Fried Plantains

Fried plantains (platanos fritos/ maduros) are a delicious and popular dish everyone in Mexico enjoys. These starchy bananas are sliced and fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior. They make excellent side dishes alongside savory dishes, as a dessert, or enjoyed as an umami snack with queso fresco and Mexican crema. 

Plátanos Fritos

As many of you know, I worked as a teacher in some of the southern states of Mexico for many years. One of these jobs took me to the remote area, "La Chontalpa.” This beautiful area is green with vegetation year around with crops like cocoa beans and bananas. 

While living there, I noticed and learned several things, like everywhere you look, banana trees are present, with roads lined with them for several miles. I also learn that people used plantains in everyday meals. For example, many home cooks will serve their main meal at noon, along with rice and fried plantains.

Another thing that you need to learn is that there is a wide variety of plantains. For example, Mexico produces eight types: Dominico, Tabasco, Manzano, Enano, Gigante, Morado, Pera, and Macho. Macho bananas (Plantains). Also, plantains can be baked, grilled, fried, or just placed over hot coals like my Grandmother used to do to her Roasted Bananas Recipe. And lastly, ripened bananas are served as a dessert covered with cream and cheese or condensed milk. 

Frequently Asked Questions About this Recipe

Before I share my recipe for platanos fritos, I will answer the questions I usually get about this homemade recipe.

How to pick a plantain for frying:

I. To prepare plantains as a dessert, let your bananas ripen until they look black, like the ones in the picture below. The longer you wait for them to ripen, the sweeter they will be. I prefer to cook these types of bananas whole or slice them lengthwise into two pieces.

II. Now, if you want to fry the bananas in slices for a side dish, their skin has to have some brown spots, and they should not be tough when gently pressed. If they feel too soft or mushy to the touch, it’s better to use them for dessert. Their pulp will be too soft to slice, making it hard to fry.

Are fried plantains Mexican? 

Yes and no. Plantains are widely consumed from West to East Africa, Latin America(Mexico), and the Caribbean. Even though Plantains are grown and prepared in Mexico with toppings like queso fresco and cream. Plantains are not exclusively from Mexico. 

Are fried plantains healthy?

Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamins C, A, and potassium. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthier alternative. However, after frying, they absorb some of the oil used for frying, which increases their calorie and fat content. Therefore, it's essential to be careful and consume them in moderation. 

How to store your fried plantains

First, allow the fried plantains to cool completely at room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the container or bag in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or frying pan until they are heated and crispy. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, making them soft and mushy. You can also freeze them for a couple of weeks.

How to make Fried Plantains

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Ingredients:

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this fried plantain recipe:

• Ripe plantains (almost black)
• Plantains with brown spots
• Vegetable Oil

Choice of toppings:

• Mexican Cream or Sour Cream 
• Mexican Queso Fresco or Panela crumbled cheese
• Condensed Milk 

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

DIRECTIONS

• First, cut the tips of the banana with a sharp knife, then make a slit alongside the plantain from top to bottom and remove the peel. This step is for whole-fried bananas or sliced. (Please check the ingredients list below)

• Slice plantain diagonally to make the plantain chips. Choose the firmer plantain with brown spots that will hold better when sliced.

• Heat oil in a large skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking, and add the bananas. 
• Fry the small slices on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown in batches for an overall cook. Remove and place in a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess fat.

• Whole-fried plantains will take longer to cook. Cook every side thoroughly; it will take about 12-15 minutes to cook.
• Remove them and place them on a plate covered with paper towels to drain.
• The plantains chips will take less time to cook than whole plantains, so remove them promptly. They will be extremely hot, so be careful and let them cool for some minutes before eating.

• When cooking whole plantains or larger pieces, turn the heat to medium to avoid burning them.
• You can cut a slit lengthwise in the center to serve the whole plantains.

¡Buen provecho!
Mely,

What To Serve With Fried Plantains

The popular pairing for fried plantains is rice and beans. However, fried plantains are a great accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. They can also be a dessert with condensed milk or as a savory snack with a sprinkle of salt. Finally, they can make a great side dish for a Mexican brunch, served alongside fried black beans, enchiladas, and entomatadas.

Other Recipes using Platains:

Plantain Patties

Mashed Plantains (Mogo Mogo)

Motul Style Eggs

Chiapas Bread Soup

More Authentic Mexican Recipes:

If you enjoyed this recipe for fried plantains, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

• Yucatan fried beans
• Enchiladas potosinas
• Black beans and rice

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