paper towels as the plantains will stick to them). Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
John says
Thank you for this recipe! I have the fondest memories of a vacation in Central America with everyday simple breakfasts of eggs, black beans, fried plantains, and the freshest coffee. Thanks to this recipe I'm inspired to pick up some plantains at our local fruit stand and make some maduros for breakfast. Best wishes!
Liz says
I'd only eaten fried plantains in restaurants and it was so fun to make them at home. Thanks for the delicious recipe!!
Jane Saunders says
Wow. Plantains are not common over here (UK). I do see them occasionally in the supermarket, but I've had no idea what to look for when buying them, so this guide has been super-helpful. Thanks.
Judy Heintz says
I ate many of these in Zaire...fried in palm oil which was very flavorful...
My biggest hint here is to NOT TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE FRYING PIECES...they burn fast...however I also discovered that the black does not always taste burnt....
Leticia says
Can you replace plantains with banana in a banana nut bread?
Robin Gagnon says
I have seen recipes for plantain bread. I have never made it myself and expect you would need really ripe plantains and probably a little more sweetener.
Erick says
Master class on plantains!! Thank you for teaching and sharing.