Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients but delivers a satisfying and rich flavor. The natural sweetness of the ripe plantains shines through, and frying them gives them a crispy edge while keeping the inside soft. It’s a great way to elevate any meal, especially if you’re craving something with a sweet, savory kick.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe plantain
- 1½ cups oil (enough to cover the bottom of a large skillet with ½ inch of oil, use a neutral oil like canola)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Peel the plantain by cutting off the ends and scoring the peel with a knife. Gently remove the peel in long strips.
- Slice the plantain into 1-inch pieces at a slight diagonal angle.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Test the oil by placing a small piece of plantain in it to see if it bubbles gently.
- Carefully place the plantain slices into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Once the plantains are crispy and caramelized on both sides, remove them from the skillet using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 3
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper before serving for a touch of heat.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet twist, sprinkle the fried plantains with a little cinnamon and sugar after frying.
- Coconut: Garnish with shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover fried plantains in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a skillet over low heat to retain their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use green plantains for this recipe?
No, this recipe is specifically for ripe, sweet plantains. Green plantains are used for savory dishes like tostones.
How do I know if a plantain is ripe?
A ripe plantain will have a yellow peel with black spots or be entirely black. It should feel soft to the touch.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Fried plantains are best served immediately while still hot and crispy, but they can be stored and reheated as needed.
What type of oil should I use?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, for frying.
How do I peel a plantain?
Cut off the ends, score the peel lengthwise, and gently remove it in strips.
Can I fry the plantains in advance?
Yes, you can fry them ahead of time, but they are best when freshly fried for optimal crispiness.
How can I make my fried plantains crispier?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the plantains and don’t overcrowd the skillet to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze fried plantains?
It’s not recommended to freeze fried plantains as they may lose their crispiness. Freshly made is best.
How do I serve fried plantains?
Fried plantains are often served as a side dish with Cuban or Caribbean meals, or you can enjoy them as a snack with dipping sauces.
Are fried plantains sweet or savory?
Fried plantains are naturally sweet, especially when they’re ripe. They can also be made spicy or savory with the right seasonings.
Conclusion
Fried sweet plantains are a deliciously simple side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. With just two ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a tasty and satisfying treat that will be a hit at your dinner table!
Fried Sweet Plantains
These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches offer a delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. Featuring tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese, all wrapped in a toasted hoagie roll, they make for the perfect dinner. Customize with sautéed mushrooms or pickled jalapeños for added flavor.
- Prep Time: Prep Time:
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
- Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
- Optional toppings: sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños, extra onions, and bell peppers
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook sliced chicken until no longer pink (5-7 minutes).
- Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until tender (5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Optionally, add soy sauce for extra flavor.
- Toast hoagie rolls if desired.
- Layer provolone cheese on the bottom of each roll.
- Add the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Melt cheese under a broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- Choosing Plantains: Use ripe plantains for this recipe. They should be yellow with black spots or mostly black. The riper the plantain, the sweeter it will be.
- Frying Tips: Be sure the oil is hot before adding the plantains. This ensures they cook evenly and get that crispy, golden-brown texture on the outside while staying soft inside.
- Storage: Fried sweet plantains are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispiness.
- Serving Suggestions: These plantains are great served with rice, beans, or as a side dish to any Latin-inspired meal. They also pair wonderfully with savory dishes, balancing out spicy or salty flavors.
