Twice Fried Plantains

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly savory, Twice Fried Plantains (or Tostones) are a beloved snack or side dish in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms green plantains into perfectly crunchy delights by frying them twice—first to soften, then to crisp. Key to their deliciousness is a quick dip in salted water (enhanced with optional garlic for extra aroma) that locks in moisture and flavor while creating their signature texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, these tostones are versatile enough to pair with garlic aioli, zesty salsas, or as a stand-alone treat sprinkled with a pinch of salt. Whether you're hosting a gathering or indulging solo, these twice-fried plantains are guaranteed to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 whole green plantains
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic (optional, for added flavor in water)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the plantains: Cut off the tips of each plantain, then make a shallow slit along the length of the peel. Gently pry the peel away from the flesh with your fingers or a knife.

Step 2

Slice the plantains into rounds approximately 1 inch thick.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test this by dropping in a small piece of plantain; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 4

Fry the plantain slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn light golden. Remove the slices and set them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5

Using the bottom of a flat glass, a heavy plate, or a tostone press, gently flatten each fried plantain slice to about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 6

Prepare a bowl of salted water by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of water. Optionally, add 2 crushed garlic cloves for an extra layer of flavor. Quickly dip each flattened plantain slice into the salted water and shake off the excess.

Step 7

Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

Remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess grease. Sprinkle with additional salt to taste, if desired.

Step 9

Serve the twice fried plantains hot with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as garlic aioli or a spicy salsa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1300 grams (1300.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4247

Total Fat 419.00g	537%
Saturated Fat 60.00g	300%
Polyunsaturated Fat 268.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2380mg	103%
Total Carbohydrate 175.70g	64%
Dietary Fiber 12.50g	45%
Total Sugars 44.80g
Protein 7.30g	15%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 33mg	3%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 2703mg	58%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.7%

Protein: 0.6%

Carbs: 15.6%