Crisp Fried Plantains Recipes

PUERTO RICAN TOSTONES (FRIED PLANTAINS)

Steps:

• Peel the plantain and cut it into 1-inch chunks.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet. Place the plantains in the oil and fry on both sides,; approximately 3 1/2 minutes per side.
• Remove the plantains from the pan and flatten the plantains by placing a plate over the fried plantains and pressing down.
• Dip the plantains in water, then return them to the hot oil and fry 1 minute on each side. Salt to taste and serve immediately.

BANAN PEZE (CRISP FRIED PLANTAINS)

Steps:

• Slice the plantains crosswise into thick slices, about 1 1/4 inches. (You should get about 5 slices per plantain.)
• In a bowl large enough to hold the plantains, combine the salt with 1/2 cup water and stir until dissolved. Add plantains and set aside to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
• In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Working in batches to avoid crowding, add plantain slices to skillet. (Keep the salt water used for soaking). When all the slices are in, sprinkle in about 2 teaspoons of the salt water. (It may splatter; keep a lid or splatter screen handy.)
• Cook plantains about 5 minutes, turning once, until golden on both sides and just turning brown at the edges. As they brown, transfer them to paper towels to drain.
• On a chopping board, using a broad solid spatula or a tostonera (plantain smasher), press down on each slice to flatten it into a flat round, about 1/4 inch thick and 2 inches wide.
• Reheat the oil over medium heat. Dip flattened plantains in the salt water and fry the rounds again for about 1 minute on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

FRIED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Preheat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat.
• Peel the plantains and cut them in half. Slice the halves lengthwise into thin pieces.
• Fry the pieces until browned and tender. Drain excess oil on paper towels.