Tostones
Let’s talk about a crispy, golden, utterly irresistible snack that’s about to become your new go-to: Tostones. If you’ve never had them before, let me paint the picture — twice-fried green plantains, perfectly salted, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. They’re simple, but oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re whipping up a tropical-themed dinner or just craving something savory and snackable, these little bites totally deliver. Trust me, once you pop one, you’ll want the whole batch.
Why You’ll Love Tostones
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: They’re the ultimate snack, side dish, or even base for toppings like guac, shredded chicken, or salsa. The sky’s the limit.
Budget-Friendly: Just a few green plantains and oil, and you’re in business. No fancy ingredients required.
Quick and Easy: You’ll have these crispy delights on the table in no time, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Customizable: Add garlic, dip them in mojo, or sprinkle with chili powder — you do you.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Tostones
Here’s the magic of this snack — it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but it brings bold, satisfying flavor and a perfect crunch every time.
Green Plantains: Firm and starchy, these are the stars of the show. Make sure they’re green, not ripe — we’re going for savory, not sweet.
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying. It gets the job done crisping up those golden beauties to perfection.
Salt: A generous sprinkle brings the flavor to life. It’s the finishing touch that makes everything pop.
Garlic Water (optional): A quick dip in garlic-infused water before the second fry adds a subtle, mouthwatering depth.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat the oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.
First Fry: Peel and slice the plantains into thick coins. Fry them in batches until they’re just golden and tender — not too brown yet. This is the base layer of crispiness.
Smash Time: Use the bottom of a glass, plate, or a tostonera to gently flatten each piece into a disc. This step is what gives tostones their signature crunch and texture.
Optional Garlic Dip: For an extra layer of flavor, quickly dip the flattened plantains into a bowl of garlic water before the second fry.
Second Fry: Return the smashed plantains to the oil and fry again until deeply golden and crispy. Flip them once to get even color on both sides.
Drain and Salt: Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess oil, then sprinkle immediately with salt while they’re hot and fresh.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 190
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Tostones
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Dip them in garlic mojo, salsa, or guacamole.
- Serve alongside grilled meats, rice, and beans.
- Top with shredded chicken, cheese, or avocado for a fun twist.
- Pair them with a cold drink for the perfect snack or appetizer.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use very green plantains for best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan during frying — give each slice room.
- Adjust salt and seasoning right after frying for best absorption.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
FAQs
1 What’s the difference between plantains and bananas
Plantains are starchier and less sweet than bananas, making them perfect for savory dishes like tostones.
2 Can I use ripe plantains instead of green ones
Not for tostones! Ripe plantains are sweet and soft, which won’t give you that crispy texture.
3 Do I need a tostonera to smash the plantains
Nope! The bottom of a cup or small plate works just fine.
4 Can I bake instead of fry them
You can, but they won’t get quite as crispy. Air frying is a better alternative if you’re avoiding oil.
5 Why fry them twice
The first fry softens them, the second makes them crispy. It’s the secret to perfect tostones!
6 What oil is best for frying tostones
A neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil works best.
7 How do I know when the oil is hot enough
Drop a small piece of plantain in — if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go.
8 Can I freeze tostones
Yes! Fry once, flatten, freeze, then fry the second time when ready to eat.
9 How do I keep them crispy after frying
Let them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent sogginess.
10 What sauces go well with tostones
Garlic mojo, avocado dip, spicy mayo, and even ketchup work beautifully.
Conclusion
There you have it — the ultimate crispy, golden snack that’s as easy to love as it is to make. Tostones are the kind of treat that bring big flavor with very little fuss. Whether you’re new to plantains or already a fan, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. So grab a few green plantains and let’s get frying — your taste buds will thank you!
PrintTostones
Tostones are a beloved Latin American and Caribbean snack made from green plantains that are sliced, fried, smashed, and fried again to achieve a crispy, golden perfection. These twice-fried plantain slices are savory, crunchy, and often served as a side dish or appetizer, accompanied by various dipping sauces like garlic mojo or creamy cilantro sauce.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
– 3-4 green plantains
– 1 cup vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Peel the green plantains by cutting off the ends and making a shallow slit along the length of each plantain. Use your fingers or a spoon to remove the peel.
2. Slice the peeled plantains into 1-inch thick pieces.
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the plantain slices in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, until they are golden and slightly tender.
5. Remove the fried plantain slices and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Using the bottom of a glass or a tostonera, flatten each fried plantain slice to about half its original thickness.
7. Optionally, soak the flattened plantains in a mixture of water and a splash of lime juice for a few minutes to enhance crispiness.
8. Reheat the oil if necessary, then fry the flattened plantains again for 1–2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the tostones from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt to taste.
10. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving tostones with a garlic mojo sauce or a creamy cilantro dipping sauce. To achieve maximum crispiness, some cooks recommend soaking the flattened plantains in salted water or a lime-infused water before the second fry. Tostones are best enjoyed immediately after frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1cup
- Calories: 200kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
