Description
Authentic Cuban Tostones are crispy, twice-fried green plantains perfect as a savory snack or side dish. This traditional Latin recipe involves frying, smashing, and frying again to achieve a golden, crunchy texture. Paired with a zesty garlic mojo dipping sauce, tostones provide a delightful Cuban flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Plantains and Frying Oil
- 2 large green plantains
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Salt to taste
Garlic Mojo Dipping Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic (mashed to a paste)
- 1/2 cup sour orange juice*
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and Slice Plantains: Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the green plantains lengthwise, removing the tough skin. Slice the plantains into 2-inch chunks and set aside.
- First Fry: Heat 1/3 cup of neutral oil in a deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the plantain slices to the hot oil and fry for about 5 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. Remove the plantains from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Smash Plantains: Using a plantain press or a folded paper towel, gently smash each fried plantain chunk to about 1/2 inch thick to prepare them for the second fry.
- Second Fry: Return the smashed plantains to the same skillet with the oil and fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping once until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Season immediately with salt to taste.
- Prepare Garlic Mojo Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the mashed garlic, sour orange juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Serve this tangy dipping sauce alongside the tostones.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the tostones warm as an appetizer or side dish, paired beautifully with Cuban main dishes or as a flavorful snack on their own.
Notes
- Tostones are a traditional Latin American snack made from green plantains that are fried twice to achieve extra crispiness.
- For an authentic Cuban flavor, serve the tostones with the garlic mojo dipping sauce provided.
- Tostones can be enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with Cuban dishes such as picadillo, arroz con pollo, or sopa de pollo.
- Sour orange juice can be substituted with a mix of lime and orange juice if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
