Perfectly tender and crisp maduros are easy to make at home.
You only need two ingredients: a plantain and oil to fry it in!
The ideal fried sweet plantain is tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Before frying, I slice the plantain on a bias to maximize the surface area and create crispy edges.
The main consideration, though, is the ripeness of the plantain.
Purchase yellow plantain and plan to have it sit for several days to ripen further.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Plantains contain a lot of starch and that starch converts to sugar as they ripen.
The simplest way is to let it sit on the countertop in a warm environment.
Youre looking for soft flesh and mostly blackened skin; itll be worth the wait.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Produce, particularly those in the banana family like plantain, releases ethylene gas when ripening.
Trapping it in with the plantain can help boost the ripening process.
Cut off each end and then run your knife along the length to make a shallow slit.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Use your fingers to peel it off in one piece.
Maduros are also enjoyed cut into perfect rounds, long planks, and chopped into small chunks.
Fried sweet plantain and cheese is also a classic combo you may find in several countries in Latin America.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Fried sweet plantains are best served hot and fresh.
Caramelized and sweet, maduros can also be the star of your next dessert.
Use your hands to remove the peel in one piece and discard it.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Slice the plantains on a bias into pieces that are 1/2 inch thick.
For a 10 to 11-inch pan, youll need about 1 cup of oil.
Heat over medium heat.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
When hot, add the sliced plantains, making sure all pieces are in a single layer.
If your pan isnt large enough to fit them all, you will need to cook in batches.
Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the plantains are golden brown with slightly crispy edges.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
A fork is the best tool for flipping, just be mindful of your nonstick surface!
Simple Tip!
Keep an eye on the plantains as they can burn easily.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Adjust the heat between medium and medium-low if it looks like the plantains are frying too quickly.
Remove the plantains to a paper-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Remove from the paper before the plantains cool to prevent sticking.
Serve immediately, while hot.
Store leftover fried plantains in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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