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Tostones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)

Caribbean · Appetizer · Side

Crispy, savory, and golden-brown twice-fried green plantains. These are a classic Latin American snack that are perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ready in 30 minutesVeganVegetarian
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Tostones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains) — recipe cover
25 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time10 min
Cook time15 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyEasy
Let's make something good

How to make it

7 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Peel the plantains

    Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and slicing through the skin lengthwise. Slice into 1-inch thick rounds.

  2. Heat the vegetable oil

    In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat to about 325°F (163°C).

    5 min
  3. Fry the plantain rounds

    Fry the plantain rounds for 3–4 minutes per side until they are soft and light golden, but not brown.

    8 min
  4. Remove plantains from the oil

    Remove plantains from the oil and drain on paper towels. Using a tostonera or the bottom of a heavy glass, smash each piece until it is about 1/4-inch thick.

  5. Optional: Stir together water, smashed garlic, and a pinch of salt

    Optional: Stir together water, smashed garlic, and a pinch of salt. Briefly dip each smashed plantain into the garlic water and pat dry.

  6. Increase the oil heat

    Increase the oil heat to 350°F (177°C). Fry the smashed plantains again for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and deep golden brown.

    5 min
  7. Remove from oil, drain,

    Remove from oil, drain, and season immediately with salt while hot.

A little kitchen wisdom

Always use green, unripe plantains for tostones; yellow plantains are too sweet and soft. For extra flavor, dip the smashed plantains in salted garlic water for a few seconds before the second fry.

What you'll need

Large skilletTostonera or heavy flat-bottomed glassSlotted spoonPaper towels
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

You can do the first fry and smash the plantains ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours before the second fry.

Store & enjoy

Best served fresh. If leftovers remain, store in a sealed container and reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness. Reheat at 400°F (204°C) in an oven for 5 minutes.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Tostones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)
Step 1 of 7

Peel the plantains

Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and slicing through the skin lengthwise. Slice into 1-inch thick rounds.