Twice-fried crispy green plantain discs
Tostones
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
16 tostones
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Tostones
Twice-fried crispy green plantain discs
★4.5(24)
Green plantains fried, smashed flat, and fried again until golden and irresistibly crispy. A beloved Caribbean side dish served with garlic dipping sauce.
10m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Tostones are the ultimate Caribbean snack and side dish, found on tables from Puerto Rico to Colombia. The double-frying technique creates a shatteringly crispy exterior with a soft, starchy interior.
The best side dishes do not just accompany the main course — they elevate the entire meal. This one brings flavor and personality to the table.
Ingredients
- 3 green plantains, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup salted water for soaking
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil to 325°F in a deep skillet or pot.
- 2
Fry plantain rounds for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Remove and drain.
- 3
Smash each piece flat to about ¼-inch thick using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass.
- 4
Briefly dip smashed plantains in salted water, shake off excess, and fry again at 375°F for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- 5
Drain on paper towels, season with salt, and serve with garlic mojo dipping sauce made from minced garlic and olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Green plantainsBreadfruit
Traditional alternative in some Caribbean regions
Garlic mojoChimichurri or mayo-ketchup
Popular alternative dipping sauces
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use very green plantains for the best texture—any yellow means they will be too sweet.
Smash them while still warm; cold plantains crack rather than flatten.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Best served immediately. Fried tostones lose their crunch quickly.
Reheating
Re-fry or bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories280
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat48g
Fiber320mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between tostones and maduros?
- Tostones use green (unripe) plantains and are savory; maduros use ripe (yellow-black) plantains and are sweet.
- Can I bake them instead?
- You can, but they will not be as crispy. Brush with oil and bake at 425°F, flipping once.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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