Fried Plantain
Soft, sweet and juicy. This Fried Plantain (dodo) is so quick and easy to prepare plus you only need two ingredients to make it! Plantain is a simple, versatile dish that can be served as a side with lunch, dinner or as a main with beans, eggs, stew and more.
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I like to call them the 'older brother of bananas' because, quite frankly, they are. They are pretty similar in terms of look, shape and taste. I would say bananas are a tad sweeter than plantains as plantains lean more towards the savory side.
Plantains are a popular food ingredient in the Caribbean and Africa, mainly in West Africa. They are also very versatile- they can be boiled, fried, roasted, and even used in making baked goods (plantain bread, anyone?).Â
There is also plantain flour made out of dried plantains used as a flour substitute in baking. I could go on and on.
If you are a plantain lover, then you will enjoy this Easy Plantain Frittata Recipe, Jamaican Oxtail Recipe and this Rice and Beans Recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
- This is the easiest fried plantain recipe ever.
- Fried plantain is a staple in African and Caribbean homes and requires only two ingredients- plantains and oil for frying.
- It is a delicious side option that complements various dishes such as this Nigerian Gizzard Stew and Red Stew (Obe ata).
- Feel free to couple or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
Fried Plantain Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Plantains: Use ripe plantains for this fried plantain recipe. Now, when it comes to how ripe your plantains should be, the best plantains for this recipe would be yellow on the outside, firm to the touch and not at all mushy. Super ripe/soft plantain would be mushy and super sweet.
- Oil: The oil for frying can be vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil. These are neutral, flavorless oils that have a low smoking point.Â
Tips and Substitutions
- Heat: Do not use high heat to fry the plantain, as it will result in burning. Conversely, ensure that the fried plantain is not cooked in warm or cool oil, which will soak up excess oil and become soft.
- Plantain: Your plantains should not be too ripe or your fried plantain will be mushy. Plantains should be ripe and firm to the touch.
- Air-fryer: Fried plantain can also be made in an air fryer. Slice uncooked plantain, drizzle oil on top and cook at 350F/180C for 7-14 minutes.
How to Make Fried Plantain
- Grab four plantains.
2. First, you will need to cut the plantain diagonally. This shape is the easiest shape to fry and is visually appealing. Other options are to cut your plantains into circles or cubes.
3. Once your plantain is cut into pieces.
4. Heat your oil in a deep fryer or pan.
5. Add your plantains and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Once done, remove the plantain from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb the oil.
7. Serve sweet fried plantain alone or with Nigerian Jollof rice, Nigerian fried rice, fried yam aka dundun and more!
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Just like bananas, fried plantains freeze well. Frozen plantains can be kept for 8-12 months in the freezer. For best results, it is a good idea to peel the skin off the plantain and chop the ends off before freezing. Just bear in mind that plantains may bruise a little when thawing.
The list is endless! You can serve fried plantains with West African Jollof Rice, white/brown rice, boiled/fried yam, fried potatoes, egg sauce and even bean porridge. Of course, if you are looking for a light snack, you can serve your fried plantain alone.
Fried plantain is best served immediately after frying but if for some reason you need to reheat your plantains, just place them on a baking sheet and heat up in the oven at 350f for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat the plantains by re-frying them in some hot oil for 30 seconds on each side.
More Tasty African Recipes
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Fried Plantain
Equipment
- Deep fryer or pan
- knife
- chopping board
Ingredients
- 3 plantains
- Vegetable or sunflower oil
Instructions
- Peel and chop plantain diagonally.Â
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan.
- Add plantains and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Once done, leave plantain to soak on a paper towel and serve as desired.
Notes
- Heat: Do not use high heat to fry the plantain as it will result in burning.
- Plantain: Your plantains should not be too ripe or your fried plantains will be mushy. plantains should be ripe and firm to the touch.
I wanted to try plantain for the first time and this recipe was so simple to follow. The plantains came out perfect!