When it comes to cooking with plantains, the Fried Plantains recipe is a must-try!
Plantains are staple fruits in many parts of Africa because of how delicious and versatile they are. Unlike bananas, you can cook plantains in different ways to unleash how yummy and soft they can be.
Aside from being a fantastic snack, Fried Plantains also make great side dishes for your favorite soups and stews. Even if it’s a simple dish, it’s surely going to make you enjoy your meals more.
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In the Fried Plantains recipe, you can turn fresh plantains into an awesome dish that you can savor anytime you want. Every bite truly feels like one step closer to a healthy lifestyle!
How to Make Fried Plantains
There are many ways you can make the most out of plantains. To start, you can go for the Fried Plantains recipe – it’s easy, quick, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll certainly cook it perfectly even on your first try!
Ingredients
What ingredients go into the best Fried Plantains recipe?
Plantains
If you plan on getting into a healthy diet and lifestyle, then just buy and cook some fresh plantains!
Plantains are tropical fruits that belong to the same family as bananas. They are starchier than they are sweet. Unlike bananas, you should first cook the plantains to make them soft, tender, and flavorful.
In this recipe, I suggest using ripe plantains with yellow, brown, and black colors. These will surely give you a sweet treat when you cook them well. No wonder it’s a popular fruit in Africa!
You can prepare plantains in many ways, such as porridge, roasted plantains, fufu, baby food, steamed plantains, chips, and more. There’s always a plantain recipe that can satisfy your cravings.
Sunflower oil
To keep the flavor and nutrients in plantains, I suggest using oil with a smoke point. The Globe and Mail suggests using canola oil, almond oil, sunflower, and avocado oil for high-temperature cooking.
Aside from these two ingredients, you can add a seasoning of your choice to make the fried plantains extra flavorful and enjoyable. Cook the Fried Plantains recipe the right way and every bite will be worth it!
Directions
You can enjoy your fried plantains in two steps and a few minutes.
- Use a knife to slice off the ends and make a shallow vertical cut in the middle of the plantain.
- Then, cut it into your preferred shape.
- Preheat oil in a pan over medium heat. It should sizzle once you add the plantain slices.
- Leave them to fry until golden brown.
- Turn them over to cook on both sides using a fork.
- Once cooked, transfer them onto a lined plate.
Are you ready to taste the best ever all-natural homemade Fried Ripe Plantains? Trust me; you’ll be devouring these Fried Plantains in no time!
Tips
Buying plantains
- According to The Pioneer Woman, ripe plantains are usually yellow and black with a slightly firm texture when squeezed.
- On the other hand, you can buy unripe plantains and allow them to ripen at room temperature.
- Don’t purchase ripe plantains that are already too mushy to the touch.
Storing plantains
- Plantains can last several days or weeks at room temperature if you keep them away from sunlight.
- Once ripe, you may transfer them to the fridge to extend their shelf life.
- For sliced plantains, toss them in a bit of lemon juice and seal them in a resealable bag to refrigerate or freeze.
Fried Plantains Recipe Variations
This recipe is the classic fried plantains version, but there is no reason not to be creative when making your own.
For instance, instead of plain ones, you can use seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, chili flakes, paprika, or other spices of your choice. The chips can also be coated in bread crumble and egg for a richer flavor and crispy texture.
Moreover, the slices can be prepared in different shapes and sizes, such as cubes, strips, or fries, using the V-Blade Slicer for even pieces.
Furthermore, you can pop them in a preheated air fryer to cook for five minutes on each side at 190°C. Air fry them in batches. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Recommended Tools
- Frying pan: Cook the Fried Plantains recipe in a pan over a stove.
- Fork: Toss the ingredients in the oil using a fork.
- Knife: Peel and chop the fruit with a knife.
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How to Serve Fried Plantains
Simple as they are, there are many ways you can serve Fried Plantains!
Serve them with your favorite dips and sauces to give the dish a good flavor that complements the plantains. You can also enjoy these plantains when you want to eat them as substitutes for chips.
If you want to pair it with dishes, then I suggest savoring it with the following:
These are perfect for curbing your cravings for sugary treats and junk food. Add this into your diet; you can trust that you will have restored energy and a refreshed body.
Finally, here are some of the best drinks to pair with these fried plantains:
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: According to Serious Eats, you can leave Fried Plantains at room temperature for a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need to soak plantains before frying?
Soaking them before frying is not required, but if you intend to fry them twice for an extra crunch, soak them in a bit of salt and water, pat them dry, and fry them again.
Should plantains be ripe before frying?
You can fry ripe and unripe plantains, depending on your preference. In this recipe, I suggest using ripe plantains to unleash how sweet and starchy they can be. Go for plantains with yellow, black, and brown colors for peak ripeness.
What are fried plantains made of?
The Fried Plantains recipe can be as simple as cooking ripe plantains in oil with a high smoke point. You can also season the plantains or coat them with dredge for other flavorful and even crunchy versions.
Can fried plantains be healthy?
Yes, they are healthy. Plantains are naturally packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Even though they give off the impression of chips, they are way more nutritious.
Fried Ripe Plantains (VIDEO)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 plantains (large, ripe and firm)
- Sunflower oil (enough to deep-fry)
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the plantains. Slice off the ends and make a shallow vertical cut in the middle of the plantain to easily peel off the skin. Cut it into your preferred shape – diagonal, circle, or cube. You can season it with salt if desired.
- Fry. Preheat oil in a pan over medium heat. It should sizzle once you add the plantain slices. Leave them to fry until golden brown. Turn them over to cook on both sides. Once cooked, transfer them onto a lined plate.
Video
Notes
- Use ripe plantains alone or season them with spices of your choice.
- Aside from deep-frying, you can bake or air fry them. Try Air Fryer Roasted Plantains.
- Freeze them to extend their shelf life to several weeks or months. Read more on How to Preserve Plantains for Longer.
Nutrition
