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; Salt, to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Jamaican Fried Plantains because they are the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The crispy exterior combined with the soft, sweet interior creates an irresistible snack or side dish. We always enjoy them with a sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of honey, which takes the flavor to new heights. This dish reminds me of family gatherings where we would devour them fresh from the skillet. If you're looking for a deliciously simple treat, you must give these a try!

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-06T09:31:08.429Z

When I first tried Jamaican Fried Plantains at a local Caribbean restaurant, I was instantly hooked. The combination of the plantains' sweetness with a hint of crispiness is simply magical. I quickly learned how to make them at home, and I'm always experimenting with different spices and accompaniments.

One detail that made my plantains even better was the timing of the frying. I've found that frying them at just the right ripeness truly enhances their natural sweetness. Aim for plantains that are yellow with a few black spots for the best results!

        You'll Love These Fried Plantains Because...
        The unique sweet and savory flavor profile that enhances any meal
The satisfying crispy texture paired with a soft interior
Quick and easy to prepare, making them a perfect snack or side dish

      

Mastering the Plantain Slice

When preparing your plantains, it's vital to choose ripe ones with a yellow peel and black spots. This indicates they are sweet enough and will develop a deeper flavor when cooked. Slice the plantains diagonally; this not only enhances their surface area for frying but also gives a visually appealing shape. Aim for pieces about 1-inch wide to ensure they fry evenly and develop that coveted crispy texture without burning.

Avoid slicing the plantains too thin; thin slices may crisp up too quickly and become overly crunchy, losing the desired chewy interior. If you’re unsure, cutting a few test pieces can help you determine the best thickness based on your skillet's heat level and oil temperature.

Frying to Perfection

For perfectly fried plantains, maintain an oil temperature of around 350°F. This heat level ensures that the plantains cook through while achieving that golden-brown crust. If the oil isn't hot enough, the plantains will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy instead of crispy. A simple way to test the oil is to drop a small piece of plantain in; if it sizzles vigorously, the oil is ready.

Fry the plantains in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature dramatically, leading to uneven frying. Frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side will give you that ideal color and texture. Look for a deep golden hue and an audible sizzle to ensure they’re done.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Jamaican fried plantains.

Ingredients

2 ripe plantains
Vegetable oil, for frying
Salt, to taste

Having all your ingredients ready will make the cooking process smooth!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious fried plantains.

Prepare the Plantains

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

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.

Fry the Plantains

Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil in batches, frying until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Drain and Season

Once cooked, remove the plantains from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt to taste.

Enjoy these fried plantains warm for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For a sweeter touch, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or serve them with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Fried Plantains can be enjoyed high-end or casual. For a traditional touch, serve them alongside jerk chicken or fish for a delightful contrast in flavors. You can also enjoy them as a satisfying snack with a drizzle of honey, which enhances their sweetness and provides a sticky, indulgent coating.

Experimenting with toppings can elevate your dish further. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a hint of spice or some fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for freshness. If you have leftover fried plantains, they can be repurposed in various dishes like sandwiches or salads for added taste.

Storage and Reheating

If you've made a larger batch of fried plantains, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically last for about 2-3 days. For optimal re-crisping, avoid microwaving them, as this will make them soggy. Instead, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in an oven preheated to 350°F until they are warm and crispy again.

You can also freeze fried plantains for longer preservation. Allow them to cool completely after frying, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in an oven or skillet, though they might not regain the same crispness as when fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use green plantains instead?

Yes, green plantains can be used, but they will be less sweet and require longer cooking time.

→ What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil or canola oil are excellent for frying due to their high smoke point.

→ How do I know when the plantains are ripe?

Ripe plantains are yellow with some black spots, indicating optimal sweetness.

→ Can fried plantains be reheated?

Yes, but they are best enjoyed fresh. If reheating, warm them in an oven to maintain crispiness.