Fried Sweet Plantain
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Fried Sweet Plantain
If you haven't tried Fried Sweet Plantains yet, you're in for a treat! They’re easy to make and absolutely delicious, with a caramelized outside and a sweet, tender inside. Perfect as a side, snack, or even dessert. They’re a hit in our house and will be in yours too! Completely Vegan + Gluten-free.
I can't believe it's taken me this long to share Fried Sweet Plantain on the site! Growing up with Jamaican roots, my mom made these all the time as a snack or side dish to classics like Stew Peas, Ackee Saltfish or Jerk Chicken. They're made with just 2 ingredients and bring back so many childhood memories for me.
You’ll find them to have a crispy, golden-brown outside with a tender, sweet middle. Plus, plantains are so versatile I like to top them with salt and some brown sugar Sweet fried plantains with a savory protein make the best combo.
If you’re craving more Jamaican flavors, be sure to try my Fried Dumplings, Beef Patties, Rasta Pasta, or Plant-based Jamaican Oxtail. You can also explore the Jamaican section of the site for even more delicious recipes!
Jump to:
What Are Sweet Plantains?
Plantains are part of the banana family and are a big deal in Latin, Caribbean, and African cuisine. They look like bananas but are bigger, starchier, and not as sweet.
Sweet Plantains are a type of plantain that is allowed to ripen fully before being cooked. As they ripen, plantains change from green to yellow and eventually to black, becoming sweeter and softer in the process.
You’ll usually find plantains near the bananas in some grocery stores. If you can't find them there, check out a local ethnic or international market. They're worth the hunt!
Why You Will LOVE Fried Sweet Plantain
- Irresistibly caramelized sweetness.
- Crunchy golden crust, tender melt-in-your-mouth inside.
- Perfectly complements any meal or as a delicious stand-alone snack!
- So SIMPLE only 2 ingredients!
- Packed with vitamins + fiber.
- A dreamy sweet-savory contrast.
Ingredients For Fried Sweet Plantain
This recipe is super simple—you'll just need ripe plantains + some oil!
FRIED PLANTAINS:
- Plantains. Make sure they are very ripe. You will need to peel + slice into rounds. (You can also slice them in a slanted shape as well)
- Vegetable oil. You can use any neutral oil for frying: canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil.
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Brown sugar. For a little extra sweetness.
- Coarse salt. The play of salty + sweet works so well.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS PLANTAIN DISH!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Fried Sweet Plantain. Everything from my pans, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Make Fried Sweet Plantain
This plantain recipe is straightforward --- start by peeling + slicing the plantains into rounds. Alternatively, you can slice the plantains without peeling them completely, making it easier to cut, and then peel each piece individually. Then it's time to fry them up!
FRYING THE PLANTAINS
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once heated, place each slice of plantain until as much as possible can fit. NOTE: You don't want to overcrowd them and may need to work in batches.
- Fry each plantain until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes on each side---carefully flipping them onto their opposite sides to cook evenly. NOTE: You can definitely fry them a bit longer on each side for a darker, more caramelized outside----up to 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Prepare a plate or platter with paper towel so that finished fried plantains can be placed atop to cool and further drain all excess oils. Repeat until all plantains are fried.
- Feel free to sprinkle a bit of brown sugar or coarse salt to the warm plantains for a nice extra bite/flavor.
How To Ripen Plantains
Here are 4 ways to ripen plantains --- Transform them from green to yellow for that sweet, caramelized flavor. Keep in mind, that many grocery stores sell ripe plantains that are ready to use. You can usually find them right next to the green plantains!
Let Them Sit
This is my fave method --- I usually buy green plantains and leave them on the counter at room temperature. In a week or two, they'll ripen beautifully, becoming deeply speckled and nearly black, just how I like them!
A Paper Bag
Store your plantains in a paper bag + loosely cover it to maintain some humidity. Keep the bag on the kitchen counter, undisturbed. The ethylene gas produced inside the bag helps the plantains ripen faster.
The Oven Method
Place unpeeled plantains on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they are ripe!
Uncooked Rice
Fill a large bowl with uncooked rice and bury the plantains in it. This method traps the ethylene gas, speeding up the ripening process. It usually takes 3-5 days, so check on them regularly.
What To Eat With Fried Sweet Plantains
You can enjoy these fried sweet plantains alone as a seriously good snack or as a delicious side. Here are some of my fave pairings:
- As a side dish with Jamaican mains like Jerk Chicken, Jamaican Curry Chicken, Jamaican stew or Ackee and saltfish to name a few!
- For a a fresh, zesty touch enjoy with some Pico de gallo
- Eggs ---- Great for breakfast or brunch, served alongside or on top. Try my Air-fryer Boiled Eggs.
- For a crispy + delicious companion try My Hubby’s Jamaican Fried Dumplings!
- Coconut rice complements the tropical flavors beautifully.
Or you can enjoy them as dessert! Plantains make a delicious sweet treat, whether paired with ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce, topped with berries, or simply dusted with cinnamon sugar!
Fried Sweet Plantain Recipe Q + A's
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To serve warm/heat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Ripe plantains are yellow with black spots or mostly black. The riper they are, the sweeter they will be.
You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Yes, you can freeze ripe plantains. Peel and slice them before freezing, then fry them straight from the freezer.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the plantain slices and avoid overcrowding the pan.
More Delicious Handheld Snacks
If you enjoyed this easy Fried Sweet Plantain recipe, make sure to add these irresistible easy snacks to your "must-make next" list!
- The Best Tuna Salad
- Sweet + Spicy Herb Crackers
- Healthy Green Goddess Salad Dip
- Crispy Baked Sticky Orange Cauliflower Bites
- Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Crispy Vegan Ranch Popcorn Cauliflower Bites
- Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries
- Homemade Garlic Herb Cheese Pizza
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried my Fried Sweet Plantain recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Fried Sweet Plantain
Ingredients
FRIED PLANTAINS:
- 4 large very ripe plantains, peeled + sliced into rounds (You can also slice them in a slanted shape as well)
- ½ cup organic vegetable oil (You can use any neutral oil for frying: canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil)
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- ½ teaspoon organic brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
PREP THE PLANTAINS:
- Place each peeled plantain a top a cutting board and slice the plantains into rounds or at an angle, about ½-inch thick. Set the sliced plantains aside on a plate/platter or small baking sheet. NOTE: You can also slice the plantains without peeling them for an easier cut and then peel each piece individually, if desired.
FRY THE PLANTAINS:
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once heated, place each slice of plantain until as much as possible can fit. NOTE: You don't want to overcrowd them and may need to work in batches.
- Fry each plantain until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes on each side---carefully flipping them onto their opposite sides to cook evenly. NOTE: You can definitely fry them a bit longer on each side for a darker, more caramelized outside----up to 4-5 minutes each side.
- Prepare a plate or platter with paper towel so that finished fried plantains can be placed atop to cool and further drain all excess oils. Repeat until all plantains are fried.
- Feel free to sprinkled a bit of brown sugar or coarse salt to the warm plantains for a nice extra bite/flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite foods for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This Ackee + Saltfish with Fried Dumplings is a great staple dish for these plantains!
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
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