Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros)

Fried Sweet Plantains, known as Maduros are ripe plantains, sliced, and fried to crisp and custardy, caramelized perfection! This healthier pan-fried recipe is naturally sweet, gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-free! Maduros are a perfect side dish, sweet appetizer, or snack! Soft and creamy, they're ready for the table in 10 minutes!

The opposite of tostones is maduros! These fried sweet plantains are made with ripe yellow plantains that are soft and contain more natural sugars and flavor than their unripe green state. Easy to peel and slice, then pan-fried, they're crispy on the outside, custardy, and tender on the inside. They can be served as a delicious side dish to any meal, not just breakfast or dessert! This maduros recipe is a perfect alternative to those homefries or a side like sweet potato fries!

What Are Maduros?

Maduros or "plátanos maduros" are simply sweet ripe plantains! As a plantain ripens, the starch it contains gets converted into sugar, making ripe plantains much softer and sweeter than unripe green plantains. Maduros are easier to peel and act more like "dessert bananas" (the bananas you're used to eating). However, they are still more starchy and less sweet but become sweeter as the outer peel blackens. Maduros can be fried, baked, grilled, or boiled. When fried, the natural sugars beautifully caramelize, turning them golden brown and transforming the interior of the plantain soft and custardy.

It should be noted that there are a variety of different preparations for sweet plantains. Maduros are the Cuban version of sweet plantains.

What's The Difference Between Tostones and Maduros?

Tostones are twice-fried unripe green plantains, while Maduros are fried ripe yellow plantains. The difference is in the stage of ripeness and the cooking method. Since ripe plantains are softer, frying them once is enough to get them perfectly crispy and tender. Tostones are flattened, crispier, and less sweet, while maduros are softer, sweeter, and not flattened.

You can learn how to make tostones right here!

Is Fried Sweet Plantain Healthy?

Fried Sweet Plantains aren't as healthy as an air-fried tostone, but this recipe is healthier than the traditional method since we are pan-frying the sweet plantains in a small amount of oil. Air frying sweet plantains isn't ideal, as you won't get that delicious caramelization. A simple "saute" in a lightly oiled pan is all you need to achieve a healthier maduro! This recipe is naturally...

• Gluten-Free
• Vegan & Vegetarian
• Allergy-free (Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Peanut-Free, Wheat-Free, Sesame-Free, Coconut-Free, Corn-Free)
• Grain-Free & Paleo
• Added Sugar-Free
• Kid-Friendly
• Quick, Easy, Budget-Friendly
• Simple Side Dish, Appetizer, or Snack

Ingredients For Maduros Recipe

• Ripe Yellow Plantains: Maduros require you to use ripe yellow plantains. Not green, not black, but perfectly yellow with some browning spots. This means your plantains are at the right stage of ripeness to hold up to the pan-frying but are still sweet and soft enough to not be tostones.
• Oil: You'll want a high-smoke point, neutral-flavored oil to saute these sweet plantains in. Canola, safflower, or sunflower are great allergen-friendly oils to use.
• Seasonings: Salt (believe it or not) is a must! From there, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon (not traditional, but I love it!), allspice, or even a sprinkle of sugar (sugar-free sweetener) if desired.

What's the Best Oil For Sweet Fried Plantains?

You don't want the flavor of the oil to overpower the natural banana-y flavor and sweetness of the ripe plantains. An allergen-free plant oil with a high smoke point like canola, safflower, sunflower, or light olive oil (one made for frying) will work best. You can also use vegan butter which will make these maduros rich and dessert-like. Coconut oil will give the plantains a slight coconutty (extra tropical) flavor!

How To Make Maduros

1. First, cut the end tips off the yellow plantain.
2. Then lightly slice down the length of the peel. Be careful not to cut through the plantain flesh. The ripe peel is thinner than that of a green plantain.

3. Slice the ripe plantain into ½-inch thick diagonal pieces.
4. Then toss the slightly sticky slices in your choice of seasonings.

How To Pan Fry Sweet Plantains

 

5. Heat a large pan with 1 tablespoon of oil per plantain, over medium heat on the stove
6. Add the sliced sweet plantains to the hot oil and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes on the first side.

7. Use tongs to flip the plantains over and pan-fry for about 2-3 more minutes.
8. Remove the fried sweet plantains and let them drain off any excess oil on a paper towel.

How Long Do You Fry Sweet Plantains?

These sliced sweet plantains fry up rather quickly. A good 2-3 minute sear per side is all you need. This healthier recipe does not require a ton of oil or time in oil. They should be pan-fried just long enough to allow the sweet plantains to lightly brown and caramelize. They'll have a nice crisp edge and soft custardy interior.

Can You Make Maduros Ahead Of Time?

Maduros shouldn't be made ahead of time. If you want to make plantains ahead of time and freeze for later, you should make tostones. Fried sweet plantains will be come soggy overtime and are best eaten warm, straight from the pan. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in a container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Warm them up in a pan or in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

How To Serve Fried Sweet Plantains

Even though maduros are slightly sweet, they are still typically served as a savory side dish with a savory meal! Maduros are perfect with:

• Rice and Beans
• Grilled Chicken or Fish
• Jerk Chicken
• In place of Breakfast Potatoes
• Simple side dish for dinner, lunch, or Cuban soup
• As a snack with guacamole, sour cream, or ketchup

Print

Subtly sweet, creamy, with just the right amount of crispiness! These healthier pan-fried maduros are going to turn you into a plantain convert in no time!

+ Have you ever tried maduros?

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