Sweet Plantain Recipe (4 Different Ways)

Whether you prefer a traditional fried plantain, a health-conscious air-fried or baked plantain, or the swift microwaved version, there's a sweet plantain recipe to suit every palate and occasion. Here are recipes for four different methods to enjoy sweet plantains.

What is a Sweet Plantain

Sweet plantains, "platanos maduros" in Spanish, are a delicious variety of plantains that stand out for their naturally sweet flavor.

They are riper, sweeter, softer, and far more flavorful fruit than their less ripe counterparts, green plantains, usually served as tostones. They are simply green plantains allowed to ripen until they turn yellow with spots of black.

Plantains and bananas are related, but they're not the same thing.

Plantains are part of the banana family but are usually larger, have thicker skin, and contain more starch. While bananas are primarily eaten raw and are sweet when ripe, plantains are cooked, whether green and starchy or ripe and sweet.

Why You'll Love These Plantain Recipes

Each recipe offers reasons you'll love them.

• The frying process of classic sweet fried plantains enhances the natural sweetness, combining caramelized sugars and a touch of savory goodness.
• They can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or a unique topping.
• By air frying, baking, or microwaving, you can achieve the same satisfying sweet taste as traditional frying but with significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative with little saturated fat.
• Air-frying and microwaving plantains are quick to make.
• Baking, air frying, or microwaving plantains is a simple process that doesn't require constant monitoring like frying.
• All the methods are great for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
• There is minimal preparation and equipment for all these recipes.
• Plantains can be paired with various toppings, from a drizzle of honey to a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Picking the Best Sweet Plantains

There are a few things to remember so you get the tastiest ones. Here's what to look for when you're at the store looking for a ripe plantain:

• Color is Important: Look for yellow plantains with black spots. This means they're ripe and sweet. Don't pick green ones because they're not sweet yet.
• A Little Softness: When you press the plantain gently with your fingers, it should be fairly soft. If it's too hard, it's not ready. If it's too soft or mushy, it might be too ripe.
• Ripen at Home: If they aren't quite ripe with enough black marks, let them sit in a warm place or a brown paper bag. They'll get sweeter and softer over a few days.
• Use Them Soon: They don't stay ripe for long. Once they're at the right ripeness, use them within a couple of days for the best taste. If you need to slow down ripening, place the plantain in the fridge until you're ready to use.
• Think About Your Plans: Decide when you cook them. Pick the ones that will be ready.

How to peel plantains

Peeling plantains differ slightly from peeling regular bananas due to their thicker skin.

Select ripe plantains with yellow and black skin. They should be slightly soft to the touch, indicating optimal ripeness for peeling and cooking.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you peel them with ease:

Step 1 - Trim the ends: Use a knife to cut off the stem and the tip at the opposite end.

Step 2 - Skin lengthwise: Run your knife along the length of the plantain, making a shallow cut through the skin along the ridges. You only need to cut through the skin, not the flesh.

Step 3 - Peel the Skin: Lift the edge of the skin and peel it off. Use your fingers to carefully grip the edge and pull the skin down the length of the plantain.

Step 4 - Slice: I recommend angling your knife and cutting the plantain about ¼ to ½ inch wide for the recipes included here. An angled cut gives an appealing visual texture and a larger surface area, leading to greater browning and caramelization.

Four Ways to Make Sweet Plantains

Classic Fried Plantains Recipe

Step 1: Peel and cut plantains diagonally into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices.

Step 2: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. The oil should bubble around the plantains. Flip the plantains when you see a little browning around the edges.

Step 3: Fry the pieces on each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan when golden brown on both sides.

Step 4: Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. For the best taste, serve immediately.

Air-Fried Plantains

Step 1: Place in the basket without overlapping. Spray with a little oil if desired.

Step 2: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Oven-Baked Plantains

This method meets in the middle between the goodness of fried plantains with the healthier twist of air-frying. Although there's a touch more fat from using melted butter or oil, it's baked to perfection, providing a lighter alternative to the traditional pan-fried method.

This gives you a delightful taste that's just a tad indulgent without going overboard. The cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg take it over the top with goodness. Tip: Use an oil spray for a little less fat.

Step 1: Peel and cut the plantain into even slices, either round or diagonal.

Step 2: Coat the plantains with a little melted butter or coconut oil. You can also spray them with oil spray.

Step 3: Combine the spices in another bowl.

Step 4: Mix the coated plantains and spices until evenly coated

Step 5: Place the plantain slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping the plantains halfway through.

Step 6: Remove from oven when they are golden brown and caramelized.

Quick Fix: Microwaved Plantains Recipe

For overly ripe, mostly black bananas, I like to microwave them for a no-oil, fast, healthy, sweet side dish.

Step 1: Peel a plantain and wrap it in a moist paper towel. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking.

Step 2: It's ready when it is soft and cooked through.

What to Serve with Plantains

When serving fried, air-fried, or microwaved plantains, choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your meal and create a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Here are some pairings to consider:

• Cuban Vegan Picadillo
• Tacos like Jackfruit Tacos or Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Romesco Sauce
• Grilled Tofu or Smoked Tofu
• Rice and Quick Cuban Black Beans
• Use air-fried sweet plantains as a topping for salads. They provide a satisfying sweetness to balance the greens.
• Add them to grain or Buddha bowls like Vegan Taco Bowl and your favorite sauce for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
• Top your morning oatmeal like High-Protein Vegan Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats with a microwaved ripe sweet plantain for added sweetness, texture, and a tropical twist.

Storing leftovers

• Before storing leftover plantains, let them cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to moisture and spoilage. If you use the leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep out air and moisture.
• Freezing will affect their texture, so I don't recommend freezing them.

Sweet Plantains FAQS

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