How To Cook Plantains Sweet

Plantains are a versatile and delicious member of the banana family that can be used in a variety of dishes. One popular way to enjoy plantains is by cooking them sweet, resulting in a dish known as sweet plantains or platanos maduros. These ripe green plantains are sliced and fried to perfection, creating a tender and sweet treat that is perfect as a side dish or snack. If you’re looking to learn how to cook plantains sweet, follow this step-by-step guide.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking sweet plantains, make sure you have the following ingredients:

Ripe plantains
Oil with a high smoke point (vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil)
Salt

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to cook delicious sweet plantains:

Cut each ripe plantain diagonally and peel them. Slice the plantains into 1/2-inch thick slices and set them aside.
Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the sliced plantains for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Transfer the fried plantains to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season them with salt and serve immediately.

Enjoy your sweet plantains as a side dish or pair them with other dishes like black bean, avocado, and plantain arepas for a delicious meal.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

If you need to ripen green plantains quickly, you can place them in a brown paper bag for a few days or bake them in the oven at 300°F for 20 minutes. To stop plantains from ripening, store ripe plantains in the fridge. Remember, the darker the skin of the plantains, the sweeter they will be.

Serve your sweet plantains hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different seasonings like cajun seasoning, brown sugar, adobo, or old bay to add extra flavor to your dish.

Serving Fried Sweet Plantains: So Versatile!

Fried sweet plantains can be enjoyed in various ways:

As a side dish with main courses like curry goat, jerk chicken, or oxtail.
As a snack or munchie on their own.
With breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and hash browns.
Alongside rice, beans, and avocado for a lighter meal.
As a dessert with ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, or cinnamon sugar.

Leftover fried sweet plantains can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave before serving to retain their crispiness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ripe bananas instead of plantains for this recipe?

A: While ripe bananas can be used as a substitute, plantains have a firmer texture and slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Are sweet plantains healthy?

A: Sweet plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but they are fried, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Q: Can I freeze cooked sweet plantains?

A: Yes, you can freeze cooked sweet plantains. Allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Q: What other seasonings can I use on sweet plantains?

A: Experiment with seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, or honey for different flavor profiles.

Q: Can I bake sweet plantains instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake sweet plantains in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender and caramelized.

Q: Are sweet plantains vegan?

A: Yes, sweet plantains cooked in oil are vegan-friendly and suitable for a plant-based diet.