Caramelized Plantains or Bananas | Best Plantain Recipe - Cook with Kushi (2024)

FAQs

Should you soak plantains before frying? ›

Soaking green plantains can also add moisture to the naturally dry starch and help the tostones to crisp up nicely when they're fried.

The keys to successful fried plantains are choosing ripe fruit and using the right pan, oil, and heat. A ripe plantain's skin should be almost black or, in some cases, have a dull yellow color with patches of black. In addition to being sweeter, the ripe fruit peels easily and cooks in no time.

Cut the ends off of the plantains and peel. Cut each plantain on the diagonal into 1/2 inch slices. Arrange in single layer and coat tops with cooking spray. Bake, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until plantains are golden brown and very tender.

Cook Plantains On Lower Heat To Ensure No Burnt Flavor

The fruit needs only a few minutes on each side until the outside hits an appealing golden-brown color. Anything darker and the result will be too dry; anything less, and the plantains will remain hard.

A ripe plantain is best when it's mostly black with a little yellow, and still slightly firm to the touch, like when you squeeze a peach. Although completely black plantains are still good to eat, they are a little too soft, making them difficult to prepare. But they're still delicious.

Plantains are starchier than bananas and not very sweet when green. When ripe, they are sweeter and become more so when cooked. Plantains can be boiled, baked, or fried. Bananas and plantains are both fruits that come from the same family of plants.

Maduros Are Much Sweeter

You'll still be getting a similar plantain flavor in both, but the caramelization that happens to the fried sugars in maduros is going to set it apart. As you may imagine, this has an impact on how the dishes are served.

If you're looking for a healthier preparation method, consider baking your plantains instead of frying them. Once peeled, the plantain can be baked whole or in slices. You can also add spices and seasoning, such as salt, cayenne, or cinnamon.

Most commonly used in the coastal areas, plantains appear on menus throughout the republic, including restaurant meccas Mexico City and Guadalajara, in courses from appetizers to desserts, used in various stages of ripeness. They are fried, steamed, grilled, baked, mashed, and made into dough.

Can you eat plantain like a banana? ›

“While there is no problem with eating a plantain raw, you may not get the same enjoyment out of it as you would a banana.” Grilling them, however, will create a naturally sugary candied taste.

Cut the ends off the plantain then using a sharp pairing knife, cut a slit along the length to peel. Remove the skin carefully and transfer to the air fryer basket. Spray with more oil on top and air fryer 370F about 8 minutes on each side, until tender. Then slice them and enjoy.

Once cooked, unripe green plantains have the dense, starchy texture of taro. They are traditionally braised, fried, or mashed. A green plantain can go anywhere a potato can, making it a great choice to shake up your starch game.