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Tostones

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Twice fried green plantains are a special treat! Crispy on the outside and soft and creamy inside, these are sprinkled with salt and enjoyed fresh and hot as a snack.

These twice fried green plantains are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
tostones in grey bowl
tostones in grey bowl

Tostones are popular throughout Latin American and the Caribbean as a snack. Almost reminiscent of French fries, these fried plantains have a crispy exterior, starchy interior, covered in salt and perfect for dipping.

These are definitely different from fried plantains that are made with ripe plantain and fried with brown sugar for a sweet version. This version uses unripe plantains which are very starchy and need to be cooked before you eat them – they are like a potato kid of.

bowl with tostones and three children's hands reaching in to grab one

Ingredients Needed:

For the full amounts, please make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below. This is just an overview so you know what you need to have on hand.

  • Green Plantains – You want to make sure your plantains are as green as you can find them! If they turn more yellow and get spotted, use them to make fried plantains instead! These are different, I promise.
  • Neutral Oil – You want a flavorless oil with a high smoke point for frying. I used vegetable oil here.
  • Salt
ingredients for tostones with text overlays

How to make tostones

This recipe is simple to make! For the full set of directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below. This is just a general overview on how to make it to help you plan.

  1. Peel the plantains. To do this the easiest way, cut the ends off the plantain. Then use the knife to score the peel lengthwise down the plantain on all four sides. Use your thumb to separate the peel from the flesh and peel it in as close to one full sheet as you can. These do not peel like bananas, so try to work them into one sheet to make it as easy as you can.
  2. Slice the peeled plantains into 1″ thick slices.
  3. Heat a deep skillet with the oil over medium-high heat.
  4. While the oil is still warming and not yet hot, fry the plantain slices until golden brown on both sides, just a few minutes per side.
  5. Use a cup or the bottom of a bowl to smash the fried plantains until they are 1/2″ thick.
  6. Refry the plantains on both sides.
  7. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

How to serve tostones

Tostones are a fantastic snack or addition to a meal.

Serve them as is by themselves, or with some guacamole, or add them to a meal like shredded cuban beef bowls.

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tostones in grey bowl

Tostones Recipe

These twice fried green plantains are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
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Cuisine: Latin American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 377kcal
Author: Jenni

Ingredients

  • 2 large green plantains
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Peel the plantains. Cut the ends off, and then score hte peel with a knife on all four sides of the plantain. Use your thumb to separate the peel from the flesh of the fruit and pull off the peel.
    2 large green plantains
  • Slice the plantains into 1″ thick coins.
  • Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat with the oil.
    1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • Line a cutting board with paper towels.
  • While the oil is still warming up and not quite hot, add the plantains carefully and fry until golden on both sides, flipping after a few minutes to get both sides.
  • Remove to the prepared cutting board and use a measuring cup or bowl to smash the plantains until they are 1/2″ thick.
  • Place the smashed plantains back into the frying pan and fry a second time on both sides until they are slightly more golden. They will only need 30 seconds to 1 minute per side this time around.
  • Remove back to the prepared cutting board and sprinkle with salt.
    1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

One Comment

  1. Salina J Sims says:

    Really delicious. I liked this recipe

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