Fried Sweet Plantains

Fried Sweet Plantains are a delightful dish with crispy edges and a tender, sweet interior. The contrast between the caramelized plantains and the light seasoning creates a mouthwatering combination that is both savory and sweet.

Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a sweet treat, this simple yet flavorful dish can be served in a variety of ways. Whether enjoyed alongside savory meals or as a standalone treat, the golden-brown plantains are a crowd-pleaser every time. Pair them with a dipping sauce for added flavor or serve them with a sprinkle of brown sugar for that extra sweet kick.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Pinch of salt

Directions:

Peel the plantains and slice them into diagonal or round pieces.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices in a single layer. Fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Remove the plantains from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt, and drizzle with brown sugar for extra sweetness (optional).
Serve immediately as a snack, side dish, or dessert.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 2-3 servings

The Versatility of Fried Sweet Plantains

What makes fried sweet plantains so special is their versatility. While traditionally served as a side dish, they can also be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a breakfast item. The plantains’ natural sweetness, combined with their crispy exterior, make them an irresistible treat that can be customized with different seasonings or served alongside a variety of meals.

In Caribbean cuisine, fried plantains are often served with hearty, flavorful dishes such as curry goat, jerk chicken, oxtail, or brown stew chicken. The sweetness from the plantains pairs beautifully with the bold, savory flavors of these meat-centric dishes. Similarly, in Latin cuisine, maduros are often served alongside staples like arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), lechon asado (roast pork), and picadillo (ground beef stew). The contrast between the plantains’ sweetness and the rich, savory flavors of these dishes creates a perfect harmony.

Choosing the Right Plantains for Frying

To get the best results when frying sweet plantains, it is essential to choose the right plantains. Ripe plantains, with dark spots or even a nearly black peel, are the best choice for frying. As the plantains ripen, their starches turn into sugar, resulting in a natural sweetness that is perfect for frying. If you’re in a rush, there are several ways to ripen plantains faster, such as placing them in a paper bag or using an oven method. However, for the most authentic flavor, it’s best to let them ripen naturally at room temperature.

How to Fry Sweet Plantains to Perfection

The key to frying sweet plantains is to ensure they are cooked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and sweet on the inside. For this, slice the plantains at a slight angle to maximize surface area, which allows for more caramelization. A non-stick pan works best for frying, as it ensures the plantains don’t stick or break apart during cooking.

When frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the plantains to cook unevenly. Frying them in batches allows each piece to get the perfect golden-brown exterior. It’s important to cook them on medium heat, so they don’t brown too quickly. If the plantains are browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.

Serving Suggestions for Fried Sweet Plantains

Fried sweet plantains are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Traditionally, they’re enjoyed alongside savory meat dishes, but they can also make for a great dessert. For instance, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with sweetened condensed milk (known as “platanos con leche”), or even dust them with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, comforting treat. They also pair wonderfully with rice and beans or a fresh avocado salad, making them a perfect side for a lighter meal.

In addition, fried sweet plantains are a great addition to breakfast. Pair them with crispy fried eggs, bacon, and hash browns for a delicious start to your day. The sweetness of the plantains complements the savory flavors of breakfast foods beautifully, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Fried Sweet Plantains

While the recipe for fried sweet plantains is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results:

Use ripe plantains: The riper the plantains, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll be. Aim for plantains that are deeply speckled with dark spots, as these are the best for frying.
Slice on a bias: Cutting the plantains at an angle increases the surface area, allowing the plantains to get crispier and more caramelized.
Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the plantains cook evenly and get that crispy texture. Frying them in batches will give each piece the attention it needs.
Use a non-stick pan: Because ripe plantains are soft and delicate, a non-stick pan will help prevent them from sticking and breaking apart while frying.
Experiment with seasonings: While the plantains are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different seasonings. Some popular choices include Creole Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also try adding a crushed garlic clove to the oil for an extra burst of flavor.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating Fried Sweet Plantains

If you have leftovers, store your fried sweet plantains in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them and restore their crispy texture, the best method is to place them in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. These methods help to retain the crispiness of the plantains, making them almost as delicious as when they were first made. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Crispy Delight

Fried sweet plantains are a simple yet flavorful dish that is a staple in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or dessert, these plantains offer a sweet and crispy contrast to savory meals. Their versatility, easy preparation, and irresistible taste make them a favorite in many households.

By following a few simple tips, such as choosing the right ripe plantains and frying them until golden and crispy, you can create the perfect fried sweet plantains that will be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re serving them alongside hearty meats, pairing them with rice and beans, or enjoying them as a sweet treat, fried sweet plantains are sure to delight your taste buds. So, the next time you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dish to add to your table, give these fried sweet plantains a try – they won’t disappoint!