How to Cook Sweet Plantain

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For a quick snack or side dish, make a batch of fried sweet plantains. The tasty dish is a staple in many regions around the world, including the Caribbean, the Philippines and Latin America. Simply fry ripe plantains until caramelized and then sprinkle them with sugar and/or salt. Here's how to cook sweet plantain at home.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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Things You'll Need

  • 2 ripe plantains

  • Vegetable or canola oil

  • Salt (optional)

  • Brown sugar (optional)

  • Cinnamon (optional)

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

Ripe plantains are mostly black with a bit of yellow. To quickly ripen plantains, store them in a paper bag. You can also bake plantains at 300°F for 10 to 30 minutes depending on their initial level of ripeness. Let the plantains cool before handling them.

Step 1

Place a paper towel on a plate. Set aside.

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Slice off the ends of each plantain and then remove the peel.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Step 2

Cut the plantain at an angle, creating 1/2-inch-thick pieces.

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Step 3

Add oil to a large skillet about 1/4 inch deep. Warm the oil until it is hot. The oil should sizzle when you add a piece of plantain.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Step 4

Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 2 minutes.

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Tip

If the plantains become burnt, turn down the heat.

Step 5

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the plantains to a paper-towel-lined plate.

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Step 6

Sprinkle the plantains with sugar, salt and/or cinnamon if you'd like. Enjoy them warm.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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