Plantains are one of my favorite sides! They are sweet, starchy, easy to make, and absolutely delicious, especially when perfectly caramelized, like these fried sweet plantains.

I’m not sure when I discovered plantains, but it was a handful of years ago. I’m sure most people have heard of plantains chip, but having them prepared fresh is totally different, and a game-changer.

I soon became obsessed and started making them all the time. I even got more adventurous and made homemade chips, protein pancakes, egg cups with prosciutto, and added them to chili. As you can see, they are really versatile!

But my favorite way is quickly frying them up as a side dish. Sweet fried plantains with a savory protein make the best combo. My favorite ways to eat them are at breakfast with eggs or at dinner with chicken, pork, or beef. I also love them post-workout as they are a great carb source.

What are plantains?

Plantains are part of the banana family and are common in Latin, Caribbean, and African cuisine. While they look similar, plantains are larger in size than bananas, are used differently, and have a different flavor profile.

Plantains are a lot more starch than bananas (they have slightly more carbs), aren’t as sweet, and have tougher skin.

Green plantains are very starchy and not very sweet (commonly used to make tostones). Yellow and brown plantains are softer and sweeter. Like bananas, the more ripe and darker the skin, the sweeter they are. Traditionally, they are usually used in savory applications as a side dish or part of an entree.

You can find plantains in some grocery stores near the bananas. If you don’t have any luck at your local grocery store, check your local ethnic or international grocery store.

Some of the time they will be pretty green or light yellow, so you will have to allow them to sit for a few days to make fried sweet plantains.

Ingredients

• brown/ripe plantains
• butter or ghee – I find this gives the best flavor and caramelization
• sea salt⁠ – optional, but makes really brings them up a level

How to make fried sweet plantains (platanos maduros)

1. Peel and slice plantains into 1/2-1 inch rounds.
2. Cook plantains. Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-low heat, add butter and let it melt. Add plantains in a single layer, spreading out evenly in the pan and allowing some room between them. You may need to make them in two batches depending on how big your pan is. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook another 2-3 minutes, until tender, golden brown, and caramelized. 
3. Enjoy! Sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!⁠

The best way to cut and peel plantains

1. Cut off the ends.
2. Peel plantain. Using a knife, make a vertical slit down the middle of your plantain. Be careful not to cut through the plantain. Using your hands, peel away the skin. 
3. Cut 1/2-1 inch rounds at a slight angle.

How long to fry plantains

Fried sweet plantains take about 4-6 minutes to caramelize. The time will depend on how thick you slice them, but you want to get them browned and caramelized on each side. Make sure to spread them out evenly in your pan, giving them a little room between each one, to allow them to brown evenly and not steam.

They are done when they are golden brown on both sides and tender in the middle. You should be able to pierce them with a fork.

Fried sweet plantains calories

Plantains can be a nutritious choice. They are full of complex carbs, fiber, and potassium and are also a good source of magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamins, and have a little bit of protein. Per 100 grams, plantains have 122 calories and 32 grams of carbs, which is about 36 more calories and 9 more grams of carbs than bananas.

Frying plantains will add some fat. Making them at home can help you control how much fat you want to use. These fried sweet plantains have 189 calories, 32 grams of carbs, 8 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein per serving (when you divide it into 3 servings).

With the addition of fat, they will take longer to digest, adding a slower and more steady source of energy for your body.

What to eat with fried plantains

Plantains are usually used in savory cooking and can be served in a bunch of different ways. Make them as a side for any meal or even just as a snack. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them (traditional and nontraditional ways):

• at breakfast – with eggs, veggies, and avocado
• alongside meat – shredded or ground beef, pork, or chicken are all delicious with plantains
• with rice and beans
• as a snack with some guacamole or salsa

Storage

• fridge – first, let cool completely. Add to a sealable airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

More healthy side dishes

• best crispy air fryer french fries
• instant pot rice recipes
• rosemary roasted radishes
• buffalo brussel sprouts
• arroz verde (green rice recipe)

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!