Fried ripe plantains have a crispy, caramelized texture and irresistibly sweet taste. It's a ubiquitous Caribbean dish that is served with almost every meal and enjoyed in other parts of the world particularly Africa.
This is a quick and easy recipe that is sure to bring the taste of the Caribbean into your home. Plantains are a member of the banana family. Unlike a banana, plantains are starchy and need to be cooked before eating.
As a plantain ripens, its starches are converted to natural sugars, resulting in a sweeter taste. Frying a fully ripe plantain quickly in oil coaxes all the sugar to the surface where it's caramelized.
Ingredients
2 ripe plantains
2 tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable oil; for frying)
Optional: sea salt
Steps to Make It
Gather the ingredients.
Ingredients for fried ripe plantains
Peel plantains by cutting off both ends, and cutting a slit down the side of each plantain.
Peel plantains
Remove the plantain peel by peeling it side to side rather than lengthwise. It will come off in sections. You may need to use the knife at the edge of each section to help loosen it from the flesh.
Cut the peeled plantains into 1/4-inch thick slices. Diagonally is preferred because it provides a larger surface for caramelization; it can be cut straight across into rounds.
Plantains
Drizzle just enough oil into a nonstick skillet to coat the bottom of the pan and place it on medium heat.
When the oil begins to shimmer, but not smoke, add plantains (work in batches). Fry for 1 1/2 minutes on one side, flip and cook for 1 minute on the other side.
Fried plantains
Remove plantains from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Continue frying in batches until all the plantains are fried.
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt to give a sweet and salty taste to your fried ripe plantains. Serve and enjoy!
Fried Plantains
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