How to Cut Plantains for Tostones

Use yellow plantains for sweeter tostones.

When it comes to making tostones, a twice-fried plantain snack, plantain frying times and the way you cut them are all important factors in making this popular Caribbean treat. For the most traditional tostones, use green, unripened plantains and slice them so that they are not too thick or too thin. Use a sharp knife to slice the plantains to the proper thickness. Does this Spark an idea?

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Green plantains
2 cups vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
Sharp knife

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cut off the ends of the plantains and make three or fours slits in the peel from top to bottom using a sharp knife. The slit peel will easily come off with a little prying of your fingers.
- 2
  
  Lay the peeled plantain down on a cutting board and cut it into 1-1/2-inch thick slices.
- 3
  
  Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep skillet or fryer to medium-high heat.
- 4
  
  Add the plantain slices and fry for about 2 minutes on each side, just until they start turn golden brown.
- 5
  
  Place the fried plantains on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 6
  
  Place a plantain slice on a flat surface and press down on it firmly with the bottom of a skillet or with the heel of your hand so that it is 1/4-inch thick. Flatten the rest of the plantains as well.
- 7
  
  Place the flattened plantains back into the fryer to fry again for 1 to 3 minutes, until they have turned a deeper golden brown.
- 8
  
  Remove the tostones from the oil and drain on paper towels. Salt to taste and serve.

Tips & Warnings

Use a tostonera, a special press made to smash plantains for tostones.
Serve totstones with a spicy dip or with guacamole.
Do not attempt to make tostones with bananas, as bananas are not the same thing and not starchy enough to produce the same result.