Jamaican Fried Plantains

Name: Jamaican Fried Plantains
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 ripe plantains; Vegetable oil for frying; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Favorite World Food Collection

Jamaican Fried Plantains have always been a favorite in my home. I love how the sweet, ripe plantains turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. They are perfect as a snack or side dish with various meals. I enjoy experimenting with different seasoning options, but I always come back to the simplicity of salt to enhance their natural sweetness. It's an easy recipe, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:17:34.706Z

When I first tried Jamaican Fried Plantains at a local restaurant, I was mesmerized by their sweetness and crunch. I knew I had to recreate this dish at home. After a few attempts, I realized that the secret lies in choosing the perfect ripeness of the plantains. Overripe plantains provide that beautiful caramelized sweetness that balances perfectly with salt. It was an eye-opener!

One evening, I decided to host a dinner for friends and served these fried plantains as a side. Everyone raved about them, and I was thrilled to share my newfound recipe. I learned that serving them hot straight out of the pan really makes a difference, as they stay crispy while offering that warm, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavor combination that tantalizes the taste buds
Quick and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients
Versatile dish that complements various cuisines

Understanding Plantains

Plantains are a starchy member of the banana family and have a different flavor and texture profile than traditional bananas. For frying purposes, you want them to be ripe but not overly soft; the ideal plantain should have a deep yellow color with a few black spots. The ripeness impacts sweetness and tenderness—choose ones that yield slightly to pressure for the best results. If you're using green plantains, keep in mind they'll be firmer and less sweet, requiring a longer cooking time to achieve a tender inside.

When slicing the plantains, it's crucial to cut them into thick, diagonal pieces, about 1 inch wide. This shape helps the plantains cook evenly and develop that coveted crispy exterior. If the pieces are too thin, they may burn quickly, while chunks that are too thick can remain undercooked in the center. Proper sizing is key for balancing both texture and flavor, as the golden-brown surface will contrast beautifully with the soft, sweet interior.

Perfecting Your Frying Technique

Heat the vegetable oil in your frying pan to around 350°F (175°C) to achieve that perfect frying temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for shimmering surfaces on the oil as a good visual cue. When adding the plantains, do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding—this ensures they fry evenly and don't steam. Fry each piece for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a golden brown. Keep an eye on them since cooking times can vary based on your stove and pan size.

Once fried, immediately place the plantains on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This is the ideal moment to sprinkle the salt; applying it while they're hot allows the seasoning to adhere better, enhancing their flavor. If you're experimenting with spices, consider adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or a sprinkle of garlic powder for an additional depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the plantains beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

2 ripe plantains
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make irresistible Jamaican Fried Plantains:

Slice the Plantains

Peel the ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into thick pieces, about 1 inch wide.

Heat the Oil

In a frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.

Fry the Plantains

Carefully add the sliced plantains to the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Drain and Season

Once cooked, remove the plantains from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt while still hot.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider sprinkling a little cayenne pepper or garlic powder over the plantains after frying. This adds a delightful kick to the dish!

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Fried Plantains can serve as a versatile side dish or snack, making them a perfect accompaniment to various meals. They pair excellently with savory dishes like jerk chicken or curry, adding a sweet contrast to spicy flavors. Alternatively, they can be enjoyed on their own, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a side of avocado dip for added creaminess.

For an attractive presentation, serve the fried plantains on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. They can also be layered in a taco or served alongside beans and rice for a complete meal. Don't forget to experiment with different dips, such as salsas or yogurt-based sauces to elevate their appeal during gatherings or casual dinners.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover fried plantains, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, reheating may cause them to lose some of their crispness. To revive them, place them in an air fryer or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they're heated through and slightly crispy again.

For longer storage, you can freeze the plantains before frying. Simply slice them, arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, there's no need to thaw—fry them directly from the freezer while adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use green plantains?

Yes, but keep in mind that green plantains are more starchy and will yield a savory flavor rather than the sweetness of ripe plantains.

→ How do I know when a plantain is ripe?

A ripe plantain will have yellow skin with dark spots. The more spots, the sweeter the plantain will be.

→ Can I bake the plantains instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them, but they won't have the same crispy texture. Slice, coat with a little oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.

→ What can I serve with fried plantains?

Fried plantains pair wonderfully with rice, beans, grilled meats, or as a tasty appetizer on their own!