20+ Tasty Plantain Recipes

Plantains look a lot like bananas but they have a much different taste to them.

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Plantains are also known as “cooking bananas” because they’re used in many cuisines around the world to create delicious recipes. Technically, you can eat plantains raw, but they’re usually fried, processed into dough or flour, or boiled. Plantains are popular in Central America, the Caribbean Islands, South America, and Central and West Africa.

You won’t want to just take off the peel and start eating, instead you’ll need some plantain recipes to get the most out of this delicious ingredient.

Cooking plantains is pretty easy to do too so you shouldn’t have any problem with these plantain recipes even if it’s your first time cooking with the ingredient.

You’ll find baked plantain recipes, healthy plantain recipes, green plantain recipes, Jamaican plantain recipes, and ripe plantain recipes in the list below.

Every recipe has its own unique taste so you don’t have to worry about them all coming out the exact same and you’ll even learn what to make with plantains.

If you’ve never had plantains before then sit back and note your favorites so you can get started cooking this delicious treat in your kitchen.

Source:foodnetwork.com

1. Plantain Fritters

The texture on these fritters is out of this world and the taste is even better.

You won’t regret taking the time to learn and make these plantain fritters because the taste is unlike anything you’ve ever had.

Once you get a bite you might be adding this recipe to your everyday rotation.

You could even serve them up with a little sauce on the side so they have an extra kick of flavor everyone will love.

Source: 9jafoodie.com

2. Plantain Fufu

Plantain fufu is one of the classic dishes that can be made with plantains but it might look a little odd the first time you try it.

It looks like a piece of gooey and soft gelatin but when you dip into it you’ll find it’s more like a mashed potatoes consistency.

Some people like pairing this classic with a bowl of soup on the side but once you get a taste for it you can decide how you want this paired.

Source: butfirstchai.com

3. Plantain Muffins

Everyone loves muffins but these aren’t your ordinary ones.

You can even add some different kinds of ingredients or just eat them on your own and you’ll still get that same great taste you’re used to.

They are the perfect way to get a healthier muffin option for your breakfast as you’re heading out the door.

You can also make a huge batch so that you have a quick grab-n-go option for breakfast throughout the entire week.

Source: savorythoughts.com

Plantain Bread

This easy-to-make plantain bread is a great substitution if you’re tired of having banana bread again and again.

You can make a big loaf too so that the entire family can get a piece and you’ll still have some leftovers.

Try this out if you’re looking for a quick and easy treat that you can stick in the oven and concentrate on other errands while it cooks.

Source: healmedelicious.com

5. Chocolate Chip Plantain Cookies

Try out this ultimate cookie recipe that just happens to be gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and egg-free.

It’s the healthiest option you could have for chocolate chip cookies and the plantains make all the difference.

They don’t have the sickening amount of sugar in them either so it’s a great way to get something sweet that isn’t too much.

These are great to bust out at a party because everyone will enjoy them and no one has to worry about their dietary restrictions.

Source: ambitiouskitchen.com

6. Plantain Black Bean Tacos

Everyone likes tacos and these plantain black bean tacos are no exception.

You can use these tacos as a quick and easy dinner or you can serve them at the next get-together that your family is having.

When you’re tired of your tacos all having the same texture and taste, give this delicious plantain black bean taco recipe a try.

Source: frugalnutrition.com

7. Plantain Brownies

If you want to take your brownies to the next level, try out this recipe for plantain brownies.

As far as recipes go, this is fairly easy since you’re just throwing everything into a blender and then baking it in the oven.

Your kitchen is going to smell amazing once you take these brownies out too so that’s something you don’t want to miss.

The plantain doesn’t add as much sweetness to the brownie so if you don’t want an overwhelming feeling in your mouth try out this recipe instead.

Source: cookedbyjulie.com

8. Crispy Salted Tostones

Tostones are well known in the Caribbean and it’s traditionally made with fried green plantain but these crispy salted tostones take this dish to the next level.

These delicious pieces of perfection are crunchy on the outside and have the texture of chips so you know what you’re getting into.

Source: thespruceeats.com

9. Plantain Nachos

Did you make a little too much plantain chips and don’t know quite what to do with them?

Plantain nachos are the answer. These delectable treats are just like the regular nachos you’re used to expecting except they have even more sweetness.

The mix of flavors really makes these nachos stand out and you’ll wonder why you’ve never had this before.

Make a huge batch for the entire family so you don’t have to worry about what’s for dinner, you’ll have everything ready to go.

Source: tchakayiti.com

10. Caribbean Plantain & Avocado Salad

If you’ve never had plantain and avocado together in the same dish then you’re in for a treat.

The delicious sweet plantains and avocado mix the sweetness of the fruit with a strong bite of garlic and a dash of onion for a unique taste that you’re going to love.

You can enjoy this dish as a side or use it as an appetizer if you’re having guests over, but either way, it’s going to be one of those that you’ll add to your regular rotation of sides.

Source: whats4eats.com

11. Plantain Mofongo

You’ll have seen mofongo if you’ve traveled to Puerto Rico before or even if you just have friends from there because it’s a staple in their cooking.

This plantain mofongo recipe is comfort food at its best, so try to make some time for this one…you won’t regret it!

You’ll be using green plantains, not the ripe yellow ones that are typically sweeter, for this mofongo recipe.

It’s a good idea to serve some meat on the side as well because it just makes everything that much better.

Source: megspaleoliving.com

12. Pan-Fried Plantain Pattie

Looking for a vegetarian way for you to enjoy plantains? Well, this pan-fried plantain pattie is perfect for you.

This is one of those plantain dishes that is quick and easy to make but it’s also one of those recipes that you could easily double and freeze some for later if you wanted to.

Once the patty is fried in a skillet, it’s pretty much just a matter of heating it back up later and having it as a side or an appetizer to any meal.

You can even toast some bread, top it with the patty, and enjoy it as your main course if you’re looking for something quick but filling.

Source: aspicyperspective.com

13. Baked Plantains

Instead of having the thinly sliced chip option of baked plantains, just make them slightly thicker so you can have more texture in each bite.

You’ll still get the slightly crispy outer layer but the inside will be more tender so you won’t have to give your teeth a workout.

You could even get some kind of dipping sauce for your plantains too or sprinkle a little cinnamon or cayenne to give them an extra kick.

Making a ton of these is super easy too and you can keep them around for a while so it’s worth putting in the time for a snack throughout the week.

Source: latimes.com

14. Plantain Empanadas with Cheese

Empanadas have been a classic Mexican dish forever and this twist with plantain really adds a new level of flavor.

You can keep these plain or you can add some cheese to the inside of the empanada before folding it up and frying it.

Whichever you decide you can’t really go wrong. It’s one of those dishes that could easily become a family favorite and everyone will be asking when the next time you’ll make it.

Source: asassyspoon.com

15. Baked Plantain Chips

There’s nothing easier than baking yourself some plantain chips and having them as a snack for the rest of the week.

It’s the perfect way to get something healthy while also satisfying any needs you may have for something crunchy and salty.

You’ll be amazed at how easy this is to make and you can use whatever spices you want so it’s not always going to taste the same.

Once your chips are all baked up you could even sprinkle on some cheese if wanted. Wouldn’t that be good?

If you’re wondering what do plantains taste like, this is the perfect recipe to follow.

Source: livingsweetmoments.com

16. Sweet Plantain Gnocchi

Another twist on a classic dish, this plantain gnocchi is delicious and has a unique texture that you’re going to love.

This serves up great with some grilled chicken and you could even top it with cheese too if you wanted something to go along with it.

The recipe is pretty short and easy to make so it won’t take long at all before the entire family can enjoy a bite.

Source: onegreenplanet.org

17. Caramelized Plantains

Ready for a mouth-watering treat you can have in minutes?

This caramelized plantain recipe is great with some fried fish, oxtail, or even just by itself.

It’s really easy to whip up and you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

You could even serve it over ice cream for a little tropical twist that your whole family is going to love.

The best part about this dish though is the caramel sauce, because it really puts the flavor over the top which makes it a must-have.

Source: tasty-yummies.com

18. Plantain Tortillas

Instead of making your tortillas with corn or flour-like traditional methods, try out this plantain tortillas recipe.

These are perfect for tacos, fajitas, or burritos and they’re absolutely delicious no matter what you put in them.

You could even make a pretty big batch of tortillas so that you can have them waiting in the fridge for the next time you have a recipe that calls for them.

The best part about making these is you can really control what size you want. You can make small plantain taquitos or some big old plantain burritos.

Source: simplyrecipes.com

19. Pastelón

If you’ve ever had a vegetarian lasagna then you have an idea of what this pastelon recipe is all about.

It’s basically the same thing just made with plantains instead of lasagna noodles which gives it a unique flavor that you’re going to want to eat over and over again.

Served up hot with some bread on the side so you can really get every ounce of deliciousness out of your meal.

This traditional dish is a classic in other parts of the world but you can have your own version right at home.

Source: foodcourage.com

20. Mashed Plantain

Forget everything you know about traditional mashed potatoes and try out this mashed plantains recipe instead.

You can eat this dish as a side or use it as the main component with some pulled pork, beef, chicken, fish, or anything else you can think of.

The best part about this is that it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry which means no long grocery lines to wait in.

You’ll find these to be a little chunkier and less creamy than their mashed potato counterpart.

Source: islandgirlchic.com

21. Plantain Stew

The unique mix of ingredients in this stew makes it unlike anything you’ve probably ever had before.

You’ll be using a ton of different ingredients like bell peppers, beans, cumin, coconut milk, lime juice, and plantains.

You could serve some bread on the side to soak up all the great juices but the stew is even really good on its own.

This is the perfect dish to make when the weather starts getting colder and you want something that warms up the soul.

Plantain recipes

20+ Tasty Plantain Recipes (+Baked Plantains)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
5 from 8 votes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 3
Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 ripe plantains
  • 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat your oven or air fryer to 425°F.
  • Put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  • Remove the ends and peels from the plantains.
  • Slice the plantains, and place them onto the baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake for 10 minutes on each side.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcal
Keyword baked plantains, plantain recipes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Cassie Marshall
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