5 Easy Secrets for Bold, Flavorful Family Meals, everytime! DOWNLOAD
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to recipes navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Recipe Index
  • Collections
  • Recipe by Cuisine
    • African
    • Caribbean
    • Southern
    • Mediterranean
    • French
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Puerto Rican
  • Recipe by Type
    • 59 Mins or Less
    • Healthy Options
    • Comfort Foods
    • Spices & Seasonings
    • Sauces
    • How To’s
    • One Pot
    • Picnics and Cookouts
    • Baking
      • Breads
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • Savory
  • Recipe by Category
    • Beverage Recipes
      • Juice Recipes
      • Non-Alcoholic
      • Alcoholic
    • Mains
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Vegetarian
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Instant Pot
    • Lunch
    • Pasta
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups

Immaculate Bites

African and Caribbean Recipes Made Easy

  • Recipe Index
  • Collections
  • Recipe by Cuisine
    • African
    • Caribbean
    • Southern
    • Mediterranean
    • French
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Puerto Rican
  • Recipe by Type
    • 59 Mins or Less
    • Healthy Options
    • Comfort Foods
    • Spices & Seasonings
    • Sauces
    • How To’s
    • One Pot
    • Picnics and Cookouts
    • Baking
      • Breads
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • Savory
  • Recipe by Category
    • Beverage Recipes
      • Juice Recipes
      • Non-Alcoholic
      • Alcoholic
    • Mains
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Vegetarian
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Instant Pot
    • Lunch
    • Pasta
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups
Home / Courses

How to Make Tostones

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Author: Imma Published:10/12/2017Updated:7/14/2021
FacebookTweetPin2.3kYummlyEmail11Shares2.3k

Tostones – Puerto Rican twice-fried plantains with a crispy exterior and soft interior paired with seasoned shrimps and pineapple guacamole. Powerful flavors come together to create an explosion of flavor in your mouth. One bite and you are hooked for LIFE!

How to Make Tostones

Every time I had a meal with plantains served on the side, as a main dish or an appetizer, I am a whole lot happier.

Fried plantains that are sweet or slightly sweet is my weakness – I just can’t keep my hands off of it! If I had a magic wand I would make plantains the healthiest fruit in the universe, until then… I will eat it in moderation.

And because of my deep love with plantains, I’ve also mastered the most basic thing that seems to boggle some people – how to peel a green plantain like a pro? Here we go…

green plantains

You need to start cutting off the ends of the plantain and discard the tips. Then hold the plantain firmly and slit the peel along the length of the plantain using the tip of the knife. Remember that you only need to cut as deep as the peel itself. So, control my friends. You gotta control! Finally, remove the plantain and cut them into thick round shapes. Easy, right?

Tostones on a Plate

Now you know how to peel plantains, let’s talk more about it. Shall we?

Plantain is a starchy, wholesome fruit that is a  staple food in so many parts of the world particularly in places like Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Latin America, and India. It’s pretty popular.

They are very versatile because they can be eaten sweet or savory. You can basically add them to almost anything. Trust me! I have over 30 recipes here with plantains. Perhaps, that is also why some would consider it as veggie since plantains are added even on main dishes and treated as vegetables -Nah! In my books it’s a starchy side.

With all the plantain recipes, here’s one of the popular ways it is prepared in Puerto Rico and other parts of the Island, Central and South America. They are fried not once but TWICE! Why? To get a super crispy exterior and soft interior.

Tostones Topped with Guacamole and Seasoned Shrimp

But all the goodness doesn’t just end there. For a more appealing meal, I topped the tostones with seasoned shrimps (my kind of shrimps.. 😉 ) and a burst of pineapple guacamole for a perfect blend of texture. Your mouth is going to Sing with JOY!

No rocket science in cooking these gorgeous-looking shrimps. Just season it with your favorite seasonings, I used my all-around Creole Cajun Seasoning here, to add boldness and flavor to these shrimps. You decide.

Tostones Topped with Guacamole and Seasoned Shrimp

For the guacamole, if you can get hold of fresh pineapples, the better. Fresh pineapples have the sweetest and freshest juice compared to packed or canned ones. But either way, this pineapple guacamole blends well with the seasoned shrimps and the savory plantains. IF you are a guacamole purist leave out the pineapple it’s still amazing without it. Tried both versions and it works as well.

Tostones with guacamole on the side

Once you serve these to your guest they are not going to want to leave your house – Seriously. Totally a crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining, parties, and game day!

Enjoy one bite at a time! 😉

 

Tips and Notes:

  • If you don’t have those digital kitchen thermometers, you can test the heat by flicking a tiny bit of plantain into the oil. If it bubbles immediately, you’re good to go.
  • The perfect way to flatten the plantains is by using a tostonera (specifically designed to flatten tostones) or you may also use a meat mallet, the bottom of a heavy plate, bottle, or skillet. I used a measuring cup
  • Do not overcrowd the pan and instead cook them in batches.

Watch How to Make It

Looking for more recipes? Follow on...
My Newsletter
How to Make Tostones
Print

Tostones ( Twice fried plantains)

Fried Twice Plantains with a crispy exterior and soft interior. Paired with pineapple guacamole.
5 from 1 vote
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 40 mins
Puerto Rican
Servings 3 -4

Ingredients

Tostones

  • 2-3 unripe plantains
  • salt , seasoned, garlic salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • Oil for deep-frying

Pineapple guacamole

  • 2 large avocado cut in half , pits removed
  • 3/4 finely diced pineapple (8 ounce, 227grams crushed pineapple, packed in juice ) , use juice as need for desired thickness
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ¼ cup minced jalapenos , optional
  • ¼ cup minced red onion
  • Juice of ½ lime or lemon
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin , optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil , optional
  • salt to taste
  • 1-2 pounds (450 -900grams) shrimp , (I used extra large shrimp- 21-25 )

Instructions

Pineapple Guacamole

  • Scoop avocado into a bowl.
  • Mash with a fork until you have a smooth and chunky texture.
  • Drain the crushed pineapple and add to avocado
  • Add lime juice, jalapeño, cumin, onion, garlic, cilantro leaves, salt and mix gently.

Tostones

  • Cut the plantains into about 4 -5 thick round shapes.
  • In a large, sauce pan pour vegetable oil, until it is at least 3 inches (or about 5 centimeters) high, place on medium heat until oil is 375 degrees.
  • Gentle drop the plantain into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Do so in batches.
  • Fry for a few minutes until lightly brown about 3- 4 minutes each side
  • Use a large spoon or something like that to take it out of the oil. Remove the plantains from the pan and flatten the plantains
  • Place tostones on a chopping board or flat surface, and press down on it firmly with the back of a heavy plate, bottle or skillet until flattened to about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining slices.
  • Refry the flattened pieces in the 375°F. oil, turning them occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden, transfer them with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, and season them with garlic salt and pepper
  • Saute Shrimp
  • Generously season the shrimp with creole spice or your favorite seasoning  . Heat about 2 Tablespoons of oil  over medium heat in a heavy bottomed Dutch or skillet. 
    Sauté for about 5 minutes shrimp set aside. 

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 557kcal (28%)| Carbohydrates: 90g (30%)| Protein: 6g (12%)| Fat: 25g (38%)| Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)| Sodium: 18mg (1%)| Potassium: 1592mg (45%)| Fiber: 16g (67%)| Sugar: 48g (53%)| Vitamin A: 1885IU (38%)| Vitamin C: 189.1mg (229%)| Calcium: 59mg (6%)| Iron: 2.4mg (13%)
Author: Imma
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Tag Us On Instagram!Did you make this recipe? I love hearing how it turned out! Tag me on Instagram @ImmaculateBites and be sure to leave a rating below!
Follow on Instagram

 

Nutrition Facts
Tostones ( Twice fried plantains)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 557 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Sodium 18mg1%
Potassium 1592mg45%
Carbohydrates 90g30%
Fiber 16g67%
Sugar 48g53%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 1885IU38%
Vitamin C 189.1mg229%
Calcium 59mg6%
Iron 2.4mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Originally posted in October 2013, this recipe has been updated with new photos, pictures and ingredients .

 

How to Make Tostones
How to Make Tostones
How to Make Tostones

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

I love hearing from you! Submit your question or recipe review here. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this? Rate this recipe:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments & Reviews
  1. Joseph says

    Posted on 1/26 at 6:59AM

    going on 78 next week never ate a plantain if it doesn’t move to fast Ill try anything. Plaintain even spent time in East Indies. and a few islands like CAT ISLE. foraged for food dove for lobster made Bimini bread drank rum filled green coconuts but dim plantains ????? will buy some next week and let you know.” PeaceBeWith You “

    Reply
  2. Sharon says

    Posted on 4/25 at 6:13PM

    I loved it. Plantains and avocados are my favorites.

    Reply
    • Immaculate Bites says

      Posted on 4/25 at 9:48PM

      Aww sooo good! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Arlene Appadu says

    Posted on 2/11 at 7:44PM

    I tried this recipe it was a hit my family thank you so much for sharing it

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 2/12 at 4:17AM

      You are welcome, Arlene. I am glad you loved it!

      Reply
  4. Colette says

    Posted on 12/27 at 4:15AM

    Have not tried this recipe yet but my question is this the sweet plantains you mentioned. Mu husband & I ate in a Cuban restaurant and he ordered this thinking they were sweet. He did not like the starchy tasting one. If this is the wrong recipe can you direct me to the right one?

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 12/28 at 8:21AM

      Hi Colette,
      If your husband likes sweet plantains then he should try this one out Fried Plantains

      Reply
  5. Renee P. says

    Posted on 9/26 at 9:22AM

    Hello: Ms. Imma, so delighted to have discovered your website. Your recipes are wonderful!
    This will be my goto for now on!

    Thank you, for sharing!

    Reply
    • imma africanbites says

      Posted on 9/28 at 9:33PM

      Welcome to the blog, Renee! And thank you for the trust. Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend!

      Reply
  6. Steffi says

    Posted on 6/19 at 9:18AM

    Maybe a stupid question but i am wondering about an equally as flavourful substitute for the shrimp. Can’t sell those to my partner. 😛 Would chicken bites take to the same seasoning? They won’t be as juicy but maybe still be good?

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 6/19 at 2:24PM

      Absolutely, not a stupid question at all Steffi. I made it recently with chicken and it worked just fine .

      Reply
  7. Carol says

    Posted on 6/3 at 11:17AM

    I hav’nt had this before but i will make it and post

    Reply
    • imma africanbites says

      Posted on 6/5 at 9:07PM

      Looking forward for you to try it.

      Reply
  8. Ana M. Rodriguez says

    Posted on 2/15 at 1:22PM

    deliciosos tostones de platanos

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 2/17 at 8:25AM

      Gracias!!

      Reply
    • Vickie says

      Posted on 3/1 at 4:40PM

      What is considered a serving size?

      Reply
      • ImmaculateBites says

        Posted on 3/5 at 12:03PM

        About 3-4 Tostones.

  9. Dorita Rogers says

    Posted on 2/9 at 5:44PM

    Can this be made with regular Bannans? Really not fussy about Plantians

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 2/10 at 5:40AM

      Do you mean unripe bananas? If so, yes you can.

      Reply
    • Abiola Olawepo says

      Posted on 4/13 at 1:10PM

      5 stars
      I made this recipe today and was oh so good, the burst of unique flavors married with the crispy yet soft TOSTONES. This recipe was magic. Thanks for sharing ❤

      Reply
  10. Jastan says

    Posted on 12/12 at 11:00PM

    Good and yummy food ….I crown your recipe s

    Reply
  11. Melissa Torres says

    Posted on 6/19 at 5:49PM

    This sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try this out. thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • imma africanbites says

      Posted on 6/19 at 6:45PM

      Looking forward to hear your thoughts on this, Melissa. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
      • Melissa Torres says

        Posted on 7/4 at 7:47AM

        I prepared them for a BBQ and they were a hit! You definitely need to make them close to the time you want to serve them though. Glad I tried them!

Primary Sidebar

  • Southern
  • African
  • latin fusion
  • comfort food

favorites...

a bowl of gumbo dish with a spoon to scoop it out

Gumbo Recipe (Plus Video)

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with evaporated milk

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Easy Homemade Bread

Basic Homemade White Bread

best thanksgiving desserts

Caramel Cake

Footer

Recipe by Type

  • African
  • Caribbean
  • Southern
  • Mediterranean
  • French
  • Italian

Recipe by Category

  • Dinner
  • Desserts
  • Breakfast
  • Breads + Cakes
  • Pasta
  • How To’s

FOLLOW ALONG

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Immaculate Bites

  • About Imma
  • Subscribe by Email
  • Contact

Site Resources

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2022 · African Bites · All Rights Reserved · Website by Anchored Design

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Subscribe & Receive A FREE Recipe Book!

    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!