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Fried ripe plantains - Platanos maduros fritos
4.8 from 924 votes

Fried ripe plantains - Platanos maduros fritos

Fried ripe plantains (platanos maduros fritos) feature sweet, golden slices of ripe plantain fried until caramelized on the outside and tender inside. The recipe involves slicing peeled plantains diagonally or lengthwise, frying them in hot oil until evenly browned, and draining excess oil before serving. Optional cheese toppings add a salty contrast to the natural sweetness of the plantains.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 12 fried ripe plantains slices (6 per plantain)
Course: Side Dish, Breakfast, Appetizer, Brunch
Cuisine: South American, American, Mexican, Caribbean, Colombian, Ecuadorian

Ingredients

  • 2 plantain ripe
  • cooking oil can use avocado, sunflower, peanut oil, for frying
Optional:
  • Quesillo Cheese queso freso or feta if you want to experience the saltiness contrast with the sweetness of the plantain. Other options include grated mozzarella, monterey jack, or fontina if you prefer the yummy gooiness of melted cheese, for sprinkling or melting on top

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash and peel the plantains
  2. Slice the plantains, the best way to slice them is either diagonally or cut the plantain in half and slice lengthwise. The plantain can also be sliced lengthwise full size, but the smaller diagonal or half slices are easier to manage.
  3. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large frying pan and add the plantains
  4. The plantains will cook very quickly, make sure to turn them before they burn and cook until golden on each side. You can use a spatula or a fork to turn them. If the plantain flesh is still pink or white inside it means that it is not yet fully cooked.
  5. Thicker slices and less ripe plantains will need longer to cook, and maybe more oil.
  6. Place the cooked plantains on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
  7. Serve warm

Notes

  • If adding cheese, sprinkle over hot plantains or leave them in the pan briefly to melt grated cheese without burning.
  • Use ripe plantains for sweetness; less ripe plantains will need more oil and longer cooking.
  • Slice diagonally or into halves for easier handling and even cooking.
  • Drain fried plantains on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.