Fried ripe plantains are a yummy Caribbean treat loved for their crispy, sweet taste. They’re a must-have with almost every Caribbean meal and are popular worldwide. This simple recipe brings that Caribbean flavor to your kitchen in no time.
Plantains look like big bananas but have thicker skin and are starchier. As they ripen, they become sweeter because their starch turns into sugar.
The result? A delicious mix of crispy and sweet! One bite, and you’ll be hooked. Sprinkle a bit of salt, and they taste even better.
Enjoy fried ripe plantains as a side dish or snack. They’re perfect with classics like red beans and rice or Jamaican jerk chicken. You can also toss them into soups or stews. In Guyana, they’re a must-have with cook-up rice, a dish made with rice, beans, meat, and coconut milk.
Plantains Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Frying Pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe plantains
- 1 tsp Ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut off the ends of the plantains.
- Peel the plantains.
- Slice the plantains into pieces (either rounds or cubes), but not too thin.
- Put the plantain slices in a container.
- In a small bowl, mix the ginger powder, onion powder, chili powder, and sugar.
- Sprinkle this spice mix over the plantain slices.
- Make sure the plantains are evenly coated with the spice mix.
- Add salt to taste.
- Let the plantains sit for 10 minutes to soak in the flavors.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the plantain slices.
- Fry the plantains until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Take the fried plantains out of the skillet.
- Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any extra oil.
- Serve the spicy fried plantains while they’re hot.
- Enjoy your tasty snack or side dish!
Notes
- Use ripe plantains with yellow and black spots for a sweeter taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- Reduce the chili powder if you want a milder spice.
- Let the plantains sit with the spice mix for at least 10 minutes for better flavor.
- Serve right away for the best taste and crunch.
- Try other spices like paprika or cumin for different flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 17g |
| Calcium | 4mg |
| Iron | 0.7mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 1011IU |
| Vitamin C | 17mg |
Can You Eat Raw Plantains?
Technically, yes, but it’s not a good idea. Raw plantains are tough to digest and might upset your stomach. While they’re not poisonous, it’s best to avoid eating them raw, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Can You Reheat Fried Plantains?
Yes! While they taste best fresh, you can reheat leftover plantain chips in a toaster oven. Just pop them in and toast until they’re hot and crispy again, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
How Do You Know When Plantains Are Ready to Use?
A ripe plantain is mostly black with a little yellow and still slightly firm when you touch it, like a ripe peach. Completely black plantains are still okay to eat, but they might be too soft to prepare easily. Nonetheless, they’re still tasty!
