Transform your kitchen into a Caribbean haven with this easy and irresistible Tajadas recipe! Made from perfectly ripe plantains that are sliced diagonally into golden, caramelized perfection, these sweet and savory fried plantains are a quintessential side dish or snack loved across Latin America. With just three simple ingredients—ripe plantains, vegetable oil, and a dash of salt—this recipe showcases the natural sweetness of the fruit, elevated by a crispy, lightly salted exterior. Ready in less than 30 minutes, Tajadas are perfect for pairing with hearty main dishes like rice and beans, or enjoyed on their own as a quick indulgent treat. Plus, they’re gluten-free and utterly crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of plantains or looking to try something new, Tajadas are a must for your table!
Begin by selecting ripe plantains. They should be yellow with black spots, indicating optimal sweetness.
Peel the plantains by slicing off both ends, then make a shallow cut along the length of the skin. Carefully peel off the skin.
Slice each plantain diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices. This will give you long, oval-shaped pieces known as 'tajadas'.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep.
To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of plantain. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is hot enough.
Carefully add the plantain slices to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This may need to be done in batches.
Fry the plantains for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Use a slotted spoon to flip the slices.
Once cooked, remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Immediately sprinkle the fried plantains with salt while they are still hot.
Repeat the process with any remaining plantain slices.
Serve the tajadas warm as a side dish or snack. They are perfect on their own or can be paired with a variety of main dishes.
Serving size | 827 grams (827.0g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2524 |
Total Fat 211.30g | 271% |
Saturated Fat 30.70g | 154% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.40g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 1204mg | 52% |
Total Carbohydrate 191.30g | 70% |
Dietary Fiber 13.80g | 49% |
Total Sugars 89.90g | |
Protein 7.80g | 16% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 18mg | 1% |
Iron 4mg | 20% |
Potassium 2994mg | 64% |
Source of Calories