Easy Fried Puerto Rican Sweet Plantains Recipe 2-Ways.
Golden, caramelized Puerto Rican sweet plantains are the perfect side dish—irresistibly sweet and soft. You can also go bold with pastelón, a savory, cheesy plantain lasagna! You will get authentic flavors with every spoonful.
Jump to RecipeWhat are Plantains?
Plantains have deep roots in Caribbean and Puerto Rican cuisine, brought by African slaves who introduced this versatile fruit. Green plantains, starchy and firm, became staples, while riper ones offered sweetness. Depending on the level of ripeness, plantains transform dishes: green plantains are used for savory staples like tostones, while bright yellow, sweet ones make caramelized plátanos maduros fritos or the beloved pastelón. Over generations, plantains have become central to the cuisine in Puerto Rico, reflecting the island’s blend of cultures and unique flavor.
Plantain v. Banana.
Bananas and plantains are closely related but differ in taste, texture, and use. Bananas are sweet, soft, and often eaten raw, while plantains are starchy and firm, typically cooked before eating. Plantains are used in both savory and sweet dishes depending on their ripeness, making them a staple in many global cuisines, particularly the Caribbean.
Ripe v. Unripe Plantains.
An unripe plantain is green, firm, and starchy with a mild flavor, similar to a potato, ideal for savory dishes like tostones and mofongo. A ripe plantain, yellow to black in color, is softer and sweet, with a caramel-like flavor that’s perfect for dishes like maduros. Ripe plantains are more versatile in sweetness, while unripe ones add a hearty texture to meals.
What to Eat with My Sweet Plantains.
Sweet plantains are typically served as a side dish with:
- Rice dishes such as arroz con habichuelas (rice and beans) or arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas).
- A hearty protein such as pork or chicken. If you want to enjoy your sweet plantains with a traditional Puerto Rican dish, check out this easy Juicy Pan-fried Puerto Rican Pork Chop recipe or this succulent tender Puerto Rican Beef Steak.
- Drizzled in mojo (garlic sauce).
- With a side of fried eggs and meat for breakfast.
For a savory take on plantains, try these Easy 15-Min Tostones Recipe, made with twice fried green plantains for a savory take on the fruit. Also, for more authentic side dishes, check out this list of Traditional Puerto Rican Side Dishes to try at home.
Puerto Rican Sweet Plantains Recipe: As a Side Dish.
Plátanos maduros fritos (sweet fried plantains) are a delight to eat and extremely easy to make. When purchasing, you want to make sure the plantains are at the precise stage of ripeness. Rather than green, they will be yellow and have black spots on them. As far as equipment, you only need:
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Sharp knife
The ingredient list is short, too:
- Ripe plantains (as many as you want to eat)
- Vegetable oil (not olive oil)
How To Make Fried Sweet Plantains.
To make sweet fried plantains, start by cutting the ends of the plantains and peeling them. Slice them at a slight angle for longer pieces. Add oil to a skillet over medium heat, ensuring there is enough oil for shallow frying. Place the plantain slices in the hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve and enjoy warm! Like I said, easy recipe! Any leftover can be saved in an airtight container and kept refrigerated for a couple of days. Warm them up in the microwave.
Recipe Variations.
Bake the plantains. If you would rather bake the plantains instead of frying them, that is an option. The first few steps are the same, but instead of frying them, coat them in oil and place them in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway.
Air fry the plantains. Prepare the plantains for cooking and air fry them for 8 minutes. Full recipe.
Serve them as an appetizer. Plantains can be served as a stand-alone dish with dipping sauces or simply sprinkled with sea salt.
Sweet Plantain Lasagna: Puerto Rican Pastelón.
This Puerto Rican lasagna is my favorite plantain recipe. The savory flavor of the beef filling complements the sweetness beautifully. Once you fry the ripe sweet plantains, all you need to do is brown the ground beef with a little salt and black pepper then move on to a quick assembly of the sweet plantain lasagna.
The ingredients for pastelon are simple:
- 5-6 large ripe plantains ripe/yellow with black spots
- 1 lb ground beef
- Adobo to taste*
- 1 packet sazon with annatto and achiote
- 2 ounces sofrito
- 4 ounces tomato sauce or 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Canned green beans optional
- 1 large egg whisked optional *
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or cheese of preference
Once you prepare the plantains and beef filling, all you need to do is assemble each element in a single layer and top with your cheese of choice. You can quickly jump to the full recipe: Easy Puerto Rican Pastelón | 4-Step Plantain Lasagna Recipe.
The Dominican Republic has its own sweet plantain lasagna recipe. It is different in that the ripe plantains are boiled and mashed and then used as layers. Still, Dominican Pastelón is just as delicious! If you want to try the plantains that way instead, check out this recipe: Easy Dominican Sweet Plantain Lasagna Recipe | 4-Step Pastelón.
I hope you enjoyed this delicious fried Puerto Rican sweet plantains recipe. They are simple to make but their caramelized edges and soft, sweet center make them a perfect side dish or a tasty addition to main courses. Whether served alongside rice and beans or layered into pastelón, these plantains bring a hint of sweetness and a taste of the Caribbean that is sure to please!
May this recipe bring a taste of Puerto Rico to your kitchen. Enjoy every sweet, delicious bite, and feel free to share your creations!
As always,
¡Buen provecho from The Happy Wookiee!
Easy Fried Puerto Rican Sweet Plantains Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- 3-4 Ripe plantains bright yellow with black spots
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the ends of the plantains and peel them by slicing them vertically 2-3 times. Slice them at a slight angle for longer pieces.
- Add oil to a skillet over medium heat, ensuring there is enough oil for shallow frying.
- Place the plantain slices in the hot oil and cook 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy warm!
