By Imma Published April 29, 2021
Updated March 22, 2022
Source: Immaculate Bites
Photo / Image Source: Unsplash,
Fried Sweet Plantains
Fried Sweet Plantains make the perfect side dish for African and Latin meals or a wonderful snack all by itself. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Sooo good with rice & beans, stews, or a replacement for tostadas! Amazingly delicious!
Prep: 5 mins Cook: 7 mins Total: 12 mins African, Caribbean, Latin American, Puerto Rican SERVINGS 3 people
Ingredients
2 or 3 ripe plantains
Vegetable cooking oil as needed
Salt to taste
Instructions
Using a sharp knife cut both ends off the plantain. This will make it easy to grab the skin of the plantains. Slit a shallow line down the long seam of the plantain.
Cut plantains in diagonal pieces or medium-sized slices and set them aside. You can make them smaller by cutting the pieces in half.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Test if oil is ready by carefully trying out a slice of plantain. Oil should bubble on contact before proceeding with the rest. If it doesn’t, wait another minute or two. If oil is too hot, remove from heat and wait for about 2 minutes before proceeding.
Fry in batches until the plantain slices have reached the desired color (golden brown), turning once, about 2-3 minutes per side. Then continue cooking, turning plantains occasionally until soft and deep golden brown, 5–7 minutes.
Carefully remove plantains with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or tray. Season with salt and/or cinnamon sugar, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips & Notes: How to Peel Plantains
Bring them to room temperature - If you are storing them in the fridge, take them out and let them come to room temperature. Or, you could soak them in some warm water for a few minutes to soften up the peels.
Cut off both ends -it makes it easier to peel.
Do you need it whole? - take a knife and slice just skin deep the entire length of the plantain. Not the flesh, just the peel!
You don't need it whole? - cut the plantain in half crosswise, then slice the peel with the grain. Make sure you don't cut the flesh of the plantain, just the peel!
Remove the peel - take your knife and carefully separate the peel from the flesh. If the plantain is almost ripe, this will be easier. You may be able to use your finger to separate the peel from the flesh. If it's still green, you'll need to carefully cut the peel off.
If you prefer to use a deep-fryer, by all means, do so!
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 145kcal (7%)| Carbohydrates: 38g (13%)| Protein: 1g (2%)| Sodium: 4mg| Potassium: 595mg (17%)| Fiber: 2g (8%)| Sugar: 17g (19%)| Vitamin A: 1345IU (27%)| Vitamin C: 21.9mg (27%)| Calcium: 4mg| Iron: 0.7mg (4%)
Room Temperature – They do well at room temperature. However, they will continue to ripen. Green plantains are used as a vegetable, while ripe plantains are just as likely to be used as a dessert.
The Fridge – This is not the best place to store plantains or bananas, for that matter, but if you must, then you must. They will last up to a week.
You can freeze plantains? Yes, you can. In a process similar to freezing bananas, remove the ends, and peel the plantain. You can freeze them whole or cut them up. Store them in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 or 4 months. When you are ready to use them, remove the bag from the freezer and use the plantain immediately, or very soon thereafter.
After frying – You can keep fried green plantains in an airtight container for a couple of days in the fridge. Honestly, though, they’re best fresh. Fried sweet plantains store a little better in the fridge than the green ones do.
How can you introduce Plantains into your diet? How can it positively impact your diet? Why?
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