Fried Patacones Recipe
This Fried Patacones Recipe delivers perfectly crispy, twice-fried green plantains. Made with just three simple ingredients—green plantains, vegetable oil, and salt—these golden delights are an excellent side dish, appetizer, or snack. Serve them fresh and hot for the best texture.
16 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 green plantains ensure they are firm and unripe; avoid yellow or ripening plantains
- Vegetable oil for frying; canola, sunflower, or peanut oil recommended
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Plantains
- Begin by peeling the green plantains. Since unripe plantains have a tough skin, follow these steps:
- Trim ¼ inch from both ends of each plantain.
- Make a long slit along the peel using a knife, being careful not to cut into the flesh.
- Use your fingers or a spoon to pry the peel away from the plantain. If the peel is particularly stubborn, soak the plantain in warm water for a few minutes to help loosen it.
- Once peeled, slice each plantain into 3 to 4 equal pieces, approximately 2 inches thick.
First Fry (Softening Stage)
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the plantain slices to the oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Fry for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until they turn a light golden color.
- Remove the plantains from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Flatten the Plantains
- To achieve the traditional patacón shape, each fried plantain piece must be flattened:
- Place one plantain piece between two sheets of wax paper or parchment paper.
- Using the back of a plate, a flat-bottomed glass, or a tostonera (plantain press), gently press down until the plantain is flattened to approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Repeat this process for all plantain pieces.
Second Fry (Crisping Stage)
- Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil, ensuring the temperature remains at 350°F (175°C).
- Fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the patacones become golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oil and transfer to a new paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Season and Serve
- While still warm, sprinkle the patacones with salt to enhance their flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture. Patacones pair exceptionally well with queso blanco, guacamole, garlic sauce, or a simple squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
This Fried Patacones Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it consists only of plantains, vegetable oil, and salt. However, consider these precautions:
- Ensure the frying oil is not cross-contaminated – If reusing oil, make sure it has not been used for frying gluten-containing foods.
- Use certified gluten-free seasonings – If using flavored seasonings beyond salt, verify that they are gluten-free.
- Pair with gluten-free accompaniments – Serve with dips and sauces that do not contain gluten, such as homemade guacamole or a gluten-free garlic sauce.