Fried Plantains recipe – is super simple and so delicious, and it makes an excellent side dish or a quick snack.
The first time I tried fried plantains, I hated it!!! At that moment I was so sure, plantains would never make it on the list of my favorite foods.
But shortly afterward; I fell in love with them. In short, ripe fried plantains are one of my favorite foods, especially when paired with grilled fish and some West African pepper sauce. Yummy!!!
Difference between Plantains and Bananas
If you have never seen plantains before, you would probably mistake them for bananas. That’s because Plantains are a member of the banana family. They are a starchy variety that’s unsuitable for raw consumption.
Plantains are used in many savory dishes mainly in Western Africa and the Caribbean countries. It is usually fried or baked. Plantains are low in sugar compared to bananas, and when cooked they don’t crumble as ripe bananas would.
Where to find Plantains
Plantains grow in tropical countries from Central and South America to the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. But if you live in Europe or North America, you can easily find plantains in the Asian and Afro Shops.
How To Serve Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are so delicious whether served hot or cold, and they reheat perfectly in the oven, skillet or microwave.
Try serving them alongside spicy grilled fish or chicken or on its own as a snack.
Plantains are healthy for you.
Plantains are an excellent source of vitamin C; this vitamin acts as an antioxidant and helps build up your immune system. They are also loaded full of Vitamin A and B-6, and magnesium. Not to mention potassium and fiber that is mandatory for a healthy digestive system.
What Goes in Fried Plantains?
- 2 ripe plantains
- 5 tablespoon olive oil (or any other cooking oil of choice)
- Sea salt to taste (optional)
How To Make Fried plantains
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, diagonally slice the plantains about a half-inch thick.
Add the plantains to the pan. Let the slices cook for 3 – 4 minutes on both sides. Season with sea salt. That’s it!!
Tips for Ripe Fried Plantains
- Use ripe Plantains for this fried plantains.
- The slices shouldn’t be too thin or too thick otherwise the plantains will burn quickly or brown while the middle stays raw.
Fried Plantain Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ripe Plantains
- 5 tbsp Olive oil (or any other cooking oil)
- Sea salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Meanwhile, peel and diagonally slice the plantains into 1/2-inch slices.
- Add the olive oil to the heated pan, allowing it to melt.
- Add the plantains to the pan.
- Allow plantains to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and let cook for another 3 minutes.
- Season with sea salt. That's it.
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This is just perfect for breakfast. Love that
I love ripe fried plantains. The fact that these are not deep-fried makes them even more delicious.
I find that is not always necessary to deep fry them and they still come out tasty and crispy. Thanks Hanna.
Yes! Plantain must be open (overripe, in my opinion) for frying! Great breakdown of the difference between plantain and bananas. I would add that they’re readily available at many mainstream grocery stores in North America—not just cultural stores.
Thanks, Jazz. I appreciate your addition.
We need more plantain recipes. They are highly underrated. I love the simplicity of the recipe.
We sure do need more plantain recipes. I will post more recipes soon. Thanks.
Fried ripe plantains are my Fave! I could eat these by themselves! So good!
They are one of my favorites too. Thanks, Shanika.
I love fried plantains, it’s my childhood weakness.
Thanks for stopping by Charla. I appreciate.
I love fried plantains. We had it often on the weekends growing up. I love the tip on how to slice the plantains.
True Tanya. The size of the slices can break or make your fried plantains. Thanks for stopping by.
WOW, I love fried plantains, especially with some fried eggs.