Instructions
- Cut the ends off of each plantain, and use a knife to cut through the skin of the plantain, lengthwise, from top to bottom.
- Use your fingers to pry open and peel off the tough outer skin.
- Cut the plantains into pieces, about 1″ thick.
- Fill a large, heavy-bottomed skillet about a third of the way with oil.
How do you fry green plantains?
Heat 1/2 inch oil in a deep 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until just hot enough to sizzle when a piece of plantain is added. Fry plantains in 2 batches, turning occasionally with tongs, until tender and just golden, 5 to 7 minutes per batch.
Can green plantain be fried?
Tostones (Fried Green Plantains) are the favorite Dominican side dish and a Latin food staple. Fried unripe green plantains are fried twice for the ultimate golden crisp side dish! Tostones are Dominicans’ favorite side dish.
How do you cut green plantains?
Green Plantains
- Cut the ends of the plantains and very carefully run your knife through the peel lengthwise, without cutting into the flesh.
- Use your fingers to separate and detach the peel from the plantain.
- Plantains are ready to be cooked.
Do you soak plantains before frying?
Tostones, or pan-fried green plantains, are practically the Cuban national dish. Soaking the tostones in salt water before the final fry makes them crunchier outside and moister inside, but you can skip this step.
How do you eat green plantains?
When green, they are very starchy and are best served as tostones, which are twice-fried plantains. They can also be thinly sliced and fried to make chips. As they ripen, the starches turn into sugars, and when fried, the sugars caramelize and create sweet crispy edges.
What is green plantain good for?
Plantains contain a good amount of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single cup. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant which may help boost your immune system. As an antioxidant, it may protect your body against free radical damage that’s associated with aging, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
Should you boil plantains before frying?
No, you shouldn’t. Just cut and fry, no need for boiling before frying. How do you cut plantains for frying? You can cut into cubes, diced, cut into slices, diagonally or round using a kitchen knife and chopping board.
How do you know when plantain is cooked?
To boil plantains, start by slicing about an inch off each end. Then, cut them in half down the middle and peel the skins off. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook your plantains for 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and a deep yellow color.
Can you cook green plantains?
Unlike a banana, plantains contain much more starch than sugar and are almost always served cooked. Once cooked, unripe green plantains have the dense, starchy texture of taro. They are traditionally braised, fried, or mashed.
Can I eat green plantains?
Green plantains taste a little like a potato but are starchier in texture, and can be fried along with a yam or even a sweet potato. When they are green you can do the same with them as you can with a potato in terms of cooking them. As they ripen, they get sweeter. Nutrient Dense.
What is the easiest way to peel unripe plantain?
How To Peel Plantains
- Cut off both ends of the plantain.
- Observe the ridges of the plantain. Cut a shallow slit down the length of each ridge, making sure not to go too deep.
- Slide a butter knife down between the flesh and the skin, lifting up slightly. The skin will come right off.
How long should you fry plantains for?
In a deep fryer or large deep skillet heat 1 1/2 inches oil to 375°F. on a deep-fat thermometer and fry 12 to 15 plantain slices at a time, turning them, 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden, transferring as fried with a skimmer or slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
What is the best oil for frying plantains?
olive oil
directions. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat; add the plantain slices and fry for about 4 minutes on each side, moving the slices with a spatula occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the plantains from the skillet with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels.
Why are my plantains hard after frying?
You also cut the plantains too thick. When frying like this, they will come out crispy if thinly sliced but will be hard if the plantain is too thick. If you want softer plantains, you need to cook them slowly and for a longer period of time. Just like a potato.
How do you ripen plantains quickly?
Store plantains in a paper bag.
If you need plantains to ripen quicker, you can store them in a paper bag. Place your plantains in a paper bag. You do not need to close the bag all the way. In fact, it is best to only close the bag loosely.
Do plantains have to be ripe to cook?
Plantains can be cooked at any stage of ripeness – from green, to yellow or black – to create a variety of dishes from appetizers to desserts. Plantains taste different at each stage of development, though the interior color of the fruit will remain creamy, yellowish or lightly pink.
What is the difference between ripe and unripe plantain?
As they ripen, they start to yellow, then get dark brown spots and eventually turn black before spoiling. 2. Texture: Green plantains are tough, similar to a root vegetable. Ripe plantains are mushier, and those with a darker peel may not hold their shape when fried.
What happens if you eat unripe plantains?
Although the texture and taste make uncooked green plantains unappetizing, there’s no harm in eating them raw (but you wouldn’t really want to). Plantains are recognized as safe to be eaten by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as they are relatively toxin-free.
How do you prepare plantains to eat?
How to cook plantain
- Cut each end off the plantain and peel back the skin. Cut into ½cm slices on a diagonal to give you a larger surface area.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan until hot. Fry the plantain on each side for a couple of mins until it starts to caramelise, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
What is the healthiest way to eat plantains?
Fried plantains can also be eaten plain, in a soup or stew, or as a side dish with rice and beans. Try serving with scrambled eggs and salsa. This combo makes a great breakfast meal that is both sweet and healthy. Fried, unripe plantains are very crunchy.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.