🍟 Crispy Tostones Recipe (Perfect Twice-Fried Plantains)
Crispy, golden, and addictive — Tostones are a popular Caribbean side dish made from green plantains that are sliced, fried, smashed, and fried again until perfectly crunchy. They pair beautifully with dips, grilled meats, stews, or seafood, making them a must-have in any Dominican, Puerto Rican, or Cuban meal.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Tostones Recipe
- Extra crispy with no soggy texture
- Uses simple ingredients found everywhere
- Ready in less than 20 minutes
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan
- Perfect for snacks, sides, and Caribbean meals
🥘 Ingredients
- 2–3 green plantains
- 1–2 cups oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: garlic water (½ cup warm water + 2 minced garlic cloves + pinch of salt)
👩🍳 How to Make Crispy Tostones
Step 1: Prepare the Plantains
- Cut off the ends of the plantains.
- Slice lengthwise through the skin and remove the peel.
- Cut the plantains into 1-inch thick rounds.
Step 2: First Fry
- Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat.
- Fry the plantain pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until light golden and soft.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Smash the Plantains
- Use a tostonera (plantain press) or the bottom of a cup.
- Flatten each piece to about ¼-inch thickness.
Step 4: Second Fry (for Maximum Crispiness)
- Increase the heat slightly.
- Fry the flattened plantains again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
- For extra flavor, dip briefly in garlic water before the second fry (optional but traditional).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your crispy tostones with:
- Garlic dipping sauce (mojo)
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Dominican salami or fried cheese
- Shredded chicken or beef
- Grilled shrimp or fish
- Mango or pineapple salsa
- As a side for Cuban Mojo Chicken
- With Pollo Guisado
- Alongside Mofongo or Arroz con Gandules
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store the first-fried plantains (before smashing) for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Freeze after the first fry and smash; fry straight from frozen.
- Reheat: Air-fry or pan-fry until crispy again.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I make tostones with ripe plantains?
No — only green plantains will work. Ripe ones turn into sweet maduros.
2. How do I keep tostones crispy?
Fry twice, smash evenly, and serve immediately.
3. Why did my tostones come out soggy?
Oil was too cold. Keep medium-high oil temperature.
4. Can I air-fry tostones?
Yes! Lightly oil them and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes.
5. Are tostones healthy?
They’re healthier than many fried snacks and naturally gluten-free.
🔗 Similar Recipes
- Mangú Recipe
- Mofongo Recipe
- Cuban Mojo Chicken
- Peruvian Chicken
- Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Salmon

Comments
Post a Comment