Jamaican Fried Plantains

Name: Jamaican Fried Plantains
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe plantains; Vegetable oil for frying; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Jamaican Fried Plantains as a delicious side dish that adds a sweet and savory touch to any meal. The process is simple, yet the flavors are so vibrant. Every time I make them, I get excited to watch the plantains transform from their unripe state to a beautifully golden treat. It's incredible how a few ingredients can create such a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, making these fried plantains the perfect complement to any Caribbean dish.

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:34:14.262Z

When I first tried Jamaican Fried Plantains, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so good. I experimented with different ripeness levels of plantains, and I discovered that the sweeter, riper ones provide a caramelized flavor that’s irresistible when fried. I also found that using enough oil to submerge the plantains helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

One memorable experience was serving these fried plantains at a family gathering. Everyone couldn't get enough and asked for the recipe! The key is to slice them diagonal for the perfect texture and to fry them until they're crispy on the outside but soft inside. They pair exceptionally well with spicy dishes, providing a lovely balance.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet, caramelized flavor that complements any dish
Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Versatile side dish for any meal or snack
Perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers

      

Understanding Plantains

Plantains are distinct from bananas, both in taste and texture. While bananas are typically eaten raw, plantains need to be cooked due to their starchy nature. A ripe plantain will be yellow with black specks, signaling optimal sweetness for frying. Look for firm, slightly soft plantains for this recipe, as they will caramelize beautifully when fried. The natural sugars will develop a rich, sweet flavor, creating a contrast with the savory notes of your meal.

For the best frying outcome, consider the size of your plantain slices. Cutting them into 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and allows sufficient surface area for crispiness. If you're making a larger batch, slice them thinner for quicker frying while maintaining a balance between texture and caramelization.

Frying Techniques

When frying plantains, the temperature of the oil is crucial. Aim for medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the plantains can absorb excess oil, becoming greasy rather than crispy. Conversely, oil that is too hot will cause the outside to brown too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked. A good indicator is to insert a wooden spoon into the oil; if bubbles form around it, it's at the right temperature.

Fry the plantains in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can drop the oil temperature significantly. Establishing a crisp, golden-brown exterior while retaining a soft interior usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Trust your eyes—once they have a glossy, caramelized look with golden edges, they're ready to be flipped or removed.

Ingredients

For Jamaican Fried Plantains, you will need:

Ingredients

2 ripe plantains
Vegetable oil for frying
Pinch of salt

Enjoy your deliciously fried plantains!

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Plantains

Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and making a shallow lengthwise cut. Carefully remove the peel and slice the plantains diagonally into about 1-inch thick pieces.

Fry the Plantains

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices in a single layer, and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.

Drain and Season

Remove the fried plantains from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while they're still hot.

Serve warm as a side dish!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving. Also, adjust the frying time based on the ripeness of the plantains
the riper they are, the quicker they caramelize.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Fried Plantains are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic side dish for many meals. Serve them alongside jerk chicken for a delightful contrast, or include them in a Caribbean-inspired bowl with rice, beans, and grilled vegetables. They also pair well with spicy dishes, as their sweetness helps to balance heat.

For a special touch, consider serving your fried plantains with a yogurt or sour cream dip. You can infuse the dip with lime zest and cilantro to complement the plantains' sweetness. This adds a creamy texture and a fresh flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover fried plantains, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, for longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled plantains in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, aim for a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of oil to regain some crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the plantains soggy. Heat them for about 4-5 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy again. This will help restore their delicious texture before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use green plantains for this recipe?

Yes! Green plantains will be less sweet and more starchy, resulting in a different texture and taste. They are also delicious when fried.

→ How do I know when the plantains are ripe?

Ripe plantains are yellow with black spots. The more spots, the sweeter they will be, so choose according to your taste preference.

→ What can I serve with fried plantains?

Fried plantains pair well with rice and beans, grilled meats, or can simply be enjoyed on their own as a snack.

→ Is it necessary to soak the plantains before frying?

No, soaking is not necessary. Simply fry them fresh after slicing for the best texture.