If you’ve never had tostones, you’re in for a crispy, golden, savory treat that’ll quickly become a favorite! These twice-fried plantains are the ultimate crispy snack or side dish, with a satisfying crunch and a rich, slightly sweet flavor from the plantains. You can dip them in all sorts of sauces or enjoy them just as they are. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new go-to comfort food. Let’s dive into why these tostones are a must-have in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Tostones
This recipe isn’t just about frying plantains—it’s about creating memories! Whether you’re making them for a casual snack, a party, or just because you’re craving something delicious, tostones are always a win. Here’s why:
Versatile: Tostones are great as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. You can serve them with a variety of dips, from garlic sauce to guacamole, or even salsa for an extra punch.
Budget-Friendly: All you need are plantains and oil, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet tasty dish that doesn’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and a little patience, you’ll have crispy tostones in no time. The frying process is easy and straightforward.
Customizable: Want to make them a bit spicier? Add chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also sprinkle them with cheese or herbs for extra flavor!
Crowd-Pleasing: These crispy little bites are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s kids or adults, tostones are a universal favorite!
Ingredients in Tostones
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy delights:
Plantains: The star of the show! Plantains are similar to bananas but are firmer and more starchy. Make sure you pick up some green plantains for the perfect texture and flavor.
Oil: You’ll need oil for frying. Vegetable or canola oil works best, but you can also use olive oil if you prefer.
Salt: A little sprinkle of salt after frying gives the tostones that savory kick.
Garlic (Optional): For extra flavor, you can mash some garlic and rub it on the tostones after frying. It adds a nice aromatic punch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get frying and create these crispy, golden tostones:
Peel the Plantains: Start by cutting off both ends of the plantains. Then, make a shallow slit along the peel and remove the skin carefully. You’ll see that the plantains are firm and a little tough to peel, but that’s perfect for tostones!
Cut the Plantains: Slice the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds. These will be the base for your tostones, so don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform.
Fry the Plantains (First Round): Heat your oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the plantain slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden but not fully crispy. This is the first fry, so they should be slightly soft but starting to turn color.
Flatten the Plantains: Remove the fried plantains from the oil and let them cool for a minute. Once they’re cool enough to handle, use the bottom of a glass or a tostonera (a plantain press) to flatten each piece into a thicker disc. Don’t press too hard; just enough to flatten them.
Fry the Plantains Again (Second Round): Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. This second fry gives them that perfect crunch!
Drain and Season: Once they’re done, remove the tostones from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot, or add any additional seasonings you like.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tostones hot and crispy, with a side of dipping sauce, salsa, or just as they are. Either way, they’re absolutely delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 160
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Tostones
Tostones are perfect for so many occasions! Here are some great ways to serve them:
Pair them with a fresh, tangy salsa or guacamole for a classic combination.
Serve with a creamy dipping sauce like sour cream or garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost.
Enjoy them alongside grilled meats or seafood for a delicious side dish.
Top them with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for a fun twist!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. You can test it by dropping a small piece of plantain in the oil; if it sizzles right away, it’s ready.
If you don’t have a tostonera, use the bottom of a glass or a cup to flatten the plantains.
To make them even more flavorful, rub the fried tostones with some minced garlic or lime juice right after frying.
Tostones can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a hot pan for the best crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make tostones with ripe plantains?
No, ripe (yellow or black) plantains are too soft and sweet for tostones. Use green plantains for the perfect texture.
2. Can I bake the tostones instead of frying them?
While frying gives them that crispy texture, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How do I store leftover tostones?
Store any leftover tostones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, fry them again for a minute to get that crispy texture.
4. Can I use coconut oil for frying?
Yes! Coconut oil will give your tostones a nice, subtle flavor. Just make sure it’s hot enough for frying.
5. Can I make tostones in advance?
You can fry the plantains and flatten them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just fry them again for the crispy second round.
6. How do I know when the plantains are ripe enough to peel?
The skin of green plantains will be firm and thick. If the plantains are starting to turn yellow, they’re too ripe for tostones.
7. Can I make tostones without oil?
While oil gives the best crispiness, you can try air frying them if you have an air fryer for a lighter version.
8. Can I add seasonings to the tostones?
Absolutely! Try adding some garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a little extra flavor.
9. Can I use a plantain press (tostonera)?
Yes, a tostonera is perfect for flattening the plantains, but a glass or cup works just as well.
10. Are tostones gluten-free?
Yes! Tostones are naturally gluten-free, making them a great snack for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Tostones are crispy, savory, and the perfect snack or side dish for just about any occasion. Whether you serve them with a dip or just enjoy them on their own, these little bites are sure to be a hit. So grab some plantains and get frying—you won’t regret it!
Print
Tostones
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 20min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Tostones are a beloved Latin American and Caribbean snack made from green plantains that are twice-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior. Often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces.
Ingredients
– 2 green plantains
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Peel the green plantains by cutting off the ends and making a lengthwise slit through the skin. Use your fingers or a knife to remove the peel.
2. Slice the plantains into 1-inch thick pieces.
3. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add the plantain slices to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are golden and slightly tender.
5. Remove the plantains from the oil and drain on paper towels.
6. Using a tostonera or the bottom of a flat object (like a glass or plate), gently press each fried plantain slice to flatten it to about ½ inch thickness.
7. Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are crisp and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oil, drain on paper towels, and immediately season with kosher salt.
9. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as garlic mojo or spicy cilantro sauce.
Notes
– For added flavor, consider soaking the plantain slices in a mixture of water and minced garlic for 10 minutes before the first fry.
– Tostones are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven to restore crispness.
– Pair with dips like guacamole, aioli, or a tangy tomato salsa for a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5pieces
- Calories: 419
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 31g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg